Mike Dalton

It is rare today to find out something meaningful and sincere about a singer through his music. Even more rare is when the tunes offer such a smooth ride, as on Glider.

It used to be music was more than general platitudes about romance, love and fighting for your right to par-tay, and at least partly about presenting confessions. You listen to Mike Dalton and the band and you're swept away, not in morass of morbidity, but a life story in 18 chapters.

Dalton offers the complexity of voice that comes with anyone even mildly worth listening to - in casual conversation or in your headphones; on the bar stage or blasting around your apartment.

You gotta love yourself
You got no help in singing alone sometimes
Sometimes we don't mind

But I'm a father ....

That from "College Avenue" which comes after "Goober" - a song that features a spoken introduction by Dalton's young son. And maybe it's just me and my absent and now dead father, but songs about fathers who love being a parent take me somewhere else in my head.

The first few intro phrases of "Story of my Life" echo Michelle Shocked's "Anchorage," - another tale with real life characters. The melody drives the song in a happy reflection of a life lived within his means.

Looking through my pictures I see all the ones I love.
How I miss my mother who I never gave enough
Now I really need her
I'm in trouble once again
I can't make it through it
She'd say, Michael, yes, you can

... ...
I put away the bottle once for two days in a row
I'm giving up Sambuca** too, after one more show
It's such a long long way to go
And running out of gas
Most of my decisions come and bite me in the ass.

Music should be about having something to say - unless it's about getting you to move your body and dance.

It's hard to believe this is the group's fourth album - and Dalton has been in bands since 1983 and into music since he was 6 years old. The revealing truths that come out, one would think, would have shown themselves earlier on in a career.

The band has a reputation as an overworked cover band around New Jersey - but only as a vehicle for getting in their own lick and kicks. And if I only had the cover list to go by, from the Foo Fighter's "All My Life" to "Don't Be Cruel" by Elvis, I would know they'd be my brand of beer.

"I Can't Save It Now" jangles it's way to a declaration that he's forgotten how to love - at least one person. It has pop without the fizzle, freedom without the flotsam and ballad without the blahs. It's uplifting.

Smoky is the first word that comes to mind about Dalton's voice. Warm is the next. The music, from the plaintive quality in Dalton's singing to the often gentle guitar strums, made me want to know more about the man behind this intensely personal music. And intensely personal here does not mean dark and confused.

Dalton and the band have learned the secret behind these type of songs - don't wallow in your own pain for any length of time. Keep the songs short. Because just like in real life, patience with another's sorrows is a matter of convenience and time.

And so it comes as no small surprise that having listened and never tiring, to discover that, as Mike's bio states, "He's had over 200 airplays on national television shows such as As the World Turns, Another World, Guiding Light, and Passions." Since he's a New Jersey lad, expect to hear him on the new Fox show "Point Pleasant" any day now.

Can anyone say cognitive dissonance? (Answer, yes, but I can't spell it)

As befits people of a sharing, confessional nature - without the goo, the band's Web site (MikeDalton.com) is packed full of information about roots, whereabouts and influences. There's photos galore and question and answer sessions of the band members — Eddie Carson, Jimmy Drulett, Nick Massaro, and Dalton.

I would also have to say, this is headphone music. I may be late to this discovery, but there are some types of music, some voices and styles which sound much better the more inside your head they become.

Of course I haven't heard them live.


Give these guys a listen and order the CD here with 60-second excerpts of four of the songs at MikeDalton.com.


Glider

1. Stairs of Love
2. Primrose Lane
*3. I Can't Save It Now
4. For Life
*5. Goober
*6. One More
*7. Needle In My Vein
*8. College Ave.
*9. The Story Of My Life
10. Anymore
*11. Coming Down From The High
12. Make Way For My Son
13. On Me
14. You'll Never Know
15. If My Dad Was Hip
16. Love
*17. The Ship Must Sail
18. Love Keeps Me Waiting

* Songs I heard completely
** Incidentally, I was reminded of the fun of drinking Sambuca when I looked how to spell it. It involves fire.

