Declan O'Donovan - Self Titled - New release Review

I just received a new recording from Declan O'Donovan, a Canadian songwriter, singer and pianist. First I'll start off by saying if you're looking for hot electric guitar riffs... it's not here. What is here is something really different! Not sure I can adequately describe it. The music is warm and inviting but not homey and boring. The release opens with Unquiet, which intro sounds a bit like a Miles Davis track but O'Donovan adds in vocals over the solitude piano with an uneven rhythm and the song starts to build in a very Un Miles kind of way. Then drums are added creating a very specific direction for the track. It's really quite cool. Of course there are some cool guitar riffs but this is put together like a painter paints a landscape... just a dab here and there. Crumble has a specific sound that I really like... think Dyin' Crapshooters Blues. Again in a very painterly way, the tale is told with instrumentation just carrying the vocals along. Cheap Souvenir has a more structured sound and maybe a bit more Randy Newmanesque ... but not. This guy is a very talented songwriter and it shows on each and every song. Things That You Lose has a very melancholy sound but also a touch of New Orleans. Just sit back and enjoy this. Jesse Jubot adds some really appropriate violin parts into this track. A Bitter Rain has a familiarity to it and echo of a French Cafe or maybe Mary Hopkins. I Want You Close has a bit more of a pop sound and will likely be a popular airplay track. Death Of A Salesman is a bit more sophisticated track with considerable sonic texture. Where You Are is a quiet ballad that has a very strong melodic base. This is another track that could easily warrant heavy airplay (a sneaker). An instrumental interlude called Outro wraps up the release in a tidy package. This is a very clean and interesting relase from Canadian songwriter O'Donovan and I hope he gets the recognition that he deserves for such a fine composition. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Declan O’Donovan Launches Solo Career with New CD and Canadian Tour

Declan O’Donovan Launches Solo Career with New CD and Canadian Tour

With a raw, gritty and unique voice and a recent international song-writing award, singer/pianist Declan O’Donovan is poised to launch his solo career with a new self-titled alt roots/blues album and a cross-Canada tour. Born and raised in the Yukon Territory, O’Donovan has lived part-time in both Whitehorse and Montreal since 2007. Over the last two decades he has performed, collaborated and recorded with numerous bands; most notably the beloved Yukon-based alternative blues/rock group Scotch. O’Donovan’s new CD features nine original tracks that are a mix of blues, jazz, rock and roots music. A master songwriter and story teller, O’Donovan’s poignant lyrics and distinctive voice often draw comparisons to early Tom Waits. Recently, he won the blues category of the West Coast Songwriters International Songwriting Competition for “Cheap Souvenir”, a song from the CD. O’Donovan’s talents as an energetic and accomplished pianist are also highlighted on the disc. To promote this CD release, O’Donovan will embark on a Canadian tour launching in Montreal October 6. www.declanodonovan.com Quotes: “Although comparisons to Tom Waits can be made, O’Donovan has a unique voice, and is emerging as an internationally-recognized songwriter and equally skilled as a musician.” - Barry "Jack” Jenkins, What’s Up Yukon Tour Dates: October 6 - Le Divan Orange, Montreal, QC October 9 - The Cameron House, Toronto, ON October 9 - The Spill Café, Peterborough, ON October 11 -The Townehouse, Sudbury, ON October 12 – Loplops, Sault Ste Marie, ON October 16 - Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus, Edmonton, AB October 19 - Lorenzo’s Café, Enderby, BC October 20 - Voodoo’s, Penticton, BC October 21 – The Railway Club, Vancouver, BC October 24 – Wine-Oh’s, Calgary, AB

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”