Danny Wilson: “Never give up on your dreams”

This week on Needle Time, Neil McCormick introduces performances from some Future Vintage artists, the kind of authentic talent who may not have achieved household name status but make music steeped in values sure to appeal to Vintage fans.

Indeed, the past looms large with all of these artists. Kat Edmonson is a strikingly individual American singer and songwriter who came to attention recording quirky covers of old pop and jazz standards on her debut album Way Down Low. Edmonson’s characterful approach really breathes new life into familiar material, whilst her own songs are contemporary spins on familiar musical tropes. Once rejected by the judges of American Idol, Edmonson is welcome proof that real talent will find a way.

Emily Barker is an Australian singer-songwriter who relocated to the UK in her early twenties. She may be familiar with alert listeners for her moving theme tune to Kenneth Brannagh’s Wallander TV series.  Barker’s latest album, Dear River, is imbued with a strong sense of history, characterised by songs of loss and longing for home. She explains how letters from her Dutch grandfather about his experiences in World War II inspired her own song, Letters.  For more on Emily, see Neil's interview in The Telegraph.

Danny George Wilson was also born in Australia but raised from early childhood in south London. He makes critically acclaimed records steeped in roots country, rock and soul under the name Danny And The Champions Of The World. He reveals that his interest in Vintage sounds was inspired by his father, whose first job was keeping jukeboxes stocked with hits and still has an encyclopaedic knowledge of doo wop and early R’n’B. Danny relates the touching story of a musical adventure with his dad that inspired his song, (Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket.

Neil McCormick's Needle Time with is broadcast on Vintage TV at 10pm, Tuesday 3rd December and repeated Saturday (7th) at 7pm

Watch the preview for this week's Needle Time....