I posted this at Blogcritics.org a week or so ago.

Note, Mr. Dalton (I can't call him Mike really now can I since I don't know him) and Pat, their publicist, have e-mailed me and reacted favorably to this review. If I move a whole heap off my plate I want to interview Mr. Dalton. Before that however - among much else - I plan to interview at least Lemmy from Motorhead and Jimmy Dean (yes, that Jimmy Dean.

- http://templestark.com/archives/2005/01/review_mike_dal.php

I wouldn't say my tastes are way the hell out there in left field. You will probably have heard of almost anyone on my favorites lists. Even if they aren't necessarily mainstream, they're someone you've known (**see list below).

But through Blogcritics there's been a few bands I've really just been excited about and which deserve to be up there with all the others who actually focus on the music of the industry.

And I have them in my iTunes mix and when they come on - and I'm not quite paying attention - they fit right in until I look up.

That would fit the Mike Dalton Band. I really enjoyed them (review here). They ain't no folksy whiners; they aren't angry whiners. They don't whine, they narrate - real emotion, a sense of understated humor with a great guy's voice. I tend to be one for women's voices so the guy's voice has to tell me something in a hurry.
- http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/13/011628.php

I just finished listening to the new MIKE DALTON cd “GLIDER” for the third time straight. I still can’t put a label on it that fits. Mike Dalton has a voice and writing style soooo much like the Beatles.

The guitars are near perfect. Sometimes resembling Neil Young on the leads yet the acoustic parts flow like James Taylor. Still the mix and overall sound has a very modern pop rock sound.

Yet, that being said this is a creative work. Apparently not afraid to take chances with bits like the one minute and fifteen second song “GOOBER”. Track eight "College Ave.” could be an unplugged version of a Nickleback or Three Doors Down song. Track 9 “The Story of My Life” has a Gregg Allman piano feel to it. Track 13 ”On Me” is an up tempo song sort of jazz or R&B flavored. Different from the rest of “Glider”. Track 14 “You’ll Never Know” has a smooth Atlanta Rhythm Section sound. Track 15 “If My Dad Was Hip” has a Spanish zing sounding much like the Dirty Dancing sound track.

The artwork, graphics, and packaging are fantastic. I had to really look it over to see it wasn’t a major label release. Mike Dalton has the best promotions people behind him I’ve ever seen without a major label. This could be another self made story like George Thorogood.

With 18 tracks plus a few hidden tracks the listener gets a lot of music for the money! Mike Dalton writes very modern sounding pop songs yet he sings and sounds remarkably like Paul McCartney and John Lennon. If you love the Beatles, this is probably a must have.

If you love pop music with a love theme through out the lyrics this is for you. It’s also G-rated. Unlike most pop recordings, this one I would not be afraid to let the young or young at heart listen to. Check it out for yourself!

- www.muzikreviewz.com

1) Who are the band members, and what bands were they previously in?
Mike Dalton [Lead Vocal/Guitar/Piano/Harmonica]:
previously in Sattire, The Push, Mike Dalton & The Push
Eddie Carson [Guitar/vocals]:
previously in Rudy & The Eastern Lights, OBC, The Attic Rats
Jimmy Druiett [Drums/Guitar/vocals]:
previously in The Kooks
Nick Massaro [Bass/vocals]:
previously in Brian Kirk & The Jirks, Blasted

2) How did the band get together?
mike: Much like an musical project, over the years i met many musicians, some of which just inspired me enough to want to work with them. Lucky for me, they were into it. Looking for a guitar player, i grabbed Eddie in or around 1993, although i think i wanted him in the band for at least 5 years previous to this. We went through a few members, then found a drummer in Jimmy Druiett in 1995. My drummer at that time had to leave, and the next day, my friend Little Jimmy Druiett called and said that his band was breaking up and he was looking for a gig. Bingo. A couple of bass players later, we acquired Nick in 2004. He was a last minute audition and we just knew he was the one.

