Brennan Gilmore – ‘My Name is Daniel Leek’ [Album Review]

Brennan Gilmore’s debut album, My Name is Daniel Leek, was inspired by a sentence written in chalk on a wall in South Sudan: My name is Daniel Leek. Written by a refugee, the words transformed the writer from being just another anonymous migrant to a person with a name and an identity.

Co-produced by Nick Falk (Caamp), the album was recorded at the home of Dori Freeman in Galax, Virginia.

Comprising a baker’s dozen of tracks, entry points on the album include “Wolf and Sheep,” highlighted by the beautiful voice of Dori Freeman. Soft, shimmering guitars ride nuanced and finessed percussion. The flow of the melody evokes gentle memories of better days, although the lyrics are open to interpretation. About halfway through, the tempo slows, taking on a drifting semblance tinted with country flavors.

Freeman also appears on “Wolves of Virginia.” The duet on the track is at once tender and charming. On “New Sudan,” Gilmore relates the fictional tale of how Daniel Leek became a refugee. A mandolin and fiddle (Nate Leath) infuse the rolling melody with luscious hues of color.

Gilmore explains, “While many of the songs on ‘My Name is Daniel Leek’ are more lyrically impressionistic and abstract, ‘New Sudan’ is a story song in the ballad tradition, quite literal in telling of Daniel’s flight into refuge.”

The dark and swampy “Gold Mine” travels on gospel-like, Celtic textures blended with Americana surfaces. Outstanding drumming and a braying organ give the tune a delicious, murky feel. Davina Jackson’s vocals elevate the song from good to superb.

Brennan Gilmore, photo by Sanjay Suchak

Stunningly splendid, “Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing” features a wonderful duet atop soothing, flickering guitars. A brushed rhythm perfectly balances the gleaming melody.

“Even So Amen” concludes the album. It’s another mellow song that conjures up heartfelt reflections on the miracle of life.

Akin to a diary, My Name is Daniel Leek finds Brennan Gilmore touching listeners’ hearts and souls with his exquisite songwriting.

My Name is Daniel Leek Track Listing:

1. Radio Obo
2. Wolf and Sheep
3. Wolves of Virginia
4. Mama Played the Snare Drum
5. New Sudan
6. God Bless Allah
7. Nathalie (Live at Lime Kiln Theater)
8. Gold Mine
9. Country Turned Against You
10. Gold Finch
11. River Queen
12. Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing
13. Even So Amen

Run Time: 68:00
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Record Label: Concordia Discors Recordings