St. Augustine, FL (Top40 Charts/ Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions) Bravo, kudos and congrats to multi-talented British singer, songwriter, actor and funny man John Dartnell, on the widely anticipated release of his latest acoustic CD, "Dreams and Schemes"; which is steadily gaining absolute rave reviews from both his large scale worldwide fan base as well as from radio stations in an impressive number of countries. And with good reason, as on John Dartnell's brand new CD, (which is his sixth), John Dartnell delivers up and embraces a surprising number of musical styles, ranging from country, rock, folk, and yes, even Americana, not to mention plenty of 'oooh la la' to burn in some very romantic love ballads. (Pretty intriguing stuff for us women folk, considering the deeply romantic songwriting finesse coming from a muscle bound, tattooed, bearded Brit.)
The songwriting put forth and exhibited by John Dartnell on this CD unmistakably and unforgettably 'classic' of his very distinct trademark style; and no doubt, longtime fans of John Dartnell, ("The Beard", as he is affectionately known by his fans), will agree that this CD was worth every minute of the anticipation of it's release.
For those less familiar with Dartnell's music, to describe his songwriting style, (especially exhibited on this CD), is perhaps kind of like early Bob Dylan meets Bruce Springsteen's 1982 released "Nebraska" album, meets Dan Fogelberg, with maybe a dash of the songwriting style of Steve Earle, and with the romanticism of perhaps Van Morrison's 1970 released classic rock/folk album "Moondance". Notably, also like all of the above mentioned stellar and legendary artists, when it comes to John Dartnell's vocal prowess, he too has a very distinct 'signature sound' that is unmistakably all his own. Given this, and the many musical styles which are embraced in John Dartnell's latest CD, "Dreams and Schemes", it's no wonder that as an artist as well as his latest CD has such a 'worldwide' appeal.
Giving credit where credit is due on this album, besides the fine work which speaks for itself contributed by John 'The Beard' Dartnell for his work as Producer, and for his songwriting, vocal and guitar work on this CD, credit is also due to Don Strandberg for his prowess on musical arrangement/composition and on guitars, also to David Anderson and Mark Rolands for their contributions on backing vocals.
To quote just a few of the rave reviews given by radio personalities and personnel around the globe... One radio station said about the song "Nothing Changes" from John Dartnell's latest CD; "The song "Nothing Changes" from John Dartnell's album "Dreams and Schemes" is nothing short of musical beauty. John seems to have the perfect balance of heart felt lyrics matched with acoustic accompaniment makes this single a delight to the ears." (Review by Vanessa Chaplin). Another radio station review raves: "Man I love this guy; what a sound! I'll be playing him for sure." (Review by Andy of www.aiiradio.net.)
Because John Dartnell has indeed already received, and is quickly and steadily gaining an impressively significant amount of airplay and regular rotation on mainstream, internet, satellite, and college radio stations worldwide, for his efforts on this new CD, which is in effect, also very rapidly and steadily expanding his popularity as an internationally renowned musical artist on a vast and global scale; making John's own "Dreams and Schemes" come more into fruition in the process. ...Not that John Dartnell is any newcomer to the music industry. John earned a Top 10 hit position on the New Music Weekly Indie Charts in America for fifteen weeks in 2009, with his song 'If It Ain't Country' off of his "Miles From Anywhere" album which peaked at the #9 position.
For an independent artist not signed to a major record label, (yet that is), gaining significant airplay and rotation in countries and regions ranging as far and wide as from all across the UK, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, (just to name a few), is indeed impressive; especially considering the CD was only officially released in mid April of this year.
As easily heard from the quality of songwriting on this CD, music is a major passion for John Dartnell, but music is certainly not John's ONLY talent. John Dartnell has also enjoyed a rather long and successful career as an actor for a number of years; having performed in countless TV shows in the UK, as well as commercials. John performed in a video for the band 'Busted' with a song called, "Year 3,000", which reached to number one in the charts in the UK. Many recognize John Dartnell from his performance as a wizard in the second Harry Potter movie, ("Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", released in 2002), as well. And it may be a bit hard to imagine after listening to the 'depth' of John's lyrical content on his latest CD, "Dreams and Schemes"; however, knowing John personally, (as a friend), as well as on a professional level, I can personally attest to the fact that John Dartnell is an amazingly, brilliantly and hysterically funny individual; and could easily and absolutely dominate television ratings if he were to star in his own "Brit com" or television talk/variety show; or even if he ever decided to tour as a stand up comedian. (This is also coming from a huge fan of British comedy.) With such a broad ranging amount of talent, there is no limit to the possibilities of even greater future successes that are in store for John in any direction he might choose to venture. (And it's safe to say he is a pretty smart bet for anyone that chooses to back him as well.)
John's musical influence range from Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, The Eagles, Buddy Holly, John Denver, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Carole King, James Taylor, Lee Roy Parnell, Radney Foster, James House, Hal Ketchum, Arlo Guthrie, Jon Randall, Lonestar, Emmylou Harris, John Berry, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Jackson Browne, Simon and Garfunkel and Don McClean are amongst his many. (And 'heads up' to concert and festival promoters everywhere, John Dartnell would make an excellent choice to see performing at events along side any number of great headlining artists on his tour to promote his latest CD "Dreams and Schemes".)
A booking campaign is indeed currently underway for not only a British/UK tour, but also a worldwide tour to promote John's latest CD, "Dreams and Schemes". Management is currently seeking and accepting concert and festival dates for this tour which is set (so far), to kick off soon in Seaford, East Sussex, England. A US leg of the tour is also set, (again, so far), to kick off in San Diego, California in the fall.
John has expressed that he would certainly welcome and appreciate the opportunity to perform for fans anywhere and everywhere; and would especially love to perform all across the US and Canada, Central and South America, The Caribbean, all across Europe, including Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, The Czech Republic; into the 'Far East' and Russia; as well as Australia and New Zealand and many other great touring destinations.
For talent buyers, concert and festival promoters interested in booking John Dartnell at their events can do so by getting in touch via this e-mail address [email protected].
Talent buyers that are accustomed to booking outstanding major headlining acts through myself at T&T Management & Booking Agency and would like to book John perhaps to perform at the same events with major headlining acts associated with T&T, can contact me (at the contact info below), and I will certainly be glad to see what I can do to 'hook you up'.
Both fans and interested music industry execs can gain more info on John Dartnell, listen to tracks from his latest CD and more by visiting the following web sites at: www.reverbnation.com, www.myspace.com/johndartnell and www.facebook.com/john.dartnell.
Radio stations interested in adding John Dartnell's music to their programming can upload tracks from John's latest CD release "Dreams and Schemes" via airplaydirect.com/johndartnell.
Fans everywhere of John Dartnell can purchase his new CD via www.iTunes.com, www.CDBaby.com, www.reverbnation.com; and of course, at all of John's upcoming live performances.
Interestingly enough, to spite strong urging and advice from a number of John Dartnell's friends and colleagues against writing and releasing an acoustic album, it has always been on of John's dreams to do so. And of course, he did with his latest CD "Dreams and Schemes" in which his own musical 'dreams and schemes' are indeed coming into fruition as this album has already been his most successful in sales so far out of his six! What's more, according to Dartnell, numerous radio stations after uploading only a single track, has gone on to request the entire album. Therefore, again bravo, kudos and congrats are in order to John Dartnell on the release of his new album which is proving to be his most successful so far; and equally for having the moxie to follow his own 'dreams and schemes' no matter what anyone else thinks!
Moral of the story... Always follow your dreams! Meanwhile, John Dartnell is already busy putting together songs for his next CD release.