"My brother Tim and I have always walked the non-conformist pathway,
politically & especially in our music...the first rule being 'there
ain't no rules' when creating any kind of art. This is the way our
Carter Family ancestors approached music. We were always encouraged to
be creative and to lead the way, not follow. We broke a lot of rules growing up in the hills of North Carolina and Virginia. This is what makes us all
human. Do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise...ever!" Danny Reid Carter
"The
Carter Family legacy has always been about honesty, integrity,
originality and vivid imagination especially in their passion for
music..."
Danny's upbringing in the mountains of North Carolina instilled a
natural rural rhythm in this highly regarded singer, songwriter and
instrumentalist that is undeniable. It's obvious that his background,
direct descendants of the Carter Family music dynasty, and passion for
playing provided the groundwork for a life spent creating music that
dishes out constant hints of rock and roll, spice and organic flavors.
It's no coincidence that with years of touring as one-half of the
eclectic group, The Carter Brothers Band, playing their own mixture of
"Appalachian, folk, rock, funked up, bluegrass, gypsy blues," that
Danny is ready to step out with his first solo project, Barcelona. He
was, as a youngster, directly influenced by the traditional folk and
bluegrass sounds of the North Carolina region as well as the Piedmont
Blues he heard as a child in Central and Northwest, NC. It would be
later, as young man, that he would study the folk, Celtic, heavy blues
rock style of bands like Led Zeppelin and in particular guitarist Jimmy
Page.
On Barcelona, all of these styles meld and everything comes full
circle. Finally, the musical inspirations of his past and the beauty of
Spain brought everything into focus. Danny's signature 12-string guitar
prowess, which he brings to life on Barcelonawith his vintage 1967
Rickenbacker 360-12 string guitar, shines and brings a smoky atmosphere
to the entire album. "For as long as I can remember, I loved and played
12-string acoustic and electric guitars," he says. "I was mostly
inspired by old Beatles records and the King Daddy of the 12-string,
Roger McGuinn, and The Byrds," he says. "It was also used a lot in the
Piedmont Blues style which is unique to where I grew up in the Piedmont
area and foothills of North Carolina. I incorporated the sound heavily
into the Carter Brothers folk rock/newgrass/Americana music, early in
our career. It made our sound very unique because no one else was
really blending the 12-string with the banjo and mandolin. On
Barcelona, I loved the idea of mixing it in with the Hammond B-3," he
adds.
Barcelona boasts 9 tracks all penned by Danny and songs like "Green
River" conjure up the wood-smoked blend of bluegrass and Americana that
the Carter Brothers have become known for. "People really seem to
connect with this song," he says. "It is pretty unique musically with
the 12-string guitar and Johnny Neel's B-3 work along with some soulful
backup vocals by Tonya Dennis and Jess Hardy. All together, it really
mixes my Americana folk rock influence with the southern soul and
gospel roots I grew up hearing."
The Johnny Neel that Danny refers to is none
other than the former longtime Allman Brothers Band keyboardist. Things
took a decided leap forward into blues territory when Neel joined the
fray. Neel is the writer of the Allman Brothers radio hit "Good Clean
Fun," and brought a plethora of experience, groove and downright soul
to the album. He plays Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes piano and grand piano
and harp on the CD and as Danny puts it, "Is a MONSTER!"
Danny recalls years ago dreaming of doing a solo album and thinking
about what artists he'd have participate in the recording process. "My
brother Tim and I started talking about doing solo albums 10 years ago
and I knew back then that Johnny Neel would be doing the keyboard
stuff. When Johnny is really inspired by a song, he is a magician and
totally incomparable to anybody. His sound turned out to be such a huge
part of this album. His B-3 organ work on "Green River" is almost like
another vocal part. It's so melodic and in your face. On "We Got Work
to Do," his piano work is so pure. Man, he was possessed when recording
that track!"
Barcelona also boasts some other incredible
players like Danny's good friend, Jack Pearson, who plays acoustic
resonator slide guitar on "My Baby Thinks I'm Great." Pearson is well
known for his work with Steely Dan and his six tours with The Allman
Brothers to mention a few. "Jack has probably appeared on just about
every guitar magazine cover imaginable," Danny says with admiration.
Drums and percussion were taken care of by the talented hands of Latin
beat specialist, Dan Sherill. "He really provided a unique groove
throughout," says Danny. Brother Tim Carter adds his own touch with
some masterful banjo and mandolin playing and Carter Brother's bass
player and in demand session player, Ross Sermons, adds the underbelly
of the music with his upright and electric basses.
As a writer, Danny composes in the style of a
storyteller. "It's mostly fiction stuff with undertones into my
personal life" he says. Danny has maintained an artists publishing
agreement with DreamWorks Nashville for over 10 years. About all of
this he says "I feel so blessed to spend my life writing and performing
along with my brother, Tim. I have the utmost respect and love for
him...as a musician and a friend."
Danny and Tim continue to tour full-time with the Carter Brothers Band.
Danny taking his penchant for rock and blues and mixing it with brother
Tim's solid bluegrass and folk style and moving forward on a musical
journey that began long ago. But, on Barcelona, Danny makes it
abundantly clear that inspiration is found in many places and a trip to
one of the most beautiful cities in the world, in a country far, far
away, finally solidified the thoughts and feelings of a soulman from
North Carolina and has brought him into a spotlight of his very own.