3) Where have you played?
mike: here's the list we've added to over the years.....!
1 Jenkinson’s, Pt. Pleasant NJ
2 Martell’s, Pt. Pleasant NJ
3 Ralwiggie’s, Pt. Pleasant NJ
4 Maggie’s, Pt. Pleasant NJ
5 JP Bailey’s, Pt. Pleasant NJ
6 Martinique, Pt. Pleasant NJ
7 Village Inn, Pt. Pleasant NJ
8 Idle Hour, Pt. Pleasant NJ
9 Broadway, Pt. Pleasant NJ
10 Bar Anticipation, Belmar NJ
11 Boathouse, Belmar NJ
12 Reggie’s, Belmar NJ
13 Jerry O’s, Belmar NJ
14 Tradewind’s, Sea Bright NJ
15 Razzle’s, Seaside Hts NJ
16 Bermuda Club, Seaside Hts NJ
17 Hollywood, Seaside Hts NJ
18 Chatterbox, Seaside Hts NJ
19 Club XS, Seaside Hts NJ
20 Surf Club, Seaside Hts NJ
21 Beach Club, Seaside Hts NJ
22 Bamboo Bar, Seaside Hts NJ
23 Aztec, Seaside Hts NJ
24 Wine Cellar, Seaside Hts NJ
25 Spicy, Seaside Hts NJ
26 JR’s, Seaside Hts NJ
27 Used To Be’s, Mantoloking NJ
28 Stone Pony, Asbury Park NJ
29 Fast Lane, Asbury Park NJ
30 Rock Horse, Asbury Park NJ
31 T-Bird’s Café, Asbury Park NJ
32 Deck House, Asbury Park NJ
33 Leggett’s, Manasquan NJ
34 Osprey, Manasquan NJ
35 Four Winds, Manasquan NJ
36 Doc Donahue’s, Manasquan NJ
37 O’Neill’s, Manasquan NJ
38 Joe Pop’s, Long Beach Island NJ
39 Fred’s Tavern, Long Beach Is NJ
40 Tide’s Café, Neptune NJ
41 Public House, Neptune NJ
42 Baby Back Café, Neptune NJ
43 Jo Jo Player’s, Neptune NJ
44 Sandbar, Brielle NJ
45 Gilligan’s, Brielle NJ
46 LT’s, Brielle NJ
47 Jessie’s, Brielle NJ
48 Harbor Inn, Brielle NJ
49 Sparkle’s, Brielle NJ
50 Roxy, New Brunswick NJ
51 Old Queen’s, New Brunswick NJ
52 Pompous Menagerie, N Bruns NJ
53 Rutger’s Univ, New Brunswick NJ
54 Richard’s, Brick NJ
55 Porch, Spring Lake NJ
56 Whisper’s, Spring Lake NJ
57 Olson’s, Tom’s River NJ
58 Barre Chord, Tom’s River NJ
59 Beach Haus, Bayville NJ
60 Murphy’s Law, Long Branch NJ
61 Bar Bombay, Long Branch NJ
62 Marz, Long Branch NJ
63 Monmouth College, Long Branch NJ
64 Sonny’s Circle Inn, Wall NJ
65 Atlantic Club, Wall NJ
66 Norwood Inn, Avon NJ
67 Column’s, Avon NJ
68 Parker House, Sea Girt NJ
69 Galaxy, Somerdale NJ
70 Raritan Manor, Somerville NJ
71 Cocktails, South River NJ
72 Playpen, South Amboy NJ
73 Birch Hill, Old Bridge NJ
74 Morgan’s, Eatontown NJ
75 Cabin, Freehold NJ
76 Study Hall Pub, Glassboro NJ
77 Rat Skeller, Trenton NJ
78 Georgian Ct Col, Lakewood NJ
79 Mt. St. Mary’s Col, Maryland
80 Bitter End, Greenwich Vil NY
81 CBGB’s, Greenwich Vil NY
82 Kenny’s Castaways, NY
83 R & R Café, Greenwich Vil NY
84 Cottonwood Café, NY
85 Atlantis Club, Greenwich Vil NY
86 Arlene’s Grocery, NY
87 South St. Seaport, NY
88 Chubby’s, Red Bank NJ
89 Four Season’s, Keyport NJ
90 Texas Arizona, Hoboken NJ
91 Whiskey Bar, Hoboken NJ
92 Monmouth Park Racetrack, NJ
93 Millstone Pub, Clarksburg NJ
94 Yankee Stadium, Bronx NY
95 Continental Airlines Arena, NJ
96 Soundgarden, Lodi NJ
97 Jersey Sports Café, Ruther NJ
98 Parkhill’s, Allenhurst NJ
99 White Elephant, Lakewood NJ
100 PNC Bank Arts Cnt, Holmdel NJ
101 Aunt Chilada’s, CN
102 Junkyard, Rochelle Pk NJ
103 First Energy Park, Lakewood NJ
104 Brookwood, Jackson NJ
105 Stretch's, Pt. Pleasant NJ
106 Clark's, Pt. Pleasant NJ
107 SRO Cafe, Staten Island NY

