HopNews
Friday, May 2nd, Faith Community Church, Hopkinton: Great talent and intense humility are unconventional bedfellows. However, local guitarist and community builder Dan Cloutier possesses both in spades.
Playing to a packed auditorium of 300+ people at Faith Community Church to celebrate the release of his new album, The Iceberg, Cloutier brought together original folk rock melodies with a moving personal story in a winning combination.
Cloutier’s musicianship is stellar; his riffs and chord sequences alone demonstrate serious songwriting skill. This new, uplifting collection of songs showcases his musicality even more than earlier albums (and I had also enjoyed those immensely). Favorites are ‘Take Your Next Step’ and ‘Synapses Fire.’
Beyond this, Cloutier’s compassion for the community he works in at the Michael Lisnow Respite Center and across Hopkinton more generally shone through the show at every moment.
Singing onstage with several songwriters from the classes he runs at the Respite Center, he communicated very clearly the debt of gratitude he feels to those around him. Music, for Cloutier, is clearly about developing exceptional personal skill while acknowledging why and for whom you play.
The opening band, Ash and Eric, was also a lovely addition to the night. This folk duo shared five beautiful and heartwarming folk songs with brilliant harmonies. Eric also produced Dan’s latest album.
You can learn more at www.dancloutier.com or www.ashandericmusic.com.
>> Related: Dan Cloutier: A Story In Music, Mental Health, And Icebergs
The photos below are from “The Iceberg” Launch Party at Faith Community Church in Hopkinton, MA. Musicians are listed L to R. Click image to see a larger size.
The gallery was not found!
Thank you so much HopNews for sharing about my concert. I have such wonderful support from my Hopkinton community, and I’m still glowing with gratitude from the night.