Featured Unsigned Band: Danny and The Ladders

Danny Connors, ex frontman of The On Offs, is back with a new solo project with his band The Ladders. A travelling man who cites Ronnie Lane as a big influence on his life, his movement through scallydelica, 60s Kinks-ish pop, reggae-lite, punkish new wave and even rap make comparisons to Edgar Jones apt. But his new four-piece outfit is perhaps his best move to date. Motown rhythms, melodies and arrangements that recall The Style Council and early solo Paul Weller and a commitment to the sounds and message of funky soul, personified by Curtis Mayfield, have brought much reward (Modculture).

Having written, produced and recorded all these songs solo before bringing in The Ladders to take the new tunes on the road, his music has earned him a growing fan base. So far, this year, its also earned him stadium support slots with Paul Weller on the early part of his 2009 UK tour and a summer support slot for The Blockheads and a recent support with The Rifles - with more to follow as the end of the year. The self-titled debut EP was released in September and the band are looking forward to going into the studio with Paul Weller to record their debut album.

Danny Connors & The Ladders are ready to bring their unique brand of soulful rock n roll to the music industry.

Live Reviews:

"The once-noble genre of 'rhythm and blues' has been bastardised so much it now describes no more than some squeaks and farts snatched off GarageBand. Tonight Danny Connors is here to claim it back. The former singer with The On Offs has coralled a new gang of acolytes to aid him in his quest. They're part Stones swagger, part James Brown showmanship, part P-Funk , and all awesome. They could be the band to save us from a world of Akon and Flo Rida.'
- Joel Reynolds, NME - August 09


"Northampton's The Ladders, just back from supporting Paul Weller on tour, closed the evening's proceedings in brilliant style - their soulful cocktail of Marriot and Lane meets Otis, providing a surprisingly complementary contrast against the previous band. Led by the exceptionally talented Danny Connors, The Ladders picked up a legion of new fans in Blackburn, impressing with their incredible musicianship, super-cool songs, and an enviable talent for keep the party vibe going right through to the death." - Ian Hodgson, Lancashire Telegraph

"The swollen anticipant throng did not faze or dull the swagger of Danny Connors lead rung of The Ladders. After a brief introduction he and they launched full force into song number one. There is no doubt that Danny Connors means it! The other rungs are tight and together but there is no doubt also that the boy Danny is the focus. So what has he got for us? Well, a Mayfield/Gaye/Who/Small Faces inspired English soul band, grappling to revise, refresh and reinvent, in the same way that Mr Weller has been grappling to revise, refresh and reinvent for the last thirty years. With only the briefest of moments to show what they have the two tracks that stuck to me were: The Ladders own "We Can Have it" and a supercharged version of the Small Faces "Don't Burst My Bubble". - Heartofapunksoulofarasta.com