CD/LP/Track Review
Dr. Dan: Dan On The Moon
Glenn Astarita
Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.He’s performed with the legendary Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, guitarist Steve Vai and with the fine Atlanta, Georgia based outfit, - “Aquarium Rescue Unit” as keyboardist Dr. Dan embarks on a solo flight with this brand new release titled, Dan On The Moon. Not jazz but more of a hodgepodge of jazzy riffs, soul-funk and fusion grooves, the good doctor is an adept and fairly creative keyboardist who utilizes his arsenal well. However, there’s not much depth or basically a whole lot going on here other than your standard party groove mix, featuring flashy soloing, funk-rock beats and some technical gymnastics thrown in for good measure, yet if that is what the doctor ordered, than it may work for you.
Throughout, you might get the feeling that you’re listening to a veteran session musician who had decided to step into the spotlight as the compositions are somewhat unremarkable amid the at times accelerated pace and smoothly executed performances. Essentially, the music and overall presentation offers little in the way of anything that might be considered novel or pioneering other than musicians having some good-natured fun. Dan On The Moon is an upbeat, groovin’ affair and contains a few memorable moments but fails to sustain much interest.
* * ½ (out of * * * * *)
Personnel:
Dr. Dan; Keyboards, Vocals: Sam Sims; Bass: Lil
Record Label: Terminus Records | Style: Funk/Groove
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