Last week, the News interviewed Jim Kimo West about his forthcoming show at Boulevard Music. Appearing at that same venue on the same night is Australian blues musician Kyran Daniel and he spoke to the News too…
When did you start playing and performing?
I began playing guitar at age 8, and performing around age 11/12 in the Australian blues scene, which led to festival performances, a pivotal moment meeting Tommy Emmanuel which led to touring with him in the US and Europe, and a move to Boston, MA on scholarship to Berklee College of Music to study contemporary writing & production. This led to a career as a songwriter/producer for several years, then most recently a return to my roots as a solo instrumentalist, this time with a far richer musical understanding & experience, broader influences, and a global network of phenomenal musical peers.
Describe your sound/style?
My sound as a solo guitarist was originally similar to that of my mentor Tommy Emmanuel, although with my own injection of influences spanning Debussy to D’Angelo. As I ventured deeper into the writing of my debut solo album though, it certainly became an evolution well beyond this. The inspiration gained from gorgeous touring locations, most notably those in Italy, is apparent in the ornateness of melody and articulation, and the produced versions of these songs have an expansively cinematic quality thanks to influences and techniques honed during my production career. Expect romance, melody, and passion, wrapped in the virtuosic playing this style was founded in.
What are your career highlights so far?
Career highlights so far include the work I’ve done with Tommy Emmanuel; those early tours opening his shows were such powerful experiences. More recently, being a guest performer on his shows in Italy and the US has been a beautiful full-circle moment. I’m certainly proud to be a Berklee Alumnus, and to have contributed songs as co-writer & co-producer on an ARIA Nominated album (Gretta Ray – ‘Begin To Look Around’). More recently, with the resurgence of my solo career, I’m thrilled to have presented my new works at headline shows at Melbourne Recital Centre in Australia, as well as Hotel Cafe here in Los Angeles.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
Currently, none; the primary reason for me being in Los Angeles currently is to record this album of compositions with John Hanlon (producer of Neil Young and The Beach Boys) at EastWest Studios. I’m taking my time making sure everything is perfect from every angle, as it’s the culmination of a decade-and-a-half of composition, so the recorded versions must be the ultimate articulations or the works. If you’d like updates on the progress I have an email list on my website through which you can keep tabs on and/or support the album’s progress.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before?
Yes, I opened the show for Richard Smith there last month. Richard, Gary, and everyone involved were truly lovely. The audience was incredibly receptive and appreciative, so my memory is simply that of a wonderful atmosphere, which always elicits a powerful and emotive performance.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
This time we can expect my purely solo-acoustic show. No production, no visuals, just me and these songs presented in their purest form, which is always exciting to present as it’s such a direct way of conveying the art and emotion.
What else do you have coming up?
I’ll be performing at the Australian Embassy in Los Angeles on June 23rd, Cara Hotel – Los Feliz June 25th, and Moscot (on Melrose) July 8th, before heading to London, Italy in September, and France in October to perform at Festival de Guitare de Nice. These new recordings will begin to be finalized and released, and new works will continue to emerge from the phenomenal landscapes, cities, venues, and experiences along the way.
Kyran Daniel performs alongside Jim Kimo West at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show, or kyrandaniel.com for more about the artist.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include RW Roldan and 26 Nights with Aubrey Richmond, Dinosaur Tooth, Patrolled by Radar, and Tom Gramlich. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.