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Kompass Records ****
The smiley, happy voice of Dave Browne is long associated with Picturehouse. This solo debut sees him shifting gear, elevating himself to a platform that just might have "Broadwasy" written on it. As well as bathing the album in the subtlest strings and horns, Brownes's impeccable production values have resulted in this collection being released in an innovative credit card format as well as the standard CD. His indomitable romanticism is still intact on dream, a quiet observer's perspective on life's subtler, smaller-scale moments. The dozen songs here are award in a seductive milieu of keyboards, percussion and genteel harmonies, with Browne's boyish vocals retaining their fresh-faced enthusiasm without ever erring on the side of cartoonish simplicity. Summery, shimmery music. www.davebrowne.ie
[Siobhán Long]
Download tracks: Built To Last, Everybody Wants Love - The Irish Times - 13th June 2008
Discography
"Prelude" - EP - Released in Ireland November 2007
"Built To Last" - Single - Radio release Feb 2008
"Queen Of Many Things" - Radio Release Apr/May 2008
"Windows To The Soul" - The Album - Irish Release 30th May 2008
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Bio
DAVE BROWNE
Anyone familiar with the work of The Blue Nile will be familiar with the phrases atmospheric, evocative, emotional, melancholic, even cinematic. Dave Browne brings the same cast of phrases to the turntable and more.
In his debut album as a solo artist, the hard working Browne has ploughed 15 years of experience, planted with sporadic success, some acclaim, travel, heartbreak, disappointment and some considerable experience, both bitter and sweet into this album.
The result is Windows to the Soul, a rich harvest of deep, emotional insights, soaring choruses, evocative memories, plaintive melodies and yearning harmonies. This is one of those albums you file under life soundtrack because, hey, we all have those.
Dubliner Dave began his musical journey in Hidden Faces, a schoolboy band before he found early success with Picture House, the band with more promise than delivery in the commercial world. After signing a record deal with London Records in 1991 the young bands talent never translated into chart success and they left London, bitter and determined to do it alone.
Unfortunately, despite domestic chart success with Karmarama, life with Picture House ended and life with The Flash Gits began, a hard working covers act that widened Daves experience and, in his own words, restored my love of music.
For the past two years Dave has worked as resident M.C. and pianist in Jersey Lils, the VIP bar of Dublins premier late night venue, Lillies Bordello.
In that time he has worked with a galaxy of crooning celebrities and his own accompanist, Danish born Ingrid Madsen, a singer, he says, with a voice that could silence anyone.
Windows to the Soul is the distillation of Dave Brownes experience in music. I found a new honesty for this, says Dave, its less crafted and more personally emotional.
Knowledge and experience provide the material; George Harrison and his fab pals, Neil Young, Harry Nilson, The Blue Nile, Crowded House, The Hollies, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and many others provide the influences. Dave Browne provides the passion.
www.davebrowne.ie
www.myspace.com/davebrownemusic
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