4) How would you describe the music that you do?
Mike: Always a hard question, as we like to play and write so many different genres of music. All the while, we're discovering different styles as we go along. Lately, for me, it's Ray Charles.
5) Who does the writing, and how does the writing process work for you?
mike: I do the majority of the songwriting, then Ed, Jim, and Nick come in the studio and round it all out. We put our heads together wherever there's room !
6) Who are the bands musical influences?
mike: For me, it's the Beatles (McCartney, in particular), Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, The WallFlowers, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Del Amitri, Gavin Degraw...i could go on forever. Ed leans toward The Band, Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne to name a few. Jimmy likes a lot of harder stuff including Metallica and Pearl Jam. Nick, being very eclectic, favors newer stuff like Green Day, Gavin DeGraw, and Blink 182, but is also driven by the Beatles, Sinatra, etc...
7) Any particular songs that are favorites of fans or yourself?
mike: "The Story Of My Life" has been embraced by so many people it's actually staggering. "Stairs of Love", (recently placed on Q104.3 FM-Out of the Box) is another favorite. "For Life" is very popular as well, having been used AS the wedding song for 2 weddings thus far. What a compliment....i love it.
8) Do you have plans for shows in the near future?
mike: well, we play 'tween 150 - 200 shows a year, but the one we're really gearing up for right now is "THE TODAY SHOW" on NBC, sometime in April. We don't have the exact date yet, but it's happening.
9) What are your goals, musically and professionally?
mike: Small picture is to keep writing and recording and enjoying it. we're promoting this cd (GLIDER) in hopes of sliding into the big picture. That could include a publishing deal or an artist deal, whichever comes first ! We're signing with Media 51 Management and we have great faith in them.

10) Where does the name of the band come from?
mike: My mom and dad gave it to me.

11) Are there any particularly funny or interesting stories from shows/recording?
mike: yes, but most of which have a gag-order on them !!
12) How does the Mike Dalton band feel about your project, and do you think it has helped or hurt to be in such a high-profile cover band?

mike: Music is music. I'm lucky to have this cover scene to perform in while i work behind the scenes trying to write and record music for the big scene.

