[FM] Dayna Kurtz New CD (review)

[lombardi]

Hello one and all - I have been away from this list for a bit - pursuing
various different things. I have been rousted back to it to let you know of
a Fantastic new CD I just ordered from Singer Songwriter Dayna Kurtz from
New York. I wanted to share   it with you if I could.
    When I ran Wintertide Coffeehouse on Martha's Vineyard (this is our
tenth anniversary of the Singer Songwriter Retreats by the way) I had the
pleasure of hearing from some of the most talented songwriters on the
planet. If you were around in those days you know what I mean. One of those
who struck me as far back as 1990 was a New York based artist named Dayna
Kurtz. I knew then that the talent brewing underneath the youth of this
woman was going to amount to a stellar artist in the future. Dayna sold out
just about every performance we booked her for and indeed has done so
consistently across the US and Europe. For many years fans have had to rely
upon her first cassette release (Footprints) and a live CD recorded at
Wintertide, both of which were extremely popular. Well, finally a new studio
cd is out and available and it is everything I would have hoped for from
Dayna.
    "Postcards from Downtown" is just that.  Powerful, stylistic snippets of
life: deep, and rather alternative in presentation. From the opening chords
of "Fred Astaire" to the closing piece "Satisfied", Dayna traverses the map
of styles from the Prince - esque intensity of "Somebody Leave the Light on"
which features legendary Richie Havens, to the sultry bluesy, jazzy flavored
torch piece which is the title cut. Eclectic, large, and extremely well
produced so as not to place Dayna in a soundscape that would be impossible
to replicate on stage,(she does it all for real) this CD draws from her
wealth of musical inspirations. Gasp inspiring lyrics: "I've made love with
one eye on the door...."  or "Your lips will taste like whiskey from the
local sugarshack, you'll tell me that I'm pretty though you're probably just
bored...."  Each piece has great lyrics which stun me.
    Listen, if indeed you like the modern art of song, and if you respect
the female perspective, and if you want an hour or so of honest, crisp,
reflective music, this cd is certainly worth a listen. Surely this release
will be the one that brings Dayna the respect she deserves as a songwriter
and performer. Released on the indie label "Kismet" it is only there because
record labels can not find a way to pigeon hole her into a particular
category. Believe me, they have all been flying around her flame for the
past few years. I applaud Dayna for sticking to her own path. It is
refreshing, inspiring, and a fun, well done effort.
    I don9t' work for Dayna. I just like music, good music, and want to make
sure you know of this latest release. It is available all over the place,
but I got it quickly from Dayna's own site http://www.daynakurtz.com
I believe direct support of the artist is the only way to go. Check it out
and thanks for allowing me to offer this review.
Tony Lombardi
Former manager
Wintertide Coffeehouse
MV Singer Songwriter Retreats

News on events to celebrate the anniversary will be forthcoming.

[Alan sez: I haven't heard Dayna Kurtz in several years, but the last time I heard her, she had already developed a signature style. She's found her own sound and it's unique and very interesting. I look forward to hearing this new CD.]