DDRIVE

Fasten your seatbelts CAL fans! 'yer in for the ride of your life!!!!!!!
I've just been listening to this CD and am totally blown away by the songs that it contains:
1. Little Bitta Sunshine everyone needs this in 'yer life and Phil's soaring vocals and power house range delivers you cannot deny it!
2. Straight up the middle title track and that's where it will take you on a rockin' journey
3. Lick your lips Classic wailin' rock tune with Phil's range that is always switched on: perfect pitch and tone every note crisp and clear
4. Dead on the Highway More road tuneage that begs for you to get behind 'yer favourite vehicle and just drive to this one my brothers and sisters. Head out on the open highway and embrace freedom!
5. Pray for Tomorrow Soon to be a video and destined for greatness. The stars were aligned when this tune was composed. A definite mantra for peace and hope in our troubled times " there will be better days if you just light the way...pray for tomorrow... Yeahhhhhhhhhh....
6. Whose side you're on A wailin' rocker that Phil 's voice was born to soar with...Nobody can wail this tuneage better...
7. Can you dig it Yes Phil we most certainly can with this tune crank 'er up and move and groove to this vibe and just dance 'yer **** off I dare 'ya
8. I don't wanna wait Another tune especially for the blow away guitar riffs at the introduction and continues with such force... great to rock out to!
9. I can feel no pain This is a ballad showing Phil's mellow side of vocals with heartfelt lyrics about the up side and down side of relationships. A personal fave of mine just sit back and contemplate those lyrics...Heavy sigh...guaranteed to melt your heart...transports you to another place and time
10. Love Me ( just dig these lyrics): I would take all the stars and build you a house for free) I love the yearning imagery in this song it paints such a vivid picture
11. Diamond Star Halo the title immediately brings to mind Marc Bolan & T Rex (Get it on) but oh so much more edgier and is so very stellar in its vibe
12. Another Funky day a smokin' tune that just won't quit in its urgency to round off this amazing list of tracks and love the rain and storm effects a Beatlesque touch. So very cool...
D-Drive is destined to play LIVE in the near future. More about that later.. Watch this space...so tune in turn on and LISTEN ...
- IluvPaul

Comments: Looks like the talented songwriting duo of Don Mancuso and Phil Naro are doing their best to bring back classic rock ‘n’ roll to the airwaves this summer. While the first D Drive release was more of a project, their new CD, Straight Down the Middle, cements the team as a band, and you can hear it in the music they make.



From the opening notes of “A Little Bitta Sunshine,” you know this is just feel-good music. Because of Mancuso’s affiliation with the legendary singer Lou Gramm (Mancuso was in Black Sheep with him and toured in Gramm’s solo band), you are going to hear that kind of nuance to D Drive’s compositions. But, this track has a bit of The Eagles to it, with the driving vocal rhythms from Naro and flawless guitar. This song is such a party anthem, it could make a teetotaler blackout for a week.



D Drive takes a huge risk on the title track, “Straight Up the Middle.” It seems like a bluesy, rockin’ song, but then suddenly it’s just a thumping bass line, drums, and Mancuso taking over lead vocals … rapping. What? Naro handles the vocals on the chorus, and the differences in their deliveries make this song interesting as hell. Another cool aspect to the song is that Mancuso doesn’t play a lot of rhythm guitar at all; it’s all blistering leads during the chorus, at the solo, and at times, when he’s rapping. It’s a bit of a surprise that they chose this as the title track, but you can’t win if you don’t take a chance.



Things take a turn for the darker on “Dead on the Highway.” Naro nearly sneers his vocals during the verses, and the bass line is edgy. Actually, it seems a lot like a Chris Isaak song, except a little heavier; it has those same haunting melodies. This is another surprising song, and it shows that D Drive can pull off any type of composition. Mancuso’s solo rages, one of his strongest on the entire release.



The first time a Foreigner vibe truly hits the album is on “Pray For Tomorrow.” Some of these comparisons are because Naro has that same sort of clear, effortless delivery Gramm owns. Keys play a larger role on this composition, and it’s the kind of song that could feel at home in the ‘80s all the way up to today.



“Diamond Star Halo” is another stray from the norm, because it begins with an almost tribal-drum explosion, and Naro nearly screaming a melodic vocal line. “Backstabbing, two faced snitch of a punk, that’s all you’ll ever be,” is just one of the stark lines Naro offers in this one. Lyrically, this isn’t a feel-good journey, but it’s memorable. Drummer Joe Lana really steals the spotlight on this one, though.



