On the Irish Times ones to watch list 2023, Daniel Luke, the pianist, composer, and arranger from Dublin. A founding member of Gypsies on the Autobahn, the group released two critically acclaimed albums, touring Ireland and the UK extensively for over a decade.
In his childhood home in Cabra in early 2020, Daniel began work on a project of solo piano music. His compositions are uniquely playful, taking inspiration from his classical training, and borrowing elements of the Jazz, Contemporary and Neo-Classical music that he loves.
Shadow Dance is the first single taken from his upcoming debut album of the same title, which is due out May 5th.
Video Credits:
Directed, filmed and edited by Adam O Regan
Concept by Daniel Luke and Adam O Regan
Puppeteers: Daniel Luke, Liam Smith, John Mohan, Patrick Cassidy, Tara Cunniffe and Alexa Armolea
Shadow Dance was recorded on the piano in his childhood home, with his brother engineering the session. The music video was directed by Adam O Regan (Soda Blonde). The video is a handmade and handcrafted shadow puppet creation, painstakingly drawn and cut by Adam and Daniel. It follows the life of a Pigman, working a job that he hates, for a boss that he hates, who’s only solace is found in his piano. Daniel researched the best methods for shadow projection, built a screen and a handmade crank box to serve as a backdrop for the story and the team got to work. With almost no budget and lots of future favours promised, Adam, Daniel and some good friends brought Pigsy to life.
Speaking about the song, Daniel says:
“Trying to pick a favourite piece from the album is a bit like picking a favourite child, but if I had to, I think ‘Shadow Dance’ would be mine. ‘Shadow Dance’ tiptoes around dissonance and chromaticism, creating a playful and capricious atmosphere.”
‘Shadow Dance’, Daniel Luke’s debut solo album, is due for release 5th May 2023.
LIVE DATES:
Support for ‘Five to Two’, Bello Bar, Dublin – February 18th
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/five-to-two-talk-soon-album-launch-tickets-515703502057
