Love, loss, self-pity, recognizing chances and taking them – or not, almost mystical nature experiences, life-changing encounters, art and artists, environmental protection, human rights: it is truly a broad, moving and very current spectrum of themes which Irish singer-songwriter Brian Flanagan has worked through in the eleven tracks of Where Dreams Are Made, his first DSD Download. 

The melodies are catchy but not banal. After having listened to the album a few times you’ll find many of the wonderful tunes continually rotating around in your head – getting more familiar and enjoyable with each turn. That is of course also due to Flanagan’s warm and velvety voice, the soft background choirs and the unassuming but wonderfully musical and supportive instrumental backing.

Good examples are the haunting lamentations of the flute on the title track “Where Dreams Are Made”, the crystal-clear yet warm Irish pipes in “Flowers In The Window” – a piece in memory of a friend, and the piano dripping notes like a tap in the self-searching “Whole Lot Of Livin'”. The harmonium in “Lagan Love” is played by Flanagan himself, conjuring up the picture of mists rising from the river.

Brian Flanagan – Guitar & Harmonium

Featuring
Jens Komminck – guitar, bouzouki, Uilleann pipes, banjo
Ian Melrose – guitar, flute, lap steel guitar
Lutz Möller – keyboard, piano
Hans-Jörg Maucksch – bass
Jean Kelly – harp
Lea Morris – backing vocals
Sven von Samson – percussion