Crook’s single to come onstream (From Echo)

Crook’s single to come onstream

10:00pm Thursday 24th December 2009 in

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IF the measure of a true rock ‘n’ roll star lies in their ability to tell a good anecdote, Dan Crook may already have earned the label.

Just ask the Southend singer songwriter about the time he was deported from America back to the UK because of visa complications.

“They handcuffed me and I was put in a prison cell,” recalls the 21-year-old.

“I was treated like a criminal and taken home.”

But far from tarnishing his view of the country, Dan – who’s aiming to put garage acoustic on the musical map – speaks fondly of his experience gigging there, a brave move for a young solo artist.

The musician journeyed across the pond earlier this year in search of some recognition for his sound, which involves just a guitar, a stomp box and his voice.

“Music is what I have always done and I just went out there and did it,” says Dan.

“I played some big venues in Philadelphia and had a good response which was great for a complete unknown in America.”

Dan’s trip to the States was the latest bid to gain exposure, having travelled in Australia as a street performer for five months, in 2007.

While there, the guitarist independently released A Busker’s Recordings, a collection of ten tracks that was well received.

But now Dan’s back on home turf and has just released his debut single Paddling Upstream.

“I’ve had some good feedback from the single,” he said.

Dan, who’s already supported Frank Turner, will play a Christmas show at Tigerlily, in Leigh Road, Leigh, at 7pm, tomorrow.

The Christmas Eve date will see the musician performing songs from his almost complete debut album, and a few festive tracks too.

If you can’t make the gig, Dan kicks off the new year with a set at London’s Troubadour Club, on January 7. Paddling Upstream is available for free download at www.dancrook.com