In these days of unashamed plagiarism, with many new singer-songwriters sounding more like second-rate copyists of their own particular heroes, it’s rare and refreshing to come across an artist with his own unique musical perspective. Great songs are a treasured commodity and Denis Hurst is writing and performing a rich vein of original material.He’s spent many years on the road, crafting his music, and this debut album is attracting a great deal of attention.Proud to be ‘Born in the UK’, but with a ‘Heart in California’, Denis Hurst serves up an inspiring kaleidoscope of his own songs, on a journey that travels from the relentless, driving back-beat of the title track and 'Callin’ Down The Lightning' to the haunting and reflective mood of 'Sail The Mississippi' and 'Echoes Down the Line'.'These Songs Are America' is an homage to Rosanne Cash’s “The List” album, and to the songs and legendary artists father Johnny Cash urged her to research when she first set out on her musical career. The outstanding and heartfelt tribute to the late John Stewart, 'Home To The Stars', leads to the exuberant 'Ocean Beach Radio' (written especially for the internet radio station of that name), before reaching the quiet philosophy of the final trilogy of songs – 'Feathers in the Wind', 'You Can Never Go Back' and 'We Had Our Time'. Denis is a multi-talented musician who plays guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, piano etc etc and has a captivating quality in his voice. All the songs were recorded in his home studio and everything you hear is all Denis, with no outside help. He was encouraged to make this album available in response to the many people who have heard his music on the internet and have asked for a complete album. Denis has been influenced by many different country/folk artists but none more than the late John Stewart, one of the most under-rated and lesser known singer songwriters of our times. Like John, Denis has that rare gift of relating stories with an economy of words that paint indelible and mesmerising pictures in your mind. A thousand words can never capture the magic of great music so . . . play the samples here, get a taste of Denis’s talent . . . and then download 14 memorable tracks at a bargain price. You'll play and enjoy them often . . . Hear Denis Hurst on Ocean Beach Radio.com Ocean Beach Radio.com is one of the hottest internet radio stations playing Americana/Roots/Country music. There you can regularly hear tracks from this album, alongside those of Tom Russell, Guy Clark, Gretchen Peters and other giants of the American music scene. This is what Ocean Beach Radio has to say:"Denis Hurst is a truly versatile and talented musician with huge range and depth. His “Home To The Stars” tribute song to John Stewart is crafted in true Stewart style. He can take you on a highly credible road trip from New York to California, and all his songs have real depth and substance. His ode to"Ocean Beach Radio" was composed as a complete surprise to me, but he succinctly catches the essence of what we are trying to accomplish, with style and panache. I urge you to listen to Denis and discover him for yourself." Ernie HopsekerOcean Beach Radio.com