“Walking to Dreamland” – A Unique Concoction of Musical Bliss | David Arn / Singer-Songwriter – NY, OH

Blending elements of folk, blues, new age, and many other genres into his own unique concoction of musical bliss, David Arn’s sophomore album, “Walking to Dreamland”, is a really cool and interesting selection of jams. Originally from the Masillon and Akron, Ohio area and now hailing from Virginia by way of New York and New England, David will be officially releasing the album to audiences everywhere on February 1, 2015, but this week, I was privileged to get a sneak preview of this top-notch album! 

This album has a lot of diversity between the way tracks are constructed, the style of music chosen to present each creation, and the different emotions being evoked.  There’s some sauciness in “Real Time”, traditional and classical elements in “Rosalina’s Music”, and a dreamy quality to “Water Lilies”. This type of diversity is important to me as a listener because it helps keep me involved in each piece and the album as a whole.

Equally important is that all the songs on an album feel like they all belong together, and in “Walking to Dreamland”, David definitely created an album that feels like a family of songs that grew up together.   His vocal styling, lyrics, and overall creative style are present in each song, giving a strong sense of consistency and fluidity between the pieces, and there’s an every present calmness in each track that make the album’s title more than apt.

The title track, “Walking to Dreamland”, is by far, one of the coolest tracks on the album.  From tasty blues and jazz guitar to groovy, cool beats and tones to David’s complex song-writing and soft but confident vocals, this track showcases many of the best elements of the album.   The steady snare and bass beats throughout keep the mind moving and though simple in rhythm, they create a combination that is perfectly reminiscent of a chill stroll anywhere.  The guitar in this song is deceptively simple in the beginning where it supports the vocal line but has stellar solo moments tastefully dropped throughout.  David tops it all off with his cool and laid back vocals, and you can’t help but be hooked!

The album features contributions from a number of talented musicians, including Charlie Austin, Ted Doty, Melissa Hollick, Raz Ben Ari, Nicole Gose, Haines “Cowboy” Joyce, Francisco Benitez,  and Anat Nevo. “Walking to Dreamland” was engineered by Rob Ulsh at Mastersound Studios in Virginia. Mastered by Yoad Nevo (Pet shop Boys, Bryan Adams) at his studio in London.  

Check out David’s new video for “Walking to Dreamland” and follow the links below to make sure you get a copy of this album!

         

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaZQNVkzbYw]

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