DAN ISRAEL - YOU'RE FREE
2018 - Self released
I'm loathe to say Dan Israel is the archetypal 'singer songwriter' but that's exactly what he is, perhaps even being the definition of that loosest of all generic descriptions. He is not a country, rock, blues, power pop, folk or numerous other styles, musician, but he is a man who, almost certainly, unwittingly uses those and many other styles that arrive with him through inspiration, dedication and no doubt perspiration eventually winding up as unique Dan Israel songs! His compositions are an amalgamation of his lifetime of influences, sometimes from what is going on in the world at a particular time or maybe just from his mood at the time with little or no thought for keeping within a style or genre. His often poetic writing is such that he is guided by his songwriting rather than any adherence to a particular style, in fact I think his subject matter is so varied that he would be incapable of slotting into any stylistic box.
This is Dan's fourteenth studio album and I can honestly say that the uninitiated should start with this excellent recording and work their way back through his catalogue with no favoritism shown to any particular record, all being of such a high quality, although if you want to check a compilation first, 2013s excellent 'Danthology' is a good example of the man's work.
The subject matter of the songs on this recording are life experiences that will be familiar to most of us but Dan always seems to broach a subject from a slightly different perspective to everyone else, be it the forming of the lyrics or the arrangements, always having the element of surprise whether the listener is familiar with his work or not. Like most of us, he has studied not only his own life but the impact of the modern technological world on the environment and humanity as individuals, the songs always having that strong personal take that is never given to mere generalization.
The lineup for this recording consists of Dan Israel on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and lead vocals, David J. Russ, drums, bass, piano, lap steel, keyboards, cello noise, percussion and backing vocals, Rich Mattson plays electric guitar, (including guitar solos), bass and piano, with Mike Lane also on bass on some tracks, James Tyler O'Neill, keyboards and Fender Rhodes, Peter J. Sands on Hammond organ, Jillian Rae, violin, Paul Odegaard, trumpet, Dave Hill on drums, Randy Casey plays slide guitar and baritone guitar with both Katie Gearty and Jenny Russ adding backing vocals. Because of the broad musical scope of this album that lengthy list is necessary but the sound is never too dense or over produced; it's simply that whatever any particular song needs it is catered for.
The eleven Dan Israel original songs on the album are all beautifully conceived, arranged and performed by a master songwriter at the top of his game. They are thematically detailed and down to earth without being over expansive, adding to the power and impact of these often thought provoking tales. They are often deeply personal, not just to Dan but also to many who will take the trouble to explore the always rewarding and often philosophical details. The title track, You're free, gets underway with a drums and guitar intro leading Dan's vocal in on an excellent mid tempo song that has some excellent background harmonies on a tale that advises people to just go for it and follow their muse. The chugging sound gives the song greater depth and power; in fact this composition would probably sit with relative ease in the 'power pop' genre. Percussion and electric guitars get the deep rocking Long gone dreams off to a flier, driving Dan's vocal to great effect on a song that has a slightly threatening edge despite the fact there is nothing threatening in the lyrics, more accusation than threat, mixed with a lovely appealing poeticism. That is what sets this talented songwriter apart from most of his peers; the not knowing what will come next or how it will be formed even though this may not be the first listening session. Haunting violins and percussion along with handclaps and synth propel the opening of Make this life. As it starts to take shape a melodic guitar sound, gorgeous harmonies and deeply personal and poetic lyrics form a situation and an attitude that many will be familiar with. There are some unusual effects that enhance the song, almost reiterating the confusion that the subject is hoping he has left behind on this tale that is some way below mid tempo but never qualifies as a 'slow ballad.' It is immediately followed by Feeling better, a beautifully melodic song with a nice chiming guitar that in many ways attacks the subject of depression and anxiety from a slightly different perspective to its predecessor, being some way in the future and consequently a little more optimistic. Final mention is of If I didn't have you a song with an easy going tempo, with percussion, guitar and haunting steel guitar in the background on a 'love song' that tells of the depth of gratitude felt by someone who stumbles upon a deep love purely by chance. There are some lovely haunting female harmonies throughout the song enhancing the emotional depth and in many ways showing that the love he feels is returned.
