The subhead on Dan Tedesco's website reads, "Folk Rock on Steroids." And it’s not wrong. Whether he's banging away on an acoustic or spinning sinewy sounds on guitar or keyboards with the assistance of a nearby outlet and an appropriately volumed amp, Tedesco writes and plays with the heart-sleeved sensitivity of the best Folk troubadours and the muscular appeal of the best heartland rockers.
In either orientation, Tedesco channels some powerful creative spirits, from the rafter-rattling testimonials of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi to the scuffed soul-laid-bare confessionals of Dan Bern and Jules Shear to the melodic gifts of James Taylor and Paul Simon.
Tedesco grew up outside of Chicago, moved to the West Coast, then relocated back to his hometown seven years ago. In that time, he's played with bands both large (full lineup with horn section) and small (power trio and completely solo), toured extensively and recorded a trio of well-received albums — 2009's Staring at a Green Light, 2011's Tracks on Fire and his soon-to-be-released third album, Death in the Valley.
This year looks to be a watershed one for Tedesco; he's using Death in the Valley to do a little label and management shopping, and he's relocating to Nashville, Tenn., in an effort to push his career to the next level (he just played his farewell show in Chicago last week and his Nashville debut is slated for next week).
The fact is Dan Tedesco can hang his hat anywhere he likes, as long as his songs keep coming from his enormously talented heart.
DAN TEDESCO plays Friday, June 21 at Newport's Southgate House Revival in the Lounge. Buy tickets, check out performance times and get venue details here.
