Dan Burnett, king of the blues piano, plays The Ivory

No less a figure Ed Sheeran was quoted on BBC’s Breakfast show recently saying that in 21st century it took roughly 2,000 gigs to become a success.
Terrific performer Dan Burnett.Terrific performer Dan Burnett.
Terrific performer Dan Burnett.

One talented local blues, soul and funk singer/musician seems to be taking this statement at face value.

A finalist earlier in the year in the British Blues Awards for Keyboard Player of the Year, Harrogate’s hard-working and ambitious Dan Burnett seems intent on playing anywhere anytime.

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Playing keyboards live since the age of nine, you might have seen him locally with his sensational live band including Dan Mizen on bass guitar and Ed Dennis on drums.

Such are Dan’s ambitions, even his open mic work alone has expanded massively in the last year, popping up in various small venues in Harrogate and beyond.

The talented and likable Burnett has just launched another open mic residency, this time on a Sunday night at The Ivory on The Ginnel in Harrogate where he already performs each Friday night.

Held each Sunday from 8pm, the venue has become known for its fine on-house piano since it got new owners and a new name (it was formerly Lure Bar).

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In a way, Dan had no choice but to become a talented musician. It was passed on by birth.

Dan, who endorses Kawai Pianos internationally, said: “My dad Laurie Burnett was a well respected guitarist who was in bands with ex David Bowie’s ‘Spiders from Mars’ Woody Woodmansey and Trevor Bolder.

“He got me a set of keyboards for my third birthday and then taught me how to play.”

Having released a well-received EP earlier in the year which won airplay on BBC Radio 2, Dan is now recording its follow-up in the studio as we speak, ready for release early in 2016.

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Nominated as a Yorkshire Gig Guide Awards finalist, Dan says he’s hoping to attract new talent of all types at The Ivory.

If you’re interested, please contact him via @HgtOpenMic or email [email protected]

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