Daryl Ball - Everyday people (EP)
Over the last 20+ years Daryl Ball has earned a reputation as a talented singer/songwriter with the bands Stripped and Bateleurs. Together with these bands he has released several well received albums and EPs as well as performed around the world including such iconic venues as CBGBs in New York, The Ulster Hall in Belfast and Glastonbury Festival. 2018 saw the first of several popular solo releases culminating in a debut solo album Better Days released summer 2019. 2020 continued with more solo work plus performances and recordings with a new duo Turn The Page covering songs spanning the last 25 years. Everyday people is his solo EP recorded during lockdown.
The title track, Everyday people, is one of those songs with timeless feel where you can't tell from which era the song comes. That's often a good thing and sign of a good song if it stands the test of time. There's an uplifting vibe about the sound. The lyrics are trying to spread a deeper message, encouraging the listener to live "here and now", trying not to ponder upon what ifs and trying to change things that cannot be changed.
Beautiful day seems nostalgic, judging by the opening melody yet the lyrics are joyful, looking on the brighter side of things. How fitting is that for current climate of too much negativty when we are running away, trying to hide, seeking even the smallest bit of positivity to cheer us up? "dont you know life is still going on outside"
The Storyteller is Ball's attempt of a folk song. The mandolin really shines on this and takes the entire song in a refreshing direction. One of those must-sing-alongs, And maybe dance along too.If you haven't believed in the healing power of music until now, you maybe converted after this. The power manifests itself both lyrically and musically.
Butterfly dance closes the collection on a gentle note. The lyrics are full of love for a child and you can hear it in the singer's voice too. We even notice the name Anna coming through. Wonderful testament to a parenta pride. The simple arrangements lets the guitar ring and the lyrics carry themselves into the soul of the listener.
These four songs bring just a taste of Daryl Ball's versatility both as a musician and songwriter. The only disappointment of this collection is the fact it ends sooner that you would like. However, it intrigues you to dig his music more.