Chip Dolan

“From the opening bars of the first tune, Chip Dolan had me hooked. The more I listen to RIGHT NOW, the more I want to listen.”

- JOAN KORNBLITH, 2006

“With 12 originals and a cover of Guy Clark's ‘Baton Rouge’, one can hear traces of The Grateful Dead, The Band, The Meters, and The Pogues side by side on an album that transcends the usual limitations of a sideman project. And, of course, it sounds great.” Rated 4 stars.

- JOHN CONQUEST, 2006

“It's about time someone came out with real song like this! What I like best is the full sound of a band like this. Different styles blended so well together. Dolan is a real songwriter with an ear for rhythm. Can't wait for the next album.” Rated 5 stars.

- PATRICK DAVIN, NYC, 2006

http://www.altcountry.nl/recensiesjan06.html

CHIP DOLAN CD RIGHT NOW RATED 3 OUT OF 5 ‘HORSES’
by WWW.ALTCOUNTRY.NL

If you are in demand by artists such as Bruce and Charlie Robison, Elisa Gilkyson, Greg Trooper, Jimmy Lafave and Slaid Cleaves and many others, you are certainly no small fry.

For more than 20 years CHIP DOLAN has been active as a studio musician (song, guitar, piano, accordion) and as a producer; he has performed in his home state of Texas and on trips all over the world. It wasn't until this year that he got to do a solo project: namely the CD "RIGHT NOW" (NOAH BAMBOA RECORDS), which he recorded with a group consisting of MARVIN DYKHUIS (several different guitars, mandolin and bass), GEORGE REIFF (bass) and RICK RICHARDS (drums).

Already at first hearing, it becomes clear that Dolan has composed a disk with a variety of styles. For example, COUNT THE STARS sounds a little like Steely Dan, in BATON ROUGE there are Cajun influences, and RUMBULYAE sounds like an Irish drinking song. HOO HA is rock 'n roll, 30 MILES AWAY is jazz and RIGHT NOW is kind of western swing. Interspersed we hear a few nice love songs that remind us a little of James Taylor. This variety makes the disk somewhat inconsistent, but that may be the only criticism.

The CD was already completed when Dolan saw the images of Hurricane Katrina on CNN TV, just at the moment that the first levees broke. Later he heard a man tell the story that he saw his wife disappear in the waves without being able to help her. A number of evacuees from New Orleans stayed at his house for a while; only then did he realize what these people have to go through. It results in BUCKTOWN, which he sings together with CYRIL NEVILLE and RUTHIE FOSTER. An impressive number, full of hope. When the saints come marchin' in, we'll rise again, we'll rise again.

(PETER PLEYTE) RIGHT NOW is available from CDBABY.

Translation by NINA KOOIJ
- PETER PLEYTE, JAN 2006

Our Rating: 8 out of 10 Stars

There is something about singer/songwriter Chip Dolan (http://www.chipdolan.com) that reminds me of the '70s. Perhaps it is his voice, laid back and sunny as Jackson Browne's or any of the Eagles. Maybe it's the music, which is often driven by piano a la Billy Joel. Or his lyrics that echo the sun-baked storytelling of Jimmy Buffett, especially "Baton Rouge."

The '70s.

And to a generation that grew up on pop music during that era, Dolan should be their man. Call it easy listening if you will; it's simply melodic pop/rock, tastefully played and sung.

The pretty, acoustic "Count the Stars" could've been released in the early '70s, during the original heyday of the male singer/songwriter. When it hits the chorus, it's like you've entered a time machine, taking you back to the days when people actually harmonized in their songs.

"Paris," which should be played alongside P.M.'s "Moonlight Over Paris," and "Never Leave Alone" are two of the finest piano pieces here, grabbing the listener with subtle hooks.

On "Rumbulyae," Dolan dives into traditional Irish music, and it's so pleasing to the ears that it leaves you longing for more in the same direction.
- ADAM HARRINGTON

Chip Dolan
Right Now
Noah Bamboa Records

Singer/songwriter Chip Dolan is of a different stripe than contemporary male solo artists like John Mayer, who is often cloned. Dolan belongs to an older generation, one that is uninterested in vague lyrics or a self-consciously "hip" groove. There is a tropical rock flavor to some of Dolan's stuff that is reminiscent of Jimmy Buffett and his friend Bertie Higgins of "Key Largo" fame (remember him?).

Dolan's songs do not remind listeners of experiences as much as places. That he would have a track called "Baton Rouge" is not a shock. And then there's "Paris," which really takes you to that beloved city.

Since Billy Joel retired from pop over a decade ago, there has been a void in rock & roll that nobody has yet to fill. T! he kind of piano-laden storytelling that Joel did so effortlessly is nearly extinct now. The power of Joel's songs came as much from his words - his ability to tell tales - as it did in his empathetic vocal delivery and uncluttered arrangements.

If you're looking for postmodern irony, you won't find it here. But simple pleasures are abound so sit back and enjoy.

- KYRBY RAINE, FEB 2006