David Ward: Looking Glass
This neo-soul singer/songwriter from Vancouver has already made a mark in the UK, and this lead track from a new album shows why. His vocals are subtly persuasive and the production values are high.
By Kerry Doole
David Ward - “Looking Glass” (Indie): This singer/songwriter from Vancouver had not crossed our radar until very recently, but his previous indie recordings, Golden Future Time and Transitioning, had reportedly made a splash across the pond. The Guardian wrote that "he's assured of a golden future," while Q noted, “the emergence of a very special artist indeed”.
Ward released a new album, Violet, Gold + Rose, on Friday, and this focus track leaves us impressed too.
It has a classic neo-soul feel, without sounding dated, while the fresh imagery of the video clip is a fitting accompaniment. The video is directed by award-winning director and cinematographer, Michelle Ouellet and Lindsay George (Tempest Storm) and choreographed by Monte-Carlo born dancer/ choreographer, Becky Izad.
In a press release, Ward explains that “I grew up dancing, a gift from my mother who still tap dances to this day. I studied tap for a brief stint and then hip-hop became all that I did. Becky actually came recommended from one of my first dance teachers. I’d never ventured in the waters of contemporary nor any of its related forms or styles.”
He certainly does not lack in ambition with this new album, a richly orchestrated work featuring 33 musicians and a special guest appearance from Patrice Quinn (Kamasi Washington). Violet, Gold + Rose was mixed and mastered by Grammy-winning Russell Elevado (D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Erykah Badu). Ward describes its theme as “an exploration of different ideas of spirituality and romantic love."
Ward has upcoming shows at Burdock in Toronto (Oct. 21) and Le Balcon in Montreal (Oct. 26). A name to watch for indeed.
Links
Publicity: Take Aim Media - kim@takeaimmedia.com | susan@takeaimmedia.com
