美國(guó)加州民謠/搖滾歌手 If you're familiar with Dan Krikorian, you know his music is just as much about the poetic power of his lyrics as it is the melodies, all of which can range from infectiously upbeat to soulfully emotive. This all-encompassing and ever-attentive philosophy to his craft has boded well for Dan, who in just less than four years has written, produced and released three albums. Dan's latest venture, "Windsor Blue," is a shift from his earlier musical styles to more adventurous and weightier folk tunes, with influences ranging from classic literature and iconic figures such as Bob Dylan, to the talents of modern musicians including Joe Purdy and Josh Ritter. "I think I approached the songwriting process differently than I ever have before," the Orange County, Calif.-based singer/songwriter says. "I dove into classic books, poems, essays, Harry Smith's 'Anthology of American Folk Music' - anything that I thought might give me a greater understanding of the themes I found myself trying to express on this album." In "Windsor Blue," Dan finds his own voice, mixing a unique blend of folk, americana, blues and pop to explore everything from family and love to mortality and loss. Though you might never quite be able to put your finger on what each of Dan's songs are explicitly about, it is that very mystique that attracts listeners to his music in the first place. Industry names Shawn Nourse of I See Hawks in L.A.; Bob Boulding of The Young Dubliners; Carl Byron; Michael Starr; Chris Lawrence; Paul Marshall; Debra Tala; and Matt Forger, who has worked with legends including Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones; lend their talents to the latest album, which also features Dan Krikorian Band members Mike Teague and Randy Querry. "The performances of all the other artists are absolutely amazing," Dan says. "Everyone put their own unique stamp on the overall feel and theme of the album and I'm so proud to be a part of that." As Dan hits the road for "Windsor Blue," he'll be returning to many favorite spots visited while touring for his second album - the critically acclaimed "Colors and Chords" - as well as new venues, including stops in Orange County, Calif.; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Redding, Calif.; Sacramento; New York; Boston; Denver; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Austin, Texas; Chicago; and more. "I think the music and songwriting has taken on a new direction and I'm excited to see where that might lead. The future feels wide open at this point, and I'm looking forward to playing this album out on tour," says Dan, who adds he's excited to hit the road and live up to the success of "Colors and Chords," in which Americana UK Review said he "traverses that fine line that differentiates a very good songwriter from a mere songwriter." The release of Dan's second album back in 2009 afforded him a bevy of experience and good press. In the last year, Dan has headlined at The Orange County Fair, a show that drew more than 700 audience members; opened for Grammy-nominated artist Chris Trapper; and had hit songs including "Bobby Jones," "Tangerine Eyes" and "Fixed on You" played on BBC Radio and other stations extensively throughout Europe. In addition to touring, Dan is currently working on material for his upcoming fourth album. The Band Dan Krikorian (vocals, guitar) Jason Wilson (drums) Jim Popov (guitar) Mike Teague (guitar, vocals) Randy Querry (bass)