TangerineSkyProject

Before I was influenced musically by Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Rick Nelson, Neil Young, Jackson Browne Tom Petty  and many others I sat on the piano stool with my father as he brought life to the keyboard. My grandparents would roll up the carpet and play the fiddle and harmonica while singing ballads from Ireland.

 I completed two full careers before my wife encouraged me to pursue my real passion in music, which I had abandoned in the pursuit of other things. Those careers also influenced my music as I would reflect on them in song:  For better or worse that background also enabled me to write and perform my music without allegiance to a label or be burdened by the pressure of what was popular. I wrote my own music in my own style to tell my own story. I hope in the telling of my story I help you explore and express your own journey.

The best way to tell you about my musical biography is in the very songs I wrote and included here for you to enjoy. "WORKIN' ON IT" is a fun compilation of the many music styles that have influenced my music with the lyrical acknowledgement: 'looking for a style that fits, one that's not counterfeit. Haven't quite found it yet, but I'm workin' on it'. This helps explain why my music is hard to categorize in the corporate bin genres.  "RESURRECTION" is a track about performing music with and for my friends, 'singing songs of purpose, promise and celebration'. It is very much autobiographical. "LEGACY" is a tribute to my father and his gift of music that has nurtured these later years. "BLUE CHAMBRAY AND FADED JEANS" is a self reflective piece that celebrates the passion that endures despite the vicissitudes of life. "CONVERSATION WITH THE RAIN" was written during one unending and unyielding Pacific Northwest rain storm that prompted an almost dissociative analysis of  life. "MID LIFE FANTASY" captures the moment I walked away from all the trappings and temptations of success to quietly start writing music and GALLATIN VALLEY" is a lyrical metaphor for all the detours we take in life despite the desire to go safely and confidently from A to Z. 

Time gives us perspective on life events, and oftentimes a modest dose of wisdom. If we shared those thoughts in prose we might be accused of preaching. Somehow the lessons are easier to take in song and that was the inspiration for "JOURNEY" and 'I JUST CARRY ON TAKE TWO'. Finally, my signature song "TANGERINE SKY" is a celebration of life and the moments of life that is very much my passionate aspiration in these later years.

If you enjoy one of my songs and want a deeper understanding of my music these would be the songs to spend some time with.

Most of my songs do not fit the corporate template of Two minutes and Thirty seconds. The telling of life stories, honestly, just doesn't seem to fit that template.  If you can invest the time in listening I am grateful and I hope you won't find your time wasted.

 Please feel free to use the CONTACT FORM or EMAIL if you would like to comment or inquire or tell me how my music spoke to you. 

Thank you for visiting and listening. In the lyrics of "TANGERINE SKY": 'live joyfully my friend, celebrate these moments with me'.  

Dan