Feel-good music in a fast-paced time

Vancouver musician marks 10th anniversary with recording at the Commodore Ballroom

It makes sense that Daniel Wesley will record a live album at the Commodore Ballroom.

For it was at this venerable venue that Wesley first made everyone take notice that here was a good career in the making.

That was 10 years ago and this upcoming anniversary date will be his 16th time performing at the Commodore. The 10th anniversary is also symbolic, the end of one phase and the beginning of another.

“I think that’s what I’m trying to do,” Wesley said. “I’m putting that chapter to rest ... but it’s a challenge to me.”

That challenge is to put a show together that encapsulates a decade of growth and personal triumphs, such as selling out the Commodore for three consecutive nights in 2009.

“I look at the albums I’ve made as bookmarks of my life,” Wesley said. “I look at the live album as another bookmark.”

Recording a live album presents its own challenge, of course. “I think it’s the energy,” he speculated.

Although he loves being in the studio, Wesley has seen the limit of recording under controlled conditions.

“There’s only so much energy you can get to the ears. Live is part of the experience.”

Wesley has released six studio albums, which not only serve as a testament to his prolific output but also capture how his style has changed from the early days of his reggae-style single, Ooo Ohh, to the more mature poise of last year’s I Am Your Man.

Whether reggae or rock, the music remains pure Daniel Wesley.

“That was kind of my goal,” he said. “I was that sunshiny guy but I wanted to broaden my image.

“The last LP did well,” Wesley added. “I was happy with it.

“There’s not much reggae on it. For lack of a better term, it’s more world music. Singer-songwriter stuff. But it’s still sunny.”

This is what his fans are drawn to. He offers feel-good relief in a fastpaced time.

“I like to engage the fans,” he said. “My music is based on connections. Thankfully, they want to get out there and party.”

tharrison@postmedia.com

— RONNIE LEE HILL Vancouver musician Daniel Wesley says he looks at his six unique studio albums as ‘bookmarks’ in his life.