Prepare for a mesmerizing musical journey as the ethereal sounds of Dan Whitehouse and the dulcimer virtuosity of Max ZT collide in a captivating fusion of music and poetry. Ten Steps, a unique, cross-continental performance that bridges the gap between New York City and the Black Country/Tokyo, will tour 8 beautiiful UK venues from 18th to 28th October.
Max ZT, acclaimed as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the hammered dulcimer,’ hails from the bustling streets of New York City. Meanwhile, Dan Whitehouse, a celebrated singer-songwriter, guitarist, and poet, splits his time between the Black Country and Tokyo. Together, they create a haunting blend of instrumental prowess, soulful melodies, and spoken-word artistry that promises to enthrall and captivate.
Their collaborative masterpiece, “Ten Steps,” unveiled in September, transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. Crafted amidst the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the album was born from recording sessions held in both New York and Tokyo. In “Ten Steps,” Max ZT’s meditative dulcimer harmonizes seamlessly with Dan Whitehouse’s soothing vocals and evocative spoken-word poetry, resulting in a musical tapestry rich with tear-stained impressionism.
The songs on this album explore a wide spectrum of themes, ranging from the depths of fatherhood to the metaphorical swings of life. They delve into the way Japanese sunlight dances upon buildings “like God’s graffiti” and reflect on the complexities of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Within these compositions lies a restless inventiveness that draws listeners into an irresistible realm of intimacy, where emotions and reflections intertwine.
Reviews of “Ten Steps” have been nothing short of exceptional, with adjectives like “intriguing,” “gorgeous,” and “a quite extraordinary record” adorning the pages of esteemed publications. The Guardian, Maverick, Folking.com, Folk London Mag, Arts Culture Magazine, and Folk Radio UK have all recognized the profound impact of “Ten Steps” on both audiences and critics alike.
The “Ten Steps” UK tour embarks on its musical journey starting on October 18th, inviting the audience to embark on a captivating adventure through music and poetry. Here are the details of the Manchester tour: – Saturday, October 28th: The Stoller Hall, Manchester
These live performances promise to be immersive experiences, offering moments of enlightenment and improvisation that elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. Max ZT and Dan Whitehouse’s synergy exemplifies the healing power of music, providing a unique opportunity for connection and introspection.
Max ZT, renowned for his groundbreaking compositional style, draws inspiration from an array of musical traditions, spanning from Senegal to India, and even Irish folk. NPR’s comparison of him as the “Jimi Hendrix of the hammered dulcimer” is well-earned. He is a respected solo artist signed to Six Degrees Records. On the other hand, Dan Whitehouse, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, boasts an impressive discography of seven solo albums. His work is celebrated for its subtle and delicate melodies. Nominated for the FATEA 2022 Innovation Award, Dan is known for pushing the boundaries of his craft. “Ten Steps” sees him venture into the realms of improvisation and spoken-word expression.
Their artistic collaboration was born from the international project ‘Global Music Match,’ which united musicians from across the globe. Max ZT and Dan Whitehouse’s partnership transcends borders, a testament to the universal language of music. In the words of Dan Whitehouse, “When Max plays, it feels like the sky is opening up. I see things that weren’t there before. Ultimately, I think that’s why we turn to art. We yearn to get outside of our own heads and see the world from another’s perspective.”
Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing fusion of music and poetry that “Ten Steps” offers. It’s a journey that will resonate deeply with your heart and soul, promising a profound artistic experience like no other.
Click to book now: www.dan-whitehou…/live/
Tour Dates includes
Wed 18th October – Arc Theatre, Winchester
Thur 19th October – Music At The Unicorn, Abingdon
Expo, Delegate only event
Sun 22nd October – Stables 2, Milton Keynes
Tue 24th October – The Pheasantry, Pizza Express, London
Wed 25th October – Ropetackle Arts, Shoreham
Thur 26th October – The Old Stables, Cricklade
Fri 27th October – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Sat 28th October – The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Monday 30th October – Real World Studios (private session)
Connect with DAN WHITEHOUSE on