Damian Howard steps out of the shadows of The Ploughboys with the release of his debut solo CD One that features his band The Gentle Souls and special guests. In a break from the Celtic Rock sound of The Ploughboys Damian releases an album of original compositions that embrace the full palette of song writing by blending acoustic, country, soul-blues and folk-pop sounds.
One is the deceptively consummate product of ten years of near-constant evolution. 'A step away from the Celtic sounds of his work with The Ploughboys but is in tune with that gentle lush folk-pop by acts such as Colin Hay, Mick Thomas and Howard's older brother Shane' (Matt Neal, The Warrnambool Standard)
'In a fair and just world the outstanding Mercy should be rated as one of the Australia songs of the year' (David Connolly, Geelong Advertiser)
As the creative force and lead singer/ songwriter with the popular Celtic Rock Band The Ploughboys Damian has toured extensively throughout Australia and overseas performing at many well-known venues and music festivals, including a performance at the MCG in 2001 and again in 2005 at the Telstra Dome as the pre-match entertainment before the International Rules Football match between Australia and Ireland.
As the principal songwriter for The Ploughboys Damian's songs have received airplay on the ABC throughout Australia and have been featured on a number of ABC compilation CDs. His songs have been sought by a number of National and International artists. On her critically acclaimed new release 'Full Tide' legendary Irish singer, Mary Black, recorded a co-written song of Damian's and his brother Shane Howard titled 'St Kilda Again'. Damian is also featured as a backing vocalist on the opening track 'Land of Love'.
In July/ August 2008 Damian toured throughout Europe with his band performing in Denmark, Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland. The tour was a huge success and plans are underway for another assault in 2009. The band have returned to performances at various festivals and venues around Australia and are about to hit the studio to record a new song of Damian's titled 'Out of My Hands'. The song evoked a huge response from audiences throughout Europe and will be released later this year.
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