Crate Digging: Dan Neale, Native Music

Crate Digging is a music discovery platform where contributors take home and discuss two records from across Concord Recorded Music’s active and historical labels.

Dan Neale, MD and music supervisor at Native Music, discusses his top discoveries from Concord’s virtual crate digging experience. 

I honestly don’t know too much about Andrew Bird, but I chose his 2019 album My Finest Work Yet for two reasons. What struck me was firstly his choral like vocals, and secondly the melodies and harmonies on this album, particularly on ‘Sisyphus’. His melodies remind me of Father John Misty and John Grant, and though I’d say he fits the traditional singer-songwriter genre, there is certainly an alternative approach to his music. ‘Cracking Codes’ would have to be the standout track for me because of it’s building harmonies and the simplicity of the track altogether. It’s songs like this one, as well as ‘Bloodless’ and ‘Sisyphus’ that, as a music supervisor, I’d definitely consider for scenes in TV and Film.

My second discovery, and one of Concord’s catalogue releases, has to be Chet Baker’s (Chet Baker Sings) It Could Happen To You. This 1950s session trumpet player was renowned for his musical abilities, and yet he never had confidence in his voice. I’m actually a big fan of his voice which is partly why I chose this release. The artwork is also ridiculously kitsch which made it stand out to me. The standout track has to be ‘It Could Happen To You’ as there is a melancholy to his voice that makes the song resonate. It is covers of jazz standards like this that I could consider for a Christmas advert, or alternatively a winter New York TV/film scene. Featuring an impressive selection of existing jazz standards, and a melancholy that works magic, this album is a late night trip to past days. 

If you’d like to know more, or you’re keen to discover more of our repertoire, please contact: tom.frank@concord.com.