Dan Donovan: "Brooding cocktail of coal black imagery and nocturnal poetry"

If you've attended Forest events with any regularity you'll be familiar with Dan Donovan (right).

Dan is usually present is his role as a professional photographer but he's also a film-maker, graphic designer and musician.

Over 30 years Dan has recorded twelve albums. The last four have been recorded with his two-piece garage band King Kool.

Released in February, his thirteenth album, Dan Donovan 12_12, Acoustics Sessions, was a return – as the title suggests – to his acoustic roots.

Revisiting his back catalogue, Dan chose one song from each of his previous twelve albums and recorded new versions. According to his website:

Live performances throughout the UK, Belgium and Netherlands followed the release of the album.

International folk and blues magazine Rock’n’Reel wrote “Twelve shots of howling murder blues, part growling part soaring” and gave the CD a high 4 star rating.

FATEA magazine called the album “a tribute not only to the quality of Donovan’s writing but also to his performance - a brooding cocktail of coal black imagery and nocturnal poetry.”

Dan has now combined his photography with lyrics from the album for a book that also offers insights into each song.

The book launch takes place on Friday (May 29) at The Angles Theatre, Wisbech. As well as wine, visuals and song, there will be music videos from the album.

I can't make it unfortunately but if you're in the area and want to go, Dan would be delighted to see you. RSVP info@battenberg.biz.

PS. You can preview the book here.