Dan Reynolds - Nowhere Home

Styles: Vocal, Piano
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:09
Size: 96,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. German Park
(3:15)  2. Diane
(3:39)  3. Paper
(3:36)  4. October Moon
(3:35)  5. Nowhere Home
(4:01)  6. Left My Heart
(3:11)  7. Third Most Special
(4:31)  8. Why Do I Let You
(3:25)  9. Maize And Blues
(4:45) 10. The Birthday Wish
(4:04) 11. So Much More Living

As a kid, Dan used to ride his bike to the used record shop and buy up old folk-rock records from the 25-cent bin Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Lightfoot, Croce… He taught himself to play guitar along with every song. He fell in love with that music, and eventually met talented local musicians who helped him learn even more songs, guitar and harmony. Local artists like Jill Jack and Billy Brandt introduced him to a wide array of new (and old) music as well as highly-respected musicians like Nolan Mendenhall and David Mosher. In the years that followed, David and Dan became good friends, and Dan sought David's help in becoming a better musician and songwriter. It wasn't easy for Dan to find his own voice. His early songwriting attempts lacked direction and emotion, and most of the songs ended up on the cutting room floor. But late one night, while going through the most emotionally intense time of his life, Dan stopped by David's house with a stack of crumpled papers and hand-scrawled notes stuffed into his guitar case. One by one, he played through the four or five songs that had practically written themselves in the preceding days and weeks, while David listened. For the first time, Dan's voice came through loud and clear. He had finally found the motivation and intensity he needed, and they started recording that night. Dan continued writing and, before he was done, several more songs had taken shape. His first original album, "Nowhere Home", was born. In addition to producing Dan's first album, David Mosher contributed his immense instrumental and vocal talents to the project. He is featured on mandolin, banjo, dobro, fiddle, bass and backing vocals. Nolan Mendenhall provides his signature bass tracks on several songs as well. Their collaboration helped each of Dan's songs come to life - even before those songs were ever heard by an audience. Dan works as a writer and editor, performing live music around his hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan whenever opportunities arise. You'll also find him working in the backwoods of his northern Michigan camp, and taking on odd jobs for neighbors and friends to help make ends meet. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/reynoldsdan

Nowhere Home

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Dan Reynolds - River Maiden

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:55
Size: 107,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:05)  1. Last Chance
(3:57)  2. River Maiden
(3:46)  3. Summer Rain
(4:21)  4. Buttercup
(4:18)  5. Takeiton Faith
(3:06)  6. Angels Butterflies
(4:32)  7. Pinkys Groove
(4:22)  8. Clives Jive
(4:29)  9. Lady Cloud
(5:14) 10. Big Sky
(3:40) 11. Calico Autumn

Dan Reynolds started his career performing regularly with DC-based jazz greats such as Marshall Keys, Ron Holloway, Keter Betts, Scott Ambush, Vinny Valentino, & Keith Killgo of the Blackbyrds. He also worked with Eddie Harris, Larry Coryell, Najee, Maysa, Ken Navarro and many more. His first solo project Never Alone (1993) was followed by Lifeline (1994), To Be Sure (2000) and now River Maiden. Greg and Gary Grainger, Marshall Keys, Al Williams, & Scott Ambush are among the artists of this album. To classify his album just as smooth doesn't do justice to his musical art. His work deserves a closer observation.Last Chance is the starting point of all good. Dan's piano and Rob Holmes' sax introduce into the melody expanding to awesome soli of Dan and guitarist Dan Leonhard which bridge the fragments of the melody line. The song is closed by Rob's final subtle sax solo.

Dan's distinctive appreciation of everything beautiful finds its expression in River Maiden. Dan not only masters the piano performance, he is also a musical expert of synthesizer and keyboards. His pitches, attacks, sustain and release are just on the point delivering the maximum of emotional outbreak. Gary Grainger on bass delivers brilliant rhythmical syncopated accents. Peaceful moments are the theme of Summer Rain. Dan's piano performance outlines the melody filled with color by Marshall Keys on sax. Buttercup features Chris Battistone on muted trumpet. His performing credits include the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ron Holloway, James Moody, Harry Connick Jr., Nancy Wilson, and many more. Nevertheless takes Dan the lead on piano with nonchalance and sovereignty. Take It On Faith presents Dawn Robinson from the famous R&B group En Vogue in a modest duet with Jeff Watson. Tone color and richness of tone of Dawn's is incredible and so unfamiliar to her appearance in En Vogue. Angels & Butterflies pours out a cornucopia of brilliant piano tones over body and soul. A masterpiece.

Pinky's Groove is a musical symbolization of pure joy. Matvey Sigalov showcases his tremendous talent on violin. He is recognized not only as a violin player , but also as an original composer and a guitarist. Retro sound on Hammond B3 offers the dynamic Clive's Jive. On Lady Cloud Dan Reynolds reveals his romantic vein melting his piano performance with the mellow tones of Rob Holmes' sax. The theme of great America mirrors in Big Sky associating images of vast prairies, mountains and forests. Calico Autumn closes the album with Dan's sensitive piano play answered by Dan Leonard on guitar. Dan Reynolds and his fellow musicians illustrate on River Maiden their capabilities and personalities in every imaginable way. The beauty of melodies develops like a blossoming  flower or like walking through a mythic garden. http://www.smooth-jazz.de/starportrait/Reynolds/Rivermaiden.htm

Personnel:  Dan Reynolds - piano & keys;  Mark Russell - bass;  Greg Grainger - drums;  Rob Holmes - sax;  Dan Leonard - guitar

River Maiden

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