Update 4 October 2018

Anthony D’Amato, “The Oyster and the Pearl”

This is Anthony’s latest single. Rolling Stone write: “Anthony D’Amato rolls with the punches on this folk-pop epic, whose lyrics tell the story of a battered and bruised bandleader who is hellbent on moving forward. “I been Lewis and I been Clark, I been third in line for Noah’s Ark,” he sings, while twinkling pianos, acoustic guitars and cooing harmonies form a kitchen-sink symphony in the background. A rallying cry for the bummed and brokenhearted, “The Oyster and the Pearl” was produced by Joshua James in the Utah mountains, where D’Amato recorded his upcoming follow-up to 2016’s Cold Snap.”

Many of you will remember Anthony playing an unforgettable opening set for Ricky Ross at Emmanuel in November 2017.  I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to arrange for Anthony to play a House Gig here in Billericay on Saturday 13 October when he returns to the UK in the Autumn for a European Tour.

One of my Best Songs of 2017 was D’Amato’s ‘Once’ taken from his 2016 album ‘Cold Snap’.


About House Gigs

A House Gig is a private invitation only gig to the Rectory from Paula and myself. You can contact me on revpacman@btinternet.com if you’d like to be considered for a place and I’ll get back to you to confirm your attendance. Maximum two tickets per person – spaces are limited! I usually receive more applicants than places but I do set up a reserve list.

Doors will open at 7.00 pm (or 6.45 pm if you’re so excited you can’t wait or you simply want more drinking time!) and Anthony will play two sets from 7.30 pm (ish!). We’ll provide some hot food during the interval (with a veggie option) all for the amazing price of £15 (payable in advance, please – I’ll give you details about how to pay when your invitation is confirmed). There will also be a reasonably priced honesty bar available!

A House Gig is a cosy (!?) event and, whilst we provide some seating, some of you will be required to sit on the floor – we provide a comfy cushion (we have plenty of these) – so you might want to dress accordingly! We always encourage folk to swap around for the second set!

About Anthony

Anthony D’Amato is originally from New Jersey, but is now based in Brooklyn, New York, and has been a regular on the music scene since 2010 when he released his first album ‘Down Wires’ recorded in a dormitory during his senior year at Princeton University.

He followed it up with another home recording ‘Paper Back Bones,’ which made BBC Scotland’s Best Americana Albums of 2012 and was described by Ricky Ross, no less, as “one of [our] favourites of all time.”

This was followed in 2014 by ‘The Shipwreck From The Shore’ which was partly inspired by his time studying with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon and earned raves on both sides of the pond. Songs from the record have racked up more than five million plays on Spotify and turned up on the ABC TV series Nashville.

Anthony’s 2016 album ‘Cold Snap’ continued his relationship with great tunes and witty lyrics. New York Mag labelled him “Jauntily fatalistic.” USA Today said that he:

Strikes every right note, incorporating classic folk, pop and even a little punk rebellion.”

And Rolling Stone commented that he is:

Folk music raised on New Jersey grit.

Anthony also produces amusing music videos and I’ve particularly enjoyed ‘Golden Gloves’ and the politically charged ‘If you’re gonna build a wall.’  You can enjoy them here …