Biography
DJ
Deweese and the Mercenary Asylum create a contemporary
acoustic rock vibe that is simultaneously intimate
and dynamic. The combination of carefully crafted song
writing,
ringing guitars, intricate percussion, and surprise
guest musicians creates a unique sum always greater than
the
individual parts. With a vocal quality described as "a
mix of Eddie Vedder and James Taylor," lead vocalist
and band founder Daniel Jason Deweese deliver an inviting
intensity that is drawing attention to the St. Louis
based singer/song writer.
Originally
garnering acclaim as part of the unique rock duo State
of Mind (on Cool Stuff Records), Deweese sharpened his
performance and song writing skills with a series of
recordings and successful gigs, including opening for
Chris Isaak, The Samples, and Freedy Johnston at The
Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri. After the break up of
the band, Deweese spent the intervening years honing
his lyrical and vocal skills. "I tried to keep the
energy of those successful albums in my music," said
Deweese, "but I've learned a lot about focus and
dynamics that really influences my newer material."
Indeed,
the feedback about Deweese's newest release, "The
Red Room" (on indie label Quantum Leap Records LLC),
compares his material to the work of artists including
David Gray, Ray LaMontagne, and Jack Johnson. The self-produced
album includes ten original songs that display a diversity
of style and instrumentation resulting from the mix of
musicians and loops that make up the aptly named "Mercenary
Asylum." With various percussion, violins, bass,
keyboards, and even a sarod, the aural texture of each
track is surprisingly unique.
With
the unique mix of musicians on the album, the cast of
players who back Deweese on stage may change from show
to show, but each performance is sure to entertain and
captivate audiences. The debut CD is currently available
on the band's web site, http://www.djdeweese.com, and
will soon be available at amazon.com, as well as digitally
distributed through the iTunes and eMusic online music
stores.The band is planning to support release of the
new CD with promotional shows early in 2006 and is currently
available for bookings.
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