When I first heard Tale/Theo Niessink, I was really uncertain what this was all about. Theo Niessink a.k.a. Tale is a singer/songwriter from The Netherlands. His music originates from a number of different styles, among them folk rock, Americana, Irish folk and blues. The songs he writes are very lyrics oriented, and the music is often used to emphasize both the story and the character of the songs. But it wasn't until I got his album that I really fell in love the music. Now his album "Sweet Lady of Flowers" is one of my favorite.

So what's so different about Tale? Well, vocally you can really hear his influences, including bands like Shan MacGowan, The Dubliners, and Bob Dylan. Dylan is really who I think about the most when listening to him. "The Day We Set Sale" is a wonderful Celtic folk song that shines Tale's Dylan-esque sound while still highlighting the great storytelling of the seafaring tradition, but this time with the whales winning the fight.

Hometown: The Netherlands
Similar Artists: Shan MacGowan, The Dubliners, Bob Dylan

Website: Tale/Theo Niessink
Download MP3: "The Day We Set Sail (To Go and Hunt the Whale)"
Buy CD: Coventina's Well

Posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, June 23, 2003.
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