Danny Darst

‘American Songwriter’ - poignant tales you’ll want to hear(November 26, 2011)
‘American Songwriter’ from Danny Darst holds a subtle yet inexorable power. I know, I’ve just spent three days of my life listening to 10 songs from a lyrical master. Nashville songwriter Danny Darst writes songs that plumb the depths of the heart - if they don’t move you then you’re made of stone. Perceptive lyrics that hit to the point with the force of a six-inch nail driven by a clawhammer, delivered by a rough-edged voice that exudes understanding and expression. And a touch on the strings that fits the vocals like a hand in a glove. This is a man that’s been there, done it - and to prove it these songs tell poignant tales you’ll want to hear.

From the reflective presence of ‘Dreamcatcher’ through the agonising, heart wrenching emotion of ‘Somebody’s Daddy’ to the deeply philosophical realisation of ‘No Such Thing’ – this is unadulterated real-world, life-experence. There’s so much feeling tied up in songs like ‘Push Me Away’ and ‘Never The Same’ they generate a potent gut reaction - be prepared, this is life in the raw. Strong, emotive, untainted and tough as you like - you’re going to well up.

This is a slice of classic Americana that's takes you up close and personal to the true essence that flows through country-folk from the land of the free and the home of the brave.

On ‘American Songwriter’ Danny plays acoustic guitar, talking drum and vocals, alongside him are Mike Webber (upright bass) Ron (Snake) Reynolds (acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, percussion, harmonies) Kenny Malone (drums, percussion) James Fletcher (electric and gut string guitar, harmonies) Jon Fletcher (congas, harmonies) Martin Weinstock (gut string guitar).

Reviewer: Tom Franks
- FolkWords

RATE: 4 out of 4
Web: www.exit10theplay.com
Location: California Genre: Americana/Blues/Country Key Tracks: All It’s nothing but rhythm, riffs, and great storytelling for this playwright/musician. Danny Darst is THE reason we do album reviews of unsigned artists/bands. Triple A+ musicianship, creative songwriting, and vocal performances that just resonate with the soul is the best way to describe Danny’s latest project, Exit 10.
Starting out, Danny delivers one of the best album openers I’ve heard in years. “Jimmy’s John Deere” is a very strong song that grabs your attention immediately. As you move to track #2, “The Spaniard,” you start to really get a sense that there are no bad songs ahead on this project. Then you continue to listen, and song after song is just nothing but great music.
I especially like “Highway 99.” On this song, Danny showcases his gift for storytelling as he crafts some of the most creative verses ever sung to a 6-string guitar. After listening to Danny’s work, one has to wonder why this guy hasn’t received his Grammy and a million dollar check yet.
If the play for Exit 10 is anything like the songs on this album, it’s truly a must see. Every song is top-notch and I doubt that anyone with an ear for great music will disagree with me. Says Danny Darst - "It’s all about communication. I am always looking for ways to communicate." Review by: Shaine Freeman - I AM ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

Album reviews
DANNY DARST: EXIT 10January 22nd, 2011 · No CommentsDiana Baeza
Danny Darst “Marilyn”
(from the self-released Exit 10 soundtrack)
While much of modern country music is pandering and vulgar in its homage to these country and western motifs, Danny Darst’s new soundtrack to a self-penned play, Exit 10, elevates the genre with a simple, unassuming arrangement: just a voice, a hollow body guitar, an acoustic bass and a pickup kit. Traces of Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings and T Bone Burnett slowly lope through themes of alienation, remembrances of better times and cowboy wisdom. Yet Darst’s voice is unique, and tracks such as “Highway 99,” “Western Flyer” and “Marilyn” are melodious, direct and sincere, like a retuned piano rescued from a honky-tonk or an old pair of boots, spit-shined and polished to once again glimmer under a Texas sky. Darst’s ability to tell a story within the confines of a song are startling—it’s no surprise that he’s the playwright of Exit 10 as well as the composer of the music. Darst has quite the CV, with past works including the music for Russ Meyer’s Supervixens, Jonathan Demme’s Something Wild, as well as an onscreen role in Demme’s Silence of the Lambs. Exit 10 is dedicated to Robert Altman and also boasts Altman’s son Michael’s directorial debut, which should be very interesting considering the years he has observed his father directing some of American cinema’s finest films. If the music and lyrics to Exit 10 are any indication, Darst’s new play and soundtrack will ride into the sunrise of success with an unburdened heart and a satisfied mind.
—Eyad Karkoutly
“Master storyteller Danny Darst weaves a tale of alter ego, Mike Talburt. Abandoned by his mother on the day his daddy was buried, he travels wherever trucks and trains will take him. With a guitar slung over his shoulder, he follows the path of gypsies and migrants in the post Dust Bowl 1950s. In the ‘60s, he lands a steady job at a truck stop garage at Exit 10 in Auburn, Massachusetts. Strong, handsome and streetwise, he is making good money in spite of a devious co-worker. Side deals with hookers and pimps up the ante so Mike can woo the long-legged Lydia and drive her around in his Lincoln Continental with the top down. When Lydia shimmies close to hold him tight, Mike feels a sense of belonging that’s long escaped him.”
Category: Album reviews
Tags: · Album review, Danny Darst, Diana Baeza, Exit 10, Eyad Karkoutly, L.A. RECORD 102, play, Theater 68
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