Danny Reid Carter

MyGen Profile GeneratorDanny's MySpace site does not hire people to add random Friends or Hits just so people can see big numbers here. Every new Friends add is carefully checked out before approval. All numbers you see here are honest and real just as he wishes ! Danny's upbringing in the mountains of North Carolina instilled a natural rural rhythm in this highly regarded singer, songwriter and instrumentalist that is undeniable. It's obvious that his background, direct descendants of the Carter Family music dynasty, and passion for playing provided the groundwork for a life spent creating music that dishes out constant hints of rock and roll, spice and organic flavors. It's no coincidence that with years of touring as one-half of the eclectic group, The Carter Brothers Band, playing their own mixture of "Appalachian, folk, rock, funked up, bluegrass, gypsy blues," that Danny is ready to step out with his first solo project, Barcelona. He was, as a youngster, directly influenced by the traditional folk and bluegrass sounds of the North Carolina region as well as the Piedmont Blues he heard as a child in Central and Northwest, NC. It would be later, as young man, that he would study the folk, Celtic, heavy blues rock style of bands like Led Zeppelin and in particular guitarist Jimmy Page.On Barcelona, all of these styles meld and everything comes full circle. Finally, the musical inspirations of his past and the beauty of Spain brought everything into focus. Danny's signature 12-string guitar prowess, which he brings to life on Barcelonawith his vintage 1967 Rickenbacker 360-12 string guitar, shines and brings a smoky atmosphere to the entire album. "For as long as I can remember, I loved and played 12-string acoustic and electric guitars," he says. "I was mostly inspired by old Beatles records and the King Daddy of the 12-string, Roger McGuinn, and The Byrds," he says. "It was also used a lot in the Piedmont Blues style which is unique to where I grew up in the Piedmont area and foothills of North Carolina. I incorporated the sound heavily into the Carter Brothers folk rock/newgrass/Americana music, early in our career. It made our sound very unique because no one else was really blending the 12-string with the banjo and mandolin. On Barcelona, I loved the idea of mixing it in with the Hammond B-3," he adds.Barcelona boasts 9 tracks all penned by Danny and songs like "Green River" conjure up the wood-smoked blend of bluegrass and Americana that the Carter Brothers have become known for. "People really seem to connect with this song," he says. "It is pretty unique musically with the 12-string guitar and Johnny Neel's B-3 work along with some soulful backup vocals by Tonya Dennis and Jess Hardy. All together, it really mixes my Americana folk rock influence with the southern soul and gospel roots I grew up hearing."The Johnny Neel that Danny refers to is none other than the former longtime Allman Brothers Band keyboardist. Things took a decided leap forward into blues territory when Neel joined the fray. Neel is the writer of the Allman Brothers radio hit "Good Clean Fun," and brought a plethora of experience, groove and downright soul to the album. He plays Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes piano and grand piano and harp on the CD and as Danny puts it, "Is a MONSTER!"Danny recalls years ago dreaming of doing a solo album and thinking about what artists he'd have participate in the recording process. "My brother Tim and I started talking about doing solo albums 10 years ago and I knew back then that Johnny Neel would be doing the keyboard stuff. When Johnny is really inspired by a song, he is a magician and totally incomparable to anybody. His sound turned out to be such a huge part of this album. His B-3 organ work on "Green River" is almost like another vocal part. It's so melodic and in your face. On "We Got Work to Do," his piano work is so pure. Man, he was possessed when recording that track!"Barcelona also boasts some other incredible players like Danny's good friend, Jack Pearson, who plays acoustic resonator slide guitar on "My Baby Thinks I'm Great." Pearson is well known for his work with Steely Dan and his six tours with The Allman Brothers to mention a few. "Jack has probably appeared on just about every guitar magazine cover imaginable," Danny says with admiration. Drums and percussion were taken care of by the talented hands of Latin beat specialist, Dan Sherill. "He really provided a unique groove throughout," says Danny. Brother Tim Carter adds his own touch with some masterful banjo and mandolin playing and Carter Brother's bass player and in demand session player, Ross Sermons, adds the underbelly of the music with his upright and electric basses.As a writer, Danny composes in the style of a storyteller. "It's mostly fiction stuff with undertones into my personal life" he says. Danny has maintained an artists publishing agreement with DreamWorks Nashville for over 10 years. About all of this he says "I feel so blessed to spend my life writing and performing along with my brother, Tim. I have the utmost respect and love for him...as a musician and a friend."Danny and Tim continue to tour full-time with the Carter Brothers Band. Danny taking his penchant for rock and blues and mixing it with brother Tim's solid bluegrass and folk style and moving forward on a musical journey that began long ago. But, on Barcelona, Danny makes it abundantly clear that inspiration is found in many places and a trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, in a country far, far away, finally solidified the thoughts and feelings of a soulman from North Carolina and has brought him into a spotlight of his very own.