One of the biggest buzz bands at The 24th International Folk Alliance Conference was The Dunwells. They traveled all the way from Leeds to charm the attendees with their British take on Americana music. This was their second visit to the bluff city, the last time they were here they got signed to their record deal and were whisked away to Austin, TX to record their debut album at Willie Nelson‘s Pedernales Studio.
The quintet seemed to be quite big fans of Memphis music history as we chatted about the sound board that Led Zeppelin mixed their infamous third album on in Memphis back in the early 70s. Hopefully they are big enough fans to come back and record in Memphis real soon!
Utterly natural. There’s no more fitting description for both the music of The Dunwells as well as the story of their magical rise from the pubs of Leeds, England to an American record deal and a stunning debut album in just two short years.
The group is two brothers, two cousins and totaling five best mates who simply love to sing and play music, and do so together. “We are genuinely best mates,” explains singer, songwriter and guitarist Joseph Dunwell. “We sometimes bicker and fight, but then we hug and make up and go out for a drink.”
When they make music, the results exemplify the equation that the sum of the parts can be even greater than the whole. Striking an organic blend between acoustic and electric roots music laced by luscious vocal harmonies by all five members, their songs and sound feel both bracingly fresh while at the same time as warm and familiar as a dear longtime friend.
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