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Review: "...and Truth is Spectacular"
Danny Bakan invites you into his second recording with the welcoming "Here," a song affirming life. He continues with the upbeat "84,000 Ways," that insists that as long as love is involved, there's no one right way or right couple to raise a child. Thus, the CD grabs you from the start.
Bakan exudes warmth in this recording, as well as a deep connectedness to his music. Although produced by Glen Marshall, there's a lot of Tom Leighton's (of Haines and Leighton) influence on this CD, especially Leighton's fluid, rollicking accordion playing. Bakan plays a variety of banjos (and banjo styles) as well as guitar. Another half dozen musicians make varying contributions on varying tracks. He also employs a choir of friends for vocal harmonies. Musically this is an exceptionally solid and entertaining recording and Bakan proves himself a talented songwriter on 12 of the 13 tracks. He throws in his instrumental arrangement of the traditional
"Bonaparte Crosses the Rhine" for seasoning. A few other outstanding songs include "How the Mighty Fall" inspired by Conrad Black's publishing scandal, about how ultimately no one is beyond the reach of the law and "The Twin Towers of Babel" a unique observation comparing the Tower with the destruction of the World Trade Center, positing that overarching pride and the inability to communicate brought all down. It's a disturbing, but mightily moving song. Bakan concludes the CD with the simple love song "The Way of the Heart," advising to live true to the moment and follow your heart. I only wish instead of bits and pieces of artifacts in the multi-page booklet he included the lyrics instead of making the listener go to his web site.
If you're looking for a new singer-songwriter, Bakan would be a pleasurable discovery (Rich Warren) - Sing Out Magazine
Discography
".... and Truth is Spectacular" 2005
"Dog Man Don't Cat Man Do" 2001
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Bio
Danny Bakan is a visionary songwriter and a darn fine banjo player.
A Canadian performer with roots deep in the American folk tradition, Danny weaves old time music into compelling original songs to create a truly fresh and unique sound. With contagious enthusiasm, Danny’s masterful clawhammer banjo and guitar playing supports his poignant, thoughtful, and often humourous songs. The melodic rhythm of the Appalachians Mountains anchors the music with infectious grooves...paying homage to and transcending genre.
Danny Bakan’s debut CD, "Dog Man Don't Cat Man Do" and his newly released second CD, “…and Truth is Spectacular” have received national airplay in both Canada and the USA including spins on the CBC, NPR, The Midnight Special (national US syndicate) and more.
Librarians in The American Folk Life Centre of the Library of Congress recently honoured Danny, hosting a special session to collect his songs, stories and clawhammer banjo style for their archives.
Danny moonlights as a faculty member of Ryerson University, where he teaches music and arts pedagogy to future educators. He is a master facilitator and an inspiring teacher. A list of workshops is available on request.
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What they are saying:
"... an exceptionally solid and entertaining recording... a talented songwriter... outstanding songs... a pleasurable discovery"
Sing Out! Magazine
"...not just one or two great songs with decent filler; instead, these are powerful, full-bodied songs, sung from the heart without preaching, without pretension."
Steve Fruitman CIUT-FM
“…One talented guy…”
Rich Warren, Midnight Special WFMT Chicago
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