I have a tendency to want to write about music early. Preferably weeks before it is available. Honestly it’s a trait I’m not that proud of but coming from the music industry this is something that was encouraged and facilitated. However in all honesty I do like being the first to write about a band. Sometimes though a record stews and gets replayed and absorbed over time. Danny Schmidt’s record Man Of Many Moons is one such record. I’ve had it for awhile and knew I wanted to share it with from the day I first received it. It’s been on repeat for what seems like months yet for the average reader or listener this is a new release. And one that you maybe haven’t heard of yet.
Man of Many Moons is the second release of Danny’s to come out on Red House Records. Unlike his debut for the label this record is a stripped down affair. It’s just Danny’s distinctive voice accompanied by his amazing fretwork. But voice and guitar are simply Danny Schmidt’s tools for the songs that he writes. They are the structure that he has adopted for his words. He could have as easily picked short stories, prose, or novels as a creative outlet for his art. I for one am glad he chose music.
There are many notable songs on the new record. I love the fact that two of the songs are related. In this case sequels. “Guilty by Association Blues” is a song that deals with Danny’s thoughts on how the world works, while the sequel “Almost Around The World” deals with the consequences in the real world of the previous song. “Two Guitars” is a song based on a letter Danny wrote to friend and Songs:Illinois fave Paul Curreri about their career choices. The title track (as Carrie Elkin explains) is about Danny’s moody times. All are beautiful, well written, and thoughtful songs. But I’m going to share with you a song called “Houses Sing” that has already inspired other singers to cover it and plan to place it on future releases. Danny says this song is about his time spent house hunting and “how much dust a single stationary structure can stir up inside you”. It’s a nostalgic song that at the same time stirs many thoughts of an uncertain future, but hopefully a future filled with laughter, friendship, and family (and music).
I encourage you from the depths of my music loving soul to pick up this new record from Danny Schmidt then go and get the back catalog and then see the man live. Oh and tell him I said hello.
Buy Man of Many Moons here though Danny Schmidt’s site.
