Luke Daniels

Date: Wednesday, 16th March 2016
Time: 7:00 pm

Luke Daniels is certainly a one of a kind musician. In his long and exceptionally successful career he has brought back a Victorian instrument, the Polyphon from the dead, played to sell out shows around the world and featured on the Lord of The Rings soundtrack, and we’re very excited to have him here at Blue Sky!

One of the world’s best melodeon players and critically acclaimed singer songwriter, Luke Daniels is touring an all-new ‘coin operated’ show combining his outstanding musicianship as a songwriter, guitarist, pianist and melodeon virtuoso with an authentic Polyphon machine c1880. With PRS for Music Foundation, Daniels has developed a computer programme that can create coordinates for his own music on the mechanical music machine via its 19” steel discs. As visually awe-inspiring as it is sonically entertaining the music syncs digital time code with 120 year-old clockwork mechanisms to explore British folk music in a orbital fashion.

Luke’s signature style and elegant song-writing has graced stage and studio in the company of Mark Radcliffe, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Chris Wood, Lau, Cara Dillon, Jon Boden of Bellowhead and as a member of the internationally renowned Riverdance Band.

Luke has been playing professionally since the age of 17 during which time he’s created an impressive and varied canon of work. Collaborating and performing alongside musicians such as fellow melodeon star Andy Cutting, composer Howard Shore as a soloist on The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit soundtracks recorded at Abbey Road, bassist Alec Dankworth and Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale. Luke has performed to sold out audiences nationally and internationally as well as appearing on many TV and radio programs, including Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Folk Show, Radio 3’s In Tune RTE’s Bosca Ceol and The Grand Ole Opry in the US. Now based in Glasgow Luke is a Celtic Connections regular and frequent guest in Cara Dillon’s band.

In recent years, Luke has focused primarily on his song writing based on ideas ranging from modern day progressives to Scottish Enlightenment theories. His desire to explore the role that folk music plays in strengthening our sense of community has inspired a new album due out Feb 2016, “Revolve and Rotate” has been described as “technologically and musically different to anything the folk scene has seen, showcasing a talent for song writing that is rare and exquisite.”

Listen here: https://youtu.be/u5CHy97lOuI

What others are saying:

“Intense, poetical and oft dark yet recounted through a rich tapestry of pleasing melodies.” R2 Magazine

“Exceptional songwriting and intricate guitar work” Songlines

“Virtuoso melodeon music.” Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 2

“A new force to reckon with.” The Guardian

Doors open 7pm Gig starts around 8pm.  Tickets £10 available at the Cafe in person, online at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/345636 (10% admin fee applies) or on the door on the night.

BAR ONLY. NO FOOD SERVED.