It doesn’t happen that bands “save the best for last,” but it’d be hard to argue that “Another Funky Day” isn’t the CD’s best song. If you are talking “hit,” something as contemporary as an Everclear single, then “Another Funky Day” is that song. Sure, Naro has a much broader range than Art Alexakis, but the vocal melodies will remind you of Everclear anyway. “Hey! Takes your mind, takes your soul! It’s just another funky day for you!” What a killer way to end Straight Up the Middle.



There aren’t really a ton of bands making this type of music today. Mancuso and Naro have been around long enough to be expert musicians and songwriters, and while they may come from the past, good music never goes out of style. And that’s exactly what D Drive delivers — good music.

- Derric Miller, www.hardrockhaven.net

“The legendary amount of talent we have on this stage tonight… we are blessed, … we are damn lucky, … God, these guys are just awesome, absolutely incredible…” - - Carl Russo, Classic Jock, 97 ROCK, Buffalo, NY

“Mancuso’s feet are rarely on the ground as he rocks crowds – whose asses are rarely in their seats – with arena-era, blues-tinged guitar.” – Frank De Blasé, Rochester NY City News - Frank De Blasé, Rochester NY City News

“the combined forces of Mancuso, Naro, … plus a long list of talented musicians… resulted in a melodic hard rock album that deserves global attention…” - Chris Lambert, Editor in Chief, RockReport, Belgum

Don, ...Will from WRFR here. I did get the cd and have already introduced it. I will follow-up this email with my most recent playlists (reported to the labels and CMJ) as evidence. If you want a print review in my area, take a look at:
www.facemag.com and www.portlandphoenix.com I can not guarantee anything, but it is worth a shot.

I'll give you a few of my comments on this cd. Feel free to use my quotes from this review in any press kit you put together. Let me know if the stuff below works. As you may notice, I liked the cd quite well and meant everything I typed below.

Cheers,

Will Matson, WRFR FM: 93.3 (Rockland) and 99.3 (Camden) in midcoast Maine

www.wrfr.org



DON MANCUSO: "D-Drive." 2004, GFI Records

"D-Drive" is a 2004 solo release by guitarist Don Mancuso, of the Lou Gramm (ex-Foreigner) Band. This is Don's project, but there is a core line-up of musicians featured. Don is the featured guitarist throughout the cd. Dave Quick is the primary bassist and Joe Lana is the drummer for all but one tune (track four uses Joe Szembrot). Ten of the thirteen songs feature the lead vocals of Phil Naro. The frontman of the three remaining tracks is the legendary Lou Gramm, himself. Lou also does background vocals on a fourth track in which Naro handles lead. Of the thirteen songs, twelve are originals. Don Mancuso contributes to the writing of all original songs and Phil Naro participated in the writing of every original except one. Lou Gramm helped out on the writing of one of the songs he did lead vocals for. Mancuso and Naro participated in producing this album (along with Steve Major).

Track by track:

'A little outside': This cut opens the album in fine fashion. An upbeat number aided by the vocals of Lou Gramm. Guitarist Don Mancuso quickly offers evidence as to why he is Lou's solo band guitarist. An easy track to imagine on one of Lou's solo albums.

'Down, Rotten, Dirty': The album could have just as easily been led off with this song. The entire track sounds very Stone-sy. Phil Naro's vocals and Don's guitar during the verses remind me of the Rolling Stones "Voodoo Lounge" single, 'Love is strong.' It features the same seductive feel and could be a strong radio single, if given the opportunity, as it sounds great on air. The solo here is one of the strongest you'll hear on the album.

'Lock Lips': A track that works well, because the vocals and guitars seem to be going two different places. Phil Naro's delivery reminds me of Bryan Adams. Meanwhile, Mancuso is playing in more of a southern/country rock style, which might seem curious in print but makes this a song that stands out. Those are Lou Gramm's vocals you hear in the background.

'Wait till the sun goes down': Lou Gramm back on lead vocals. While Lou's first lead vocal on "D-Drive" was similar to the style on his solo albums, this cut definitely feels like later-day Foreigner. A later day Foreigner single, at that, not just filler. Don Mancuso certainly proves he can keep up with the Joneses of the world (mainly Mick Jones, of
Foreigner) on lead guitar.

'Can't dig your way out': A bit of a curveball here. This is more of a contemporary-sounding pop number that could slide into a radio rotation along with Train, John Mayer, Coldplay and Matchbox 20. The song has the best lyrics on the album. Phil Naro handles the vocals here.

