Musicians: Danny Federici (keyboards, B-3 organ), Jon Johnston, Todd Parsnow (guitar), Juan Van Dunk (bass), Daniel de Los Reyes (percussionist)
Review:
The passionate embrace of music as a medium for conveying the intuitive creative spirit that comes from within is very often found in jazz. As a reviewer, one of my main objectives is to convey an ideology that promotes jazz as an artistic endeavor and not as pop frivolity. In many ways, smooth jazz is highly regarded as instrumental pop and often lacks one of the basic ingredients of jazz, otherwise known as improvisation. But every now and again, a musician emerges from the so-called smooth jazz pack with a high degree of impact and possesses the necessary chops to rise above the commercialism attached to radio airplay. Keyboardist Danny Federici is a rare gem who fits snugly into the realm of contemporary jazz without the taint of generic isolation. As one of the founding members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Danny has established himself as one of the finest musicians around today. Having played with Springsteen for more than 30 years, Danny decided to explore the smooth jazz arena in 1997 with a debut solo release entitled Flemington, which sent him in a totally different direction musically. The recording was positively received by critics and was moderately successful commercially by most standards. Always looking to expand upon his musical base, Danny has recently recorded a new solo album entitled Out of A Dream on the V2 Record Label. With a history filled with stints as a classically trained performer and sideman, Federici again runs the gamut of musical styles with ten highly stylized tracks that prove to be quite intriguing.
Out of A Dream is an album that takes on many different images musically. Although Danny Federici has 30 years behind him as a rock & roll musician, his first love has always been jazz. With the recording of Flemington and his new release Out of A Dream, Federici has established himself as a rock & roller with a different set of chops. Danny’s latest endeavor was inspired by Mike Cates, his musical director and producer, which has ultimately led to ten tracks of cover songs and original tunes, all filled with a variety of themes. In each and every case, Danny's impressionistic approach has allowed him to expand upon the very scope of music he is attempting to project. Take the fourth cut which is entitled “Miss You,” one that was made famous by The Rolling Stones. With the B-3 organ as a backdrop and some driving guitar chords, Danny makes this tune come alive with a voice all its own. On another tune entitled “Fragments of an Afternoon,” Federici laments about the inability in all of us to take advantage of special moments because of life that is often lived in the fast lane. Because of sensationalism in the world we live, the drama of human events disallows us the opportunity to reflect upon what is truly important. Throughout Out of A Dream, Danny explores a variety of personal experiences, including the love he has for his wife “Maya” and his move from the East Coast to the West Coast on “Two Oceans.” In each and every instance, Federici reveals a little bit of himself, while also making a personal statement as an artist.
Overall, Out of A Dream is subtle and embracing in approach while Federici examines the simplicities of life. Rhythmically speaking, Danny uses the percussive nature of his keyboards strategically, while including the vividness of pristine guitars and prevalent saxophone to melodically enhance an ever-evolving jazzscape. In addition, the inclusion of strings, the B-3 organ and other ingredients makes this album another stellar effort for Danny Federici. As with all things artistic, the images projected by this musician are all a part of the intuitive creative spirit that comes from within. On Out of A Dream, Danny fits into the roll of artistic impressionist quite well.
Tracks: Light Is Calling, Two Dozens, Maya, Miss You, Fragments of An Afternoon, Venus Pearl, Golden Apples, Out of A Dream, Flesh of The Morning, Knocking On Heavens Door
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