13) Website/contact info?
www.mikedalton.com, Mike-at wheezer4@aol.com, Pat, Publicist, (908-896-0559)


- The Aquarian

1. AS A CHILD, WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM?
My dream, ever since I was about 6, was to do exactly what I’m doing now. Singing for people.
2. DID YOU EVER PLAY COPS & ROBBERS?
A lot of this went on with my brothers and my cousin Tommy. I remember many times racing around my Grandmother’s neighborhood on our bikes (sometimes on foot), or running around her property. I am the youngest of 3 boys, so Billy always got the best guns and my brother Timmy ALWAYS got the Moped…..!
3. WHICH ONE WERE YOU AND WHY?
Can’t really say I have a preference.
4. WHAT IS YOUR NATIONALITY, RACE?
I am Irish, English, Scotch, and a little American Indian.
5. HEIGHT? WEIGHT? COLOR EYES? COLOR HAIR? AGE?
Hazel Eyes, Light Brown Hair
6. ARE YOU VERY MUCH WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I’m a singin’ fool.
7. DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE? WHERE? WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Rutger’s University, graduated 1989. Major in Communications, minor in Criminology
8. DID YOU STUDY MUSIC?
No, they wouldn’t let me. I inquired about the major of music and because of the fact that I didn’t have 10 years of jazz or theory, they wouldn’t let me in the major.
9. WHERE WERE YOU RAISED?
Brick NJ
10. WHO INSPIRED YOU TO MUSIC? (FAMOUS OR NON-FAMOUS PERSON)
A guy named Frankie Rendell who used to play in the seventies at the Lobster Shanty (Point Pleasant) and at the Top of the Mast (Seaside Heights). When I was 6, my parents used to bring us for the early show and Frankie would always let me come up and sing “Song Sung Blue” and play the tamborine. That was very big for me….he gave me my first microphone stand which I still use for every show I play….
11. DID YOU EVER HAVE MONEY PROBLEMS THAT MAKES YOU REALIZE HOW FINANCIAL
STABLE AND SUCCESSFUL YOU ARE NOW?
n/a
12. WERE YOU EVER INTERESTED IN OTHER CAREERS? WHICH ONES?
At one point I considered being a doctor, a vet, a lawyer, or a teacher. I still may go into teaching some day. Probably somewhere between 2nd and 5th grade….who knows?
13. DID YOU EVER WANNA BE LIKE YOUR FATHER (CAREER WISE) (AS A PERSON)
Yeah, I looked up to my dad all growing up…but as far as a career, he’s a Private Investigator and my two brothers have worked for him but I never had an interest in that.
14. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONALITY FLAW?
Too many to mention….
15. YOU HAVE A CHILD? HOW OLD? TELL US ABOUT HIM? HOW DOES HE RESEMBLE
YOU?
Trevor Michael Dalton is 6 months old as of May 23rd 1999. He was born on November 23rd, 1998. He’s is the single most interesting person I know (and the happiest !!!).
WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER HOBBIES? INTERESTS
Golf, Poker, Pittsburgh Steelers, NY Yankees, reading, beer, animals, and tons and tons of music….
17. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? (THE LITTLEST THING)
Trevor. A good golf shot. A peaceful day. A good song.
18. WHAT CHALLENGES YOU?
Understanding people and the decisions they make in their lives.
19. WHAT UPSETS YOU GREATLY?
Ignorance and disrespect for each other. Not cleaning up for yourself at your friend’s house, the lack of respect abortion shows for an unborn child, and everything in between….
20. DO YOU SCHMOOZE W/GIRLS YOU MEET AT PERFORMANCES? WHY OR WHY
NOT?
I just hang out and have some beers and talk to my friends, and “fans” of the band ( I hate saying that word)
21. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU PLAY MOSTLY? WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE?
We play our original songs whenever we can and…anything Beatle-esque ,U2, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Del Amitri, Bruce, etc and a few top 40 hits once in a while just so people will leave me alone about it !
22. WHO DECIDED TO MAKE A COVER BAND? YOU AND WHO ELSE?
Never really decided to be a cover band, it was just easier to get my music heard if I played covers too. Kenney Petersen, Jeff Rataski, and myself started the whole thing….in 1983
23. WHERE WERE YOU AT WHEN THIS TOOK PLACE?
I was living right were I am now, in Brick.
