Finger-style guitar plucked with intricate detail, open tunings for depth of tone, and smooth vocals delivered with breathy intimacy. These are just a few of the elements that comprise the instantly recognisable sound of Dave Calandra.
Acoustic or Electric, Solo or as a Duo with percussion, Dave’s songs are refreshing and contemporary yet layered with subtle folk and blues undertones. A gifted songwriter with a knack for contagious melodies, Dave draws from his wealth of life experience to express in song what most of us can only feel. On-stage he is a formidable talent with an almost tangible presence, his musicianship is outstanding, and he is also a generous storyteller. From the deserts of Central Australia to the streets of Calcutta and New York, Daves' travel stories are dispensed with eloquence and charm, and a healthy dose of humour.
In recent years, his dedication to extensive touring has seen him build a reputation as one of the new rising stars in the Australian folk and roots scene. His debut album ‘Alchemy’ was released in March ’06 to widespread critical acclaim, and supported by performances at festivals, concerts, theatres, and folk and blues clubs Australia wide.
During the last ten years of performing nationally and internationally, Dave has released four EP’s and one album independently. While honing his musical skills he has also made time to travel in search of further inspiration. Among other journeys he has spent time living with aboriginal people in central Australia, studied classical music in India, travelled solo around Australia on a motorcycle, and also spent four years performing and recording in New York. It is his goal to continue growing personally and musically, and it seems that life as a touring musician will be a catalyst for both outcomes.
2009 will be another year of touring and recording as Dave hopes to release his second album in the near future. Meanwhile, ‘Alchemy’ is available in-stores now through Vitamin Records.
“Dave has a laidback but very listenable voice, the songwriting skills are superb, and the musicianship is of the highest order.” Trad and Now Magazine (Aus)
“Calandra possesses a strong vocal that is quite breathy in style and very easy on the ear, and backs it up with fine acoustic guitar work…..There’s not a music fan around who shouldn’t sit up and take notice. Outstanding!” Folking.com (UK)
“Although there are references to Nick Drake, Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley, Dave Calandra is unmistakably exploring his own wonderfully quirky vocabulary…..
A delightful album. Five stars!” Cdbaby.com (USA)
“Beautiful guitar work, sometimes reminiscent of Bruce Cockburn, and a honey smooth voice combined to deliver his very appealing set….Dave was the perfect ‘Fairlight Folk’ performer, and left the audience cheering for more.” Rosie McDonald Fairlight Folk Club (Aus)
“By far one of the strongest performers on the folk and roots scene” Drum Media (Aus)
hey, my soulful brother. lovely to hear your music again from a far distant land. though your couch is also a nice place to hear it. love across the waves.
just listened to your beautiful cd on the way to Agnes Waters and it refreashed my admiration for you and your songs my friend. Be seeing you at wintermoon !!!
Hi Dave, I was kind of hoping of all the things you could do this Thursday that coming to see me play at el Rocco, Bar Me with Karl Broadie, Jason Walker and Leroy Lee from 7.30pm might be right up there on the list. Love and light, Andy
Hey Funksters, 'Extended Family' are excited to announce their 1st Sydney show in 7 months. The Family, along with some of Sydney's favourite party acts, will be rocking out as part of 'ROMP'. 5th Dec at the Factory Theatre. This is a night not to be missed so book now @ factorytheatre. com. au Hope to see you there!!!
