JamBase Questionnaire: Daryl Hance

Welcome back to JamBase's baker's dozen to the bright lights of the music world. Last time we heard from Garrin Benfield.

Debut Album

It’s an amazing thing when sunlight finally falls on an artist overshadowed much of his career. It’s as if they stand revealed for the first time despite years of chugging away in plain sight. As one of the principles in MOFRO, Daryl Hance spent years carving out that group’s sound in the big shadow of JJ Grey but with his dynamite solo debut, Hallowed Ground (released January 25 on Pine Tar Recordings), he’s stepped out in a big way.

There’s some of the down home grit Hance brought to MOFRO corkers like “Dirtfloorcracker” and “Ho Cake” and a psychedelic swamp blues chooglin’ to some pieces that’s right up there with The Black Keys, but what may come as the biggest surprise is Hance’s gift for tenderness and shimmering emotion on pieces like “A Breath Away” and “Washing Us Away.” Hallowed Ground presents a fully rounded musician who’s clearly been storing up gems for years in anticipation of this moment. There’s not a dud in the bunch on Hance’s debut, a lovingly crafted set delivered in a pleasantly weathered croon.

Often a quiet presence onstage with MOFRO, Hance’s tunes reveal a thinker’s spirit, sizing up the world and figuring out which bits need comment and which don’t. His measured phrasing throughout Hallowed Ground speaks to this perspective, so the mood matches the content of each piece. There’s also no shortage of downright sexy six string pyrotechnics, which exhibit a greater range and controlled power than anything we’ve heard in his earlier work. In short, one of the best first albums of 2011 and essential listening for anyone who digs raw, early MOFRO, Dan Auerbach or simply primo Southern accented rock ‘n’ roll. (Dennis Cook)

Daryl Hance will be on the road extensively in June and July. His next show is Tuesday, May 31st at The Pour House in Raleigh, NC. Full tour dates can be found here.

Here's what Daryl had to say to our inquiries.

Daryl Hance

1. Great music rarely happens without…
People & Instruments.

2. The first album I bought was…
Not sure...soundtrack to Smokey and the Bandit maybe?

3. The last song or album to really flip my wig was…
Ray Barretto’s Acid

4. When I was a kid I wanted to grow up to be…
A rock star (stupid idea - being an artist is much more rewarding).

5. My favorite sort of gig is…
One where people show up and you get paid money.

6. One thing I wish people knew about me is…
I have an album available.

7. I love the sound of…
Wind and rain.

8. One day I hope to make an album as fantastic as…
All my favorite albums.

9. The best meal I ever had on tour was at…
No way I could answer this, would take pages.

10. I always find the coolest audiences in…
The places I least expect them to be.

11. The worst habit I've picked up being on the road all the time is…
Excessive drinking

Led Zeppelin or Radiohead, which flips your switch the most and why?
Led Zeppelin - I always liked the mood of their albums (but I'd rather listen to Jimi Hendrix or Sly & The Family Stone).

13. The craziest thing I ever saw was…
Hands down, what is broadcast on TV!