24. WHAT YEAR WAS YOUR BAND ESTABLISHED?
Sattire: 1983
Mike Dalton and the Push: 1987
The Mike Dalton Band: 1991
25. WHEN DID YOU START GETTING FAMOUS?
I’m not famous.
26. DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD GET FAMOUS?
I’d like to, if only to get my music out there and play for larger amounts of people
27. WHAT YEAR WAS THE BAND NAMED "MIKE DALTON AND THE PUSH?" HOW WAS THE
GROUP LIKE IN DRESSING AND MUSIC BACK THEN? WHAT YEAR WAS THE NAME CHANGED
TO "THE MIKE DALTON BAND?"
In 1987, as a member of the Push, I was wearing Levi’s 501’s “as a rule” (black), and black everything…
Everyone pretty much wore what they wanted to…we experimented with jackets, and trying to find a “look”, etc….but eventually, we just wore whatever we liked with no plan….
28. ARE YOU SURPRISED BY YOUR SUCCESS? IS YOUR GROUP SURPRISED BY YOUR
SUCCESS?
I can’t say that I’m surprised as much as thankful. Success is a strange word to me, I never really feel like I have success ‘cuz I always want more. We’re an incredibly lucky band to be playing over 200 shows a year consistently for so long but we’d like to bring it to a higher level. As for the success we’ve had so far, we don’t take it for granted….
29. DID YOU WANNA DO THIS SINCE A KID? Absolutely.
30. WHEN DID YOU BECOME KNOWN/FAMOUS? WHAT YEAR? famous? not quite there yet….!
We got on the club scene in 1987 and developed a following during the next few years….
31. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF DOWN TO EARTH OR SNOTTY? WHAT DO YOU THINK
PEOPLE CONSIDER YOU TO BE?
I would hope people consider me to be down to earth because I really do know that I’m a very average guy, but I’m sure once in while I’m capable of coming off the wrong way. Sometimes I’m quiet and that gets misunderstood sometimes.
32. DID MOM AND/OR DAD INSPIRE YOU OR HELP YOU IN ANY WAY SUCCEED? IF NOT,
WHO DID? WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS DO FOR A LIVING?
My father is a private investigator and my mother was my mom….they both supported my dreams very much…..and inspired me to work hard to accomplish my goals.
33. WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED OR ACHIEVED?
I was up for a daytime emmy in 1994 for a song called “Waiting in the Wings” on Guiding Light that I sang with Melina Kanakaredes….but I haven’t actually won any awards.
34. WHAT FAILURES IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS HAVE YOU HAD? HOW DID YOU FEEL?
DID YOU WANT TO GIVE UP?
I’ve been turned down by labels (obviously) throughout the years…but I don’t get discouraged. I have never ever considered giving up. Not for one minute.
35. HOW COMMITTED ARE YOU TO YOUR WORK?
100 %
36. DO PEOPLE INFLUENCE YOU IN YOUR LYRICS? WHO ESPECIALLY AND WHY?
Everybody that walks in (or out) of my life runs the risk of getting thrown into a song !
37. HOW DO YOU WRITE MUSIC, BY HEART OR FORMULA, PICTURES, DREAMS, ETC?
I use all of those resources and more…..however, I don’t really believe that ALL songs must follow the “formula”….i believe in being creative and wherever that takes you is fine. Following rules when it comes to songwriting is one of the most ridiculous things I ever heard. Sure, it may bring in more cash, but if you’re writing songs JUST for cash, it probably gets a little boring.
38. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO WEAR AT YOUR SHOWS, FLANNELS, T-SHIRTS? WHY? DO
YOU FEEL REBELOUS OR SEXY WHEN YOU WEAR A CERTAIN OUTFIT?
Most of the time I wear whatever I grab. I’m not exactly the most fashionable guy out there. And, I’m certainly not sexy. That word is so goofy. I hate it.
39. HAVE YOU EVER MADE HEADLINES OR HEARD RUMORS OF SOMETHING WILD THAT
YOU'VE DONE EITHER BEFORE FAME OR DURING?
Anything wild I usually just keep to myself……..! Actually though, I’m not really all that exciting. If anyone ever did an in-depth look at me at home, they’d probably have to drink a lot of coffee and bring a few movies to watch to keep themselves entertained…! I just walk around the house cleaning up and doing office work and stuff. Real exciting.
40. DO YOU MISS YOUR LONG HAIR FROM HOW IT WAS ONCE WHEN YOUR BAND WAS "THE
PUSH"
Nah, it got too curly when it got long. I cut it off, stuffed it in my wigwams and grew up.

