CD: DANNY GRAE
ARTIST: DANNY GRAE
PRODUCERS: DANNY GRAE/DIANA B.

"The first impression is often the lasting impression", as the old saying goes. I’ve always believed that, and have approached most of my life based on that philosophy. Well, today, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, a mail truck approached my driveway and stopped. I thought this was kinda odd—"I’m not working, why are they?" I soon found out! As I signed for an Express Overnight Delivery package, I wondered what the heck it was, and WHO the heck could possibly be sending me something so important that it should