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Dana Edelman started playing guitar in high school and passionately writing and composing in college. He honed his chops throughout college, graduated from SUNY Purchase, and moved to Martha’s Vineyard for post-graduate performing at the famed Wintertide Coffeehouse. 1996 saw the release of Dana’s “Bedouin Man” CD, which received regular airplay on Boston radio. In 1997 Dana followed the airwaves to Boston and made it his base for touring the Northeast acoustic circuit. Dana laid down seven new songs for his second CD, “Dana Edelman”, in 1999, abetted by producer/guitarist John Platania (Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt), and a host of top New York musicians. And in September 2003 Dana and co-producer/engineer Huck Bennert started work on CD #3, “American Overload”. In these ten songs Dana blends folk, funk, blues and rock & roll to make a statement on life in 21st century America. Douglas Sloan wrote in Metronome Magazine: “Jangling rhythms driven by crackling acoustic guitar, Edelman’s trademark wah-wah guitar riffs, and James Taylor-esque vocals, make for one great sounding album…each musician gives a piece of their soul to this outstanding effort that could net Edelman a Boston Music Award and more. Outstanding!” Dana was signed to Segue Records in 2004 and released ‘Mile 23’ in 2006.
Dana Edelman
Written by Chris Darling, WMPG-Portland, ME
Dana Edelman was my guest today, along with his longtime friend and fellow musician Rob Duquette of Cactus Highway who accompanied Dana on percussion.
Dana is one of the highest caliber live performers to play the show, a great writer, an arresting vocal talent, capped by serious chops on the guitar. He found his way on to a label out of the NYC area Segue Records, founded by Vaneese Thomas, daughter of Stax Records legend Rufus Thomas.
Dana has this leaning toward the R & B, funk & soulfulness to the way he delivers his well crafted songs, he certainly appreciates the font of inspiration from the mentioned genres and even includes some Bill Withers on his latest disc Mile 23 (Grandma's Hands) which he just so happened to play live, since we were talking about that tune specifically. I hope he can return to the state and play for us again.
Dana Edelman - Mile 23
Hello and welcome to my new favourite singer / songwriter. This is one of those rare records that has a timeless quality. It could have come out any time in the last 30 years and still been of its time.
Having honed his talents on the New England acoustic circuit, Dana moved to New York, signed a deal, and produced this debut album chock full of songs you'll be playing to the end of your days.
Now I'm not saying it's perfect, 'cause it's not. There are a couple of songs that don't quite have the cutting edge, but the majority of the original material just sparkles. It has an organic feel to it which makes you think the band has just set up and played it for you, and you alone. There are two covers in addition to the nine originals, "Grandma's House" by Bill Withers (which works) and the bands "Ophelia" (which doesn't). But they show you where he's coming from and, hopefully, where he's going to. Couldn't be more highly recommended.
Dana Edelman
Monday, 20 November 2006
Written by Ryan Fletcher, unconformed.com
Dana Edelman - Mile 23, a very good album. Edelman has a gospel like vocal delivery in this album which gives it a real nice upbeat feel. One of the best albums received in 2006. There are three singles on this album that I have played more than once. 'Grandma's Hands', 'No More Tears', and 'Hit and Run'. 'No More Tears' will be appearing on my best singles of 2006 show tomorrow. Edelman is good at coming up with original topics and original slants for songs. Well worth buying. You'll be going back to it again and again, because it feels good, and is good.
A Sketch by Louis R. Caraballo
Acoustic singer songwriter/composer Dana Edelman has a myriad of distinguishing characteristics that should bring him to the forefront of the music scene. Inspired by the traditions of American roots music inclusive of folk, country, rock, funk, R&B, which combines jazz, gospel, and blues, Edelman’s gift is his exceptional skill at mixing and matching these sounds with beautifully crafted lyrics delivered in a captivating way. Favorable responses to his work by music aficionados, reviewers, fans, and fellow musicians have been universally consistent.
Marilyn Beyer from 91.9FM WUMB-Boston drives it home when she describes Dana Edelman as “an exquisite songwriter, a beautiful singer, and all around shining bright light…” Music DJ and talent developer Anthony Palmer described Dana’s voice as uniquely soulful, melodic, emotional and genuine adding that “his lyrics paint a picture, tell you a story, say something about life…his music has a warm and peaceful flow and takes us to a relaxed place…give you a sense of renewal.” Fashion designer Ayana-Tyi from Ankhafly.com characterizes Dana as “the guy next door, serene and sensitive…comforting and soul stirring…authentic in his social concerns.” Long time fan Janet Krupit portrays him as a real family man, “a warm, friendly, entertaining, heartfelt person who truly cares about people” and that “meeting him and listening to him go together…it’s a match!”
These depictions also tell us why Dana Edelman the whole person/artist is more than the sum of his synergistic positive attributes which include being musically outspoken about social or political disharmony, staying in tune with family expectations and responsibilities, having a down to earth grounded personality, and exemplifying American and spiritual values both personally and in his work. These qualities are reverberated in his euphonic soulful intonation, dynamic sound, intelligent relatable lyrics, and nirvanic performances which may include humorous banter between songs, connecting with family or friend in the audience through humor or warm acknowledgement, or sharing tidbits about himself or the song.
Although an unforgiving music industry does not ascribe to solid personal qualities for artists to stand out from the talent crowd, it does look optimistically at those who demonstrate public appeal as determined by vocal, lyrical, music composition, and performance artistry, especially when these come together in an imaginative, innovative, emotionally evoking way. It is ultimately the proverbial fan who determines thumbs up or down for an up and coming artist regardless of talent and the verdict is in for those who discovered Dana Edelman’s eclectic modern blend of Americana music.
Words and phrases that fans resonate in response to Dana’s all around artistry include timeless quality - like coming home, there’s a comfortable familiarity about it - clear, crisp, tonal purity - wholesome - this is the best CD I own - infectious melodies - gospel like vocal delivery…give it a real nice upbeat feel - if you want inspiration, or just want to tap your feet - shows his depth as a song writer and performer - some of the best songwriting I have ever heard - beautiful romantic songs tug at your heart - he is himself on stage, can tell he is good people just being on stage - craftsman, true talent - makes you think the band…played it for you, and you alone - exemplifies warmth and vitality - music newest rising star - lyrics alone or in tandem with his musical style project introspective richness (just to quote a few).
Douglas Sloan from Metronome Magazine,referred to American Overload as“Jangling rhythms driven by crackling acoustic guitar, Edelman’s trademark wah-wah guitar riffs, and James Taylor-esque vocals, make for one great sounding album…” Segue Records announced Dana Edelman’s expected album debut, Mile 23, as “another incredible release from an important voice in American music.” While Chris Darling, WMPG-Portland, ME refers to Dana as “one of the highest caliber live performers to play in the show, a great writer…serious chops on the guitar…the most soulful vocal talent to hit the production room in years,” music reviewer Ryan Fletcher from Unconformed.com adds, “Edelman is good at coming up with original topics and original slants for songs…you'll be going back to it again and again, because it feels good and is good.”
It is common practice to make comparisons with other artist and performers but, as trained musician and recent fan David Marks insightfullyconcludes, “Dana represents a culmination of established artists and styles…while we hear a variety of influences in his music, Dana is Dana, and is deserving of that mention.” Edelman’s family life, values, character, and passion drives his multi-layered artistry and is a prime example of how the mind, body, and spirit work in unison as reflected in his music, writing, voice, and performance.
Louis R Caraballo
New York City
November 1, 2007
LRCaraballo@msn.com
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