- Hidden Talent, Inc (www.hiddentalentinc.com)

what celebrities in the industry
have to say about the mike dalton band.
Danielle Monaro; Elvis Duran & the Z-Morning Zoo (Z100 NYC)
"Mike Dalton has a fresh new sound. Everyone should take a listen to his stuff.. they'd really enjoy it!"

Chris Cimino; Meteorologist, News 4;
"The Mike Dalton Band has been one of the best kept secrets in New Jersey. It's time the secret gets out!"

Kid Kelly; Pop (Senior Director), Sirius Radio;
"The Mike Dalton Band is the best unsolicited/unsigned band that I have heard in a real long time"

Jim Babjak; The Smithereens;
"The first time I saw Mike Dalton perform, I had to go up and introduce myself. His performance really knocked me out. He's a truly gifted performer/songwriter and in a perfect world would be a huge star. This guy from Jersey delivers the goods 100%!"

Maria Milito; Discjockey of Q104.3 FM;
"The Smithereens meet REM: THE MIKE DALTON BAND! World-get ready for them!!!"

Don Slepian; ArtMusic Coffeehouse International Webcasts
"Mike Dalton thrilled our listeners with his beautiful original songs and powerful intensity of expression. A musician as skilled, versatile, and personable as Mike Dalton is rare, indeed."

Al Muzer; The Aquarian;
"An excellent example of radio pop at its finest."

Christine Champagne; Soap Opera Digest;
"It's only a matter of time before Dalton has a top-10 hit on the Billboard charts."

Maggie Powell; The Ties That Bind;
"'Poker' is an outstanding collection of well written songs, ranging in tempo from straight-ahead rock to a beautifully performed ballad…."

Don Dilorio; Herald & News;
"This latest release reveals a deft songwriting craft…..smart pop writing with broad appeal."
- various sources

AREA—The Mike Dalton Band, out of Pt. Pleasant, is on a fast track to being soon recognized as making it to the Billboard Charts. The band, whose style is a combination of Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews, has played over 104 venues that cover the East Coast from South to North Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Mike Dalton, singer, guitarist, and pianist of the band, has composed three CDs consisting of original songs they also perform at their shows and is currently finishing up their 4th CD soon to be released in mid-October. He has also written songs for major television network airplay.

The style of the Mike Dalton Band has attracted a large fan base from south to north and out of state and ranging in age from mid 20's to early 50's. When the amps turn up on the stage and the lights go dim, the band's energy kicks into full gear with their music and the audience starts rocking and rolling under the same roof.

Fans who are local and those across the nation have said that when they had gone to clubs for a night out, they had no idea the band was playing. But when they heard them for the first time, they’ve been following them since.

The band has no set list of what music they are playing at any one given performance; Jimmy Druiett, the drummer just shouts out the songs one right after the other. For more info, you can catch the
band's line up on www.mikedalton.com, or call Pat 908-896-0559 for more info on the band - Arts & Entertainment - Atom Tabloid & Citizen-Gazette - Devine Media Enterprises