Mark Daniel ~ ~ American Songwriter
I’ve been following Mark Daniel’s career for a number of years and listened to a great many of his songs. Some of which have made their way onto his most recent disc, American Songwriter now out on Forge Records. Daniel is in the class of pure-bred country music with no apologies nor attempts to mix his style of country with the pop influences that are part of so many other modern country artists.
Daniel also has a way with the story-song, a genre that seems to have been disappearing over the years, much to my disappointment. It was the stories that first drew me in to country music and the lack of those songs has left a hole in my soul.
It’s appropriate to call this disc American Songwriter as all of the songs on the disc were either written by Daniel himself, or as part of a team including Tom Vermeern and Gray Oliver – the trio calls itself “The Chickahominy Boys” – or Joe Nash and Nick Autry, well respected writers in their own right.
I’m not sure of the musicians that Daniel used on the record as I received an early promo copy but when I find out, I will include their contributions. The song listing on the disc are different than the ones on the cover, so I have chosen to go with the lineup of the disc. That may vary from the final release.
The disc kicks off with Big Daddy, the song of a trucker that has to spend so much time away from home because “bills need to be paid and the baby needs new shoes.” There is solid fiddle work to back up Daniel’s rhythm guitar and vocals. It’s a lovely song that starts things off in a solid manner and promises a lot for the next 14 songs.
A little mandolin is at the beginning of Wake Up and it brings you into the world of the song in a gentle manner. The fiddle is still appearing as is a bit of banjo. Daniel really got his money’s worth of the session players and they add a great deal to the excellence of his songs.
Charles City Rain is one of my favorite songs on the album. It’s grounded in an actual place and the feeling is one of honesty and truth. Both make country songs better. It’s a nice story song of honest people trying to make a go of the hand they have been dealt. It’s not ashamed to be grounded in prayer and what it can accomplish.
Heart Of Stone picks up the tempo a little bit and this story of a man who loves a woman who has a heart of stone. The difference makes for a great story and a fresh approach to a theme that’s been explored many times before.
The next song also explores a theme that has attracted artists for years. Back When Things Were Good looks back at those times when it was all good, but now has gone sour. Daniel has a voice of the everyman, there is nothing pretentious about it, it’s honest and clear. With the right airplay, these songs could easily work their way into the public’s consciousness.
Ain’t Got Started Yet continues along the same lines as the previous song. It’s a simple number that evokes a feeling of sadness and regret. Daniel’s voice really drives the point home and takes the song to a higher level.
The next couple of numbers could very easily find themselves on country stations airplay list. I’ve played both of them and had good responses from my listeners. First up is a look at the growth of suburbs without soul, White Plastic Fences. This one is a bit of a rocker and packs a punch. When they play it live, I’ve seen audiences sing along with the chorus.
Franklin tells the story of a man who has lost his true love to the bright lights of Los Angeles, while here in the small town of Franklin, things are the same, just a little bit grayer since you’re gone. It’s a beautiful song that just about everyone can relate to.
Motor Home is a real departure from the rest of the songs. It’s a bit of psychedelic country complete with magic mushrooms and a trip to the “motor home in the sky.” While I like it, it does add a different dimension to the album that not everyone is going to relate to.
The next song, Alice, takes the angle that this time it’s the man who has left and the woman is looking for answers. The mandolin is plaintive, and the fiddle makes everything seem far away.
Addiction deals with the evils of loving somebody too hard. Just like drinking or drugs, it can bring your life to a screeching halt. It’s a dark song, just like many of the best of country songs that have come before it. Life is not all hearts and flowers. For all the light sides, there is dark, and this one drives the point home…
Blue Ridge Mountain Morning is another song I’ve played and I think it’s one of the best on the album. I know the kinds of places he discusses and the story of the prisoner who knows that the world he loves exists only in his dreams. It’s a great song.
Up next is Easy To Say, and Daniel speaks from the heart about the love of his life. Things have slowed down and the mandolin beautifully plays against the guitar underlying the lyrics. It’s another winner.
Daniel dedicates the next song, Heroes In Uniform, Getting It Done, to all active duty members of the armed forces and veterans that have served. Also it is dedicated to police, fire, and first responders. It pays homage to those men and women that put themselves in harms way to save others. It’s the kind of song that runs a shiver up your back while you think about those brave people.
The album closes out with Jesus On The Road. It’s the story of a man who drives everywhere after asking Jesus for help with the trip. The fiddle adds a nice touch to the song and makes me think of those people who have to drive long distances for their livelihood. The easiest thought would be truck drivers, but there are so many of us that carry loads and can use a little bit of help from divine sources.
Mark Daniel has got a great deal of talent both as a writer and a performer and American Songwriter is a well-produced album that just needs to be heard and it could go up the charts. That’s the story of so many talented people, finding that way to break in. I’m not a big believer in singing competition shows that make stars out of people that have paid few - if any – dues.
You can hear the dues paid in Daniel’s voice and I, for one, hope that this is his breakthrough. If you want to get in touch with Daniel and Forge Records, drop him a line at MD6521@gmail.com. Take the chance, you won’t be disappointed.