'Why is everybody?': A modern rock number that has a strong hook for radio. The difference between this and the rest of the tracks populating radio is the excellent Don Mancuso guitar solo. Try and beat that, if the major labels will let you. The harmony vocals near the end wind up the song in grand fashion. Phil Naro has a voice capable of handling (and conquering) today's top-40 radio.

'Down U Go': A forgettable but solid number that isn't on par with the rest of the material. Although it doesn't measure up, this tune does not drag. As this song goes along, particularly the second half, it shows signs of life.

'Funny Pages': This song is a winner all around. A funk-style song with some added instruments (trumpet, sax, trombone) contributing to an infectious groove. 'Funny Pages' contains a great rhythm that you can dance to all night long. It serves to show the range of Don Mancuso's guitar playing and the musicians surrounding him.

'You're never alone': Last call for Lou Gramm, since this is his final appearance on "D-Drive." This is classic Gramm, aided by Mancuso who lends a slow, bluesy guitar. A ballad that is played tastefully and with real emotion from both Mancuso and Gramm, who make an excellent team on record.

'Missing': Phil Naro delivers what could be considered his best lead vocal on this album. 'Missing' isn't far removed from some of the British rock heavyweights, including the Beatles and Oasis. This cut is very atmospheric and is capable of sliding into the college radio market.

'Build My Castle': Phil Naro obviously learned from one of the best in Lou Gramm. This one would be a treat to listen to with Gramm, as he could easily deliver a knock out performance of the song. The track has the hooks and melodies that we've come to know (and love) from Lou. One of the harder-rocking tracks on the album, Don's guitar is really breathing fire here.

'I'm finding out': A song that slides into Shadowking (Lou Gramm/Vivian
Campbell) territory. One of my favorite solos on the album. This has an early 90's AOR feel and is a strong album track. 'I'm finding out' would sound good on a rock station that likes to work more than just one or two cuts (the singles). Sung by Phil Naro, this is the last original on "D-Drive."

'Hey Bulldog': Penned by John Lennon/Paul McCartney, 'Hey Bulldog' wraps up "D-Drive" with a spirited power-pop cover that does justice to the original, and then some. The song selection for this cover showed good taste, as this is a song that sticks in your head like peanut butter.
This would be the one song in which the guitar is more background music and the vocals (Phil Naro) take over.

Review: Four 1/2 out of Five stars

Clearly, this album comes recommended to a Lou Gramm fan since his influence is visible. Don Mancuso easily has the chance to come out of this release with a lot of new fans and an increased visibility for his own music. He didn't get chosen to be Lou Gramm's guitarist for nothing.
Don proves himself as a force to be reckoned with, and so does Phil Naro. For somebody who came in with no clear idea of what to expect, I found the songwriting was much stronger than I expected. Nearly every track here could be played by a radio programmer, with a straight face.
Aside from 'Down U Go', the collection of songs is strong as a whole.

The one potential drawback of the album is also something that others may consider to be a strong point. A variety of styles are featured on "D-Drive." The plus is that you soon discover this band is a top-notch unit with plenty of range. The minus is that the listener who anticipates twelve tracks, and forty minutes, of Foreigner style up-tempo rock may be confused. The segment of the rock population that may be a little less open-minded won't be as appreciative of material like 'Funny pages' or 'Missing.' They may feel they were fooled by the first part of the the cd. For the record, let it be said that this particular reviewer was impressed with the different genres that make up these cuts.

After a quiet past several years, it is nice to hear some new recordings featuring Lou Gramm. Obviously still in fine form, Lou raises the quality of everything he sings on just by showing up. "D-Drive" helps get listeners excited to hear some more new material from Gramm, as his work here is a taster for his own next project. However, it also gets somebody excited to hear what Don Mancuso has up his sleeve next. Being one of the main songwriters and the lead guitarist, he certainly held up his end of things in spades. On the next cd, I might suggest using either a single singer (Phil Naro, perhaps) throughout or having a different singer with each track (ala Santana's "Supernatural" or Dave Grohl's Probot). I will say that things worked pretty well the way they were done this time around, though. Unlike some solo efforts by other musicians (i.e. Yngwie Malmsteen), Don Mancuso doesn't try stealing the show or dominating the proceedings. This is a true band effort and all the parts work together as one. Don simply performs, at a high level, and lets the other musicians in on the fun.






- Will Matson, WRFR 93.3 Rockland, Maine