FINLEY AND PAGDON
I stumbled upon Finley and Pagdon after I just about gave up trying to find musicians for Harmony on the web. Typically, I find it is easy for me to connect and understand performers whom I have met and heard play in front of audiences. Looking online sometimes feels futile because of this. However, Finley and Pagdon captured me right away.
Their fresh yet timeless sound calmed me and their easy, quirky and sweet personalities gave me a sense that we have been friends our whole lives without knowing it. Finley’s vocals are rich with character over plucking guitar and bass strings, playfully weaving over and under each other like kids in a field while remaining subtly dark and mysterious. These two musician are songbirds on an important mission for our spirits; Denise Finley, light and laughing in the blue above and Daniel Pagdon, steady with the sky map
Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin
Jill Carletti, Silk Mill HARMONY, Hawley, PA
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Life long natives of the Hudson Valley, Woodstock based Duo, Denise Jordan Finley and Daniel Pagdon play Contemporary Folk generated music that touches on Traditional, Americana, Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock, and Classical; each having explored their music as composers, performers, recording artists and educators.
Each are self-taught on their instruments. Their music is anchored on two superbly played guitars, Finley's expressive voice, and their powerful songwriting. Between them, they have played for a sum of over six decades, having played professionally, both, as children.
They continue to maintain their inimitable music which exudes the warmth, truth and technical skill that only years of experience can reveal. Their touching, humorous, and visually captivating performance has engrossed audiences since 2005.
To date, they have won numerous prestigious honors and awards, including: mentions, places, and wins in regional, national, and international competitions in songwriting, such as: the New Jersey Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Festival, Old Songs Festival, Walnut Valley Festival, The Great American Songwriters Competition, Plowshares Competition, Mid Atlantic States Songwriting Competition, and Great Lakes Songwriting Contest, to name some.
Their Songs and Albums have topped the charts for international radio airplay surveys. Folk DJ international Folk Radio airplay forum, has regularly recognized them among the top 6 ranking, in the areas of best album, best song, and best artist. They have played their music live, in most of the states of the union, from coast to coast United States, as well as Internationally.
Each, having been recorded on countless albums, have, in their six years together, recorded four albums their own-- "Hauntress," (2007) and "Solstice," (2010,) "Girl on the Rhythm Guitar," (2013) and "Beyond a Window," (to be released later this year.)
Between them they have recorded and performed with Bill Keith, Bob Franke, Bobby Whitlock, Clifford Carter, Cyro Baptista, Danny Gottlieb, Dick Kniss, Freebo, Hiro Suzuki, Howie Burson, Jim Ehinger, Joel Rosenblatt, Kenny Edwards, Mark Egan, Matt Finley, Mick Taylor, Mike Lattrel, Paul Carbonara, Priscilla Herdman, Rich Hozza, Roger Mason, Rory Block, Sally Rogers, Steve Gillette, and Todd Wolfe, as well as such bands as Peter Karp and the Road Show, Rhett Tyler and Early Warning, Rio Jazz, Yonder City.
Endorsements...
"A gorgeous album!" (Penny Nichols, founder of SummerSongs)
"You've created an album that is an eight course meal. complete with several appetizers, entrees and desserts. Despite feeling fully sated by the meal, it leaves me wanting to consume it again and again and again... Your restaurant gets five stars out of four! (Tom Ryan,Writer)
"I could have listened to you all night!" (Joe Bev, Aroma Thyme, Ellenville, New York)
"Denise Jordan Finley and Daniel Pagdon, wow!" (Jim Marzano, A.I.R. Studio, Kingston, New York)
"...your songs tell stories... they transcend music--they are spiritual" (Kim Griswold, Minstrel Coffeehouse)
"'Memorial Day" (opening song of Finley's writing on "Hauntress,) is going to reach deep into the soul. Be prepared. Some will cry during the song. Seek them out hug them. Let them hug you. Your lyrics may be a catharsis. Love them! ...a healer" (Stuart Kabak, Rosendale Cafe.)
"She moves me." (Sonny Rock, WRIP, Windham, New York)
"Sweet Stuff!" (Noel Paul Stookey)
"A treat to listen to...I always learn something when I do." (David Roth)