After 21 years of working at the same day job Dan has finally taken the plunge and become a full time musician, playing ever more shows of his own music both solo and in a band format as well as yet more shows playing music by artists who have influenced him. Anyone who loves 'roots music' will benefit from his devoting more time to music despite the inherent difficulties he will be making for himself as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression. One of the songs on this album advises that we should all cast aside our chains and follow our muse, something from which Dan has taken his own advice. He deserves immense credit for doing so as well as our thanks for making an album of this inestimable and always thought provoking quality!
http://danisraelmusic.com/
I'm loathe to say Dan Israel is the archetypal 'singer songwriter' but that's exactly what he is, perhaps even being the definition of that loosest of all generic descriptions. He is not a country, rock, blues, power pop, folk or numerous other styles, musician, but he is a man who, almost certainly, unwittingly uses those and many other styles that arrive with him through inspiration, dedication and no doubt perspiration eventually winding up as unique Dan Israel songs! His compositions are an amalgamation of his lifetime of influences, sometimes from what is going on in the world at a particular time or maybe just from his mood at the time with little or no thought for keeping within a style or genre. His often poetic writing is such that he is guided by his songwriting rather than any adherence to a particular style, in fact I think his subject matter is so varied that he would be incapable of slotting into any stylistic box.
This is Dan's fourteenth studio album and I can honestly say that the uninitiated should start with this excellent recording and work their way back through his catalogue with no favoritism shown to any particular record, all being of such a high quality, although if you want to check a compilation first, 2013s excellent 'Danthology' is a good example of the man's work.
The subject matter of the songs on this recording are life experiences that will be familiar to most of us but Dan always seems to broach a subject from a slightly different perspective to everyone else, be it the forming of the lyrics or the arrangements, always having the element of surprise whether the listener is familiar with his work or not. Like most of us, he has studied not only his own life but the impact of the modern technological world on the environment and humanity as individuals, the songs always having that strong personal take that is never given to mere generalization.
The lineup for this recording consists of Dan Israel on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and lead vocals, David J. Russ, drums, bass, piano, lap steel, keyboards, cello noise, percussion and backing vocals, Rich Mattson plays electric guitar, (including guitar solos), bass and piano, with Mike Lane also on bass on some tracks, James Tyler O'Neill, keyboards and Fender Rhodes, Peter J. Sands on Hammond organ, Jillian Rae, violin, Paul Odegaard, trumpet, Dave Hill on drums, Randy Casey plays slide guitar and baritone guitar with both Katie Gearty and Jenny Russ adding backing vocals. Because of the broad musical scope of this album that lengthy list is necessary but the sound is never too dense or over produced; it's simply that whatever any particular song needs it is catered for.
The eleven Dan Israel original songs on the album are all beautifully conceived, arranged and performed by a master songwriter at the top of his game. They are thematically detailed and down to earth without being over expansive, adding to the power and impact of these often thought provoking tales. They are often deeply personal, not just to Dan but also to many who will take the trouble to explore the always rewarding and often philosophical details. The title track, You're free, gets underway with a drums and guitar intro leading Dan's vocal in on an excellent mid tempo song that has some excellent background harmonies on a tale that advises people to just go for it and follow their muse. The chugging sound gives the song greater depth and power; in fact this composition would probably sit with relative ease in the 'power pop' genre. Percussion and electric guitars get the deep rocking Long gone dreams off to a flier, driving Dan's vocal to great effect on a song that has a slightly threatening edge despite the fact there is nothing threatening in the lyrics, more accusation than threat, mixed with a lovely appealing poeticism. That is what sets this talented songwriter apart from most of his peers; the not knowing what will come next or how it will be formed even though this may not be the first listening session. Haunting violins and percussion along with handclaps and synth propel the opening of Make this life. As it starts to take shape a melodic guitar sound, gorgeous harmonies and deeply personal and poetic lyrics form a situation and an attitude that many will be familiar with. There are some unusual effects that enhance the song, almost reiterating the confusion that the subject is hoping he has left behind on this tale that is some way below mid tempo but never qualifies as a 'slow ballad.' It is immediately followed by Feeling better, a beautifully melodic song with a nice chiming guitar that in many ways attacks the subject of depression and anxiety from a slightly different perspective to its predecessor, being some way in the future and consequently a little more optimistic. Final mention is of If I didn't have you a song with an easy going tempo, with percussion, guitar and haunting steel guitar in the background on a 'love song' that tells of the depth of gratitude felt by someone who stumbles upon a deep love purely by chance. There are some lovely haunting female harmonies throughout the song enhancing the emotional depth and in many ways showing that the love he feels is returned.
After 21 years of working at the same day job Dan has finally taken the plunge and become a full time musician, playing ever more shows of his own music both solo and in a band format as well as yet more shows playing music by artists who have influenced him. Anyone who loves 'roots music' will benefit from his devoting more time to music despite the inherent difficulties he will be making for himself as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression. One of the songs on this album advises that we should all cast aside our chains and follow our muse, something from which Dan has taken his own advice. He deserves immense credit for doing so as well as our thanks for making an album of this inestimable and always thought provoking quality!
http://danisraelmusic.com/