Withered Hand is an attention-getting name for a musical project. But that is appropriate because Dan Willson's music deserves attention. His latest album, How To Love, is warm-hearted and a breathtaking collage of varied excellence. Indie rockers, pub singalongs, and ballads, with plenty of chunky riffs, bouncing rhythms and some horns and strings. And of course, intelligent lyrical content. In terms of the dynamics, the focused performances, the sharp writing and the fulsome arrangements the closest comparison that readily comes to mind is The Band in their prime. No, Dan and his compatriots aren't mining Americana/rock, but I stand by the comparison. And Dan can equal the great Levon Helm in selling a lyric.
Dan called on the services of many friends for the making of How To Love. Dan played electric and acoustic guitars and sang. Other players were Malcolm Benzie (guitars), Fraser Hughes (bass) Owen Curtis Williams (drums/percussion), Peter Liddle (keys), and Pam Berry (backing vocals). Addition contributions were made by Kenny Anderson, Kathryn Williams, and Benedikt H. Hermannson.
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