For those attuned to the local scene, it’s hard to imagine the Seacoast without Dan Blakeslee’s artistic imprint. The singer-songwriter and visual artist has been filling the area with his soothing folk songs and illustrations for nigh on 15 years now, and all signs point to a lasting presence to come.

Blakeslee recently unveiled his latest studio album, “Tatnic Tales,” which he’ll introduce to fans in Portsmouth with a release show at The Press Room on Friday, Sept. 17. Mainly recorded over a three-day span in June 2009 at a barn in North Berwick, Maine, the disc presents 10 original songs. Blakeslee, who sings and plays guitar throughout the album, authored all the music, lyrics and artwork.

The CD features several staples of the Seacoast music scene, including Jim Rudolf on drums, Nick Phaneuf on guitar, Jon Nolan on pedal steel, Joseph Arnold on fiddle, Mike Effenberger on piano and Jonathan Blakeslee on upright bass.

Listening to each soulful acoustic song, it’s easy to envision this ensemble of friends casually plying their crafts beneath the wooden rafters of Dean Ludington’s rustic barn, the music reverberating across surrounding fields and hills to saturate the woods of Tatnic. Blakeslee grew up in nearby South Berwick, and the recording marks a full-circle journey in his ongoing musical career.

The release show begins at 9 p.m. on Sept. 17 at The Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 603-431-5186. There is a $5 cover.

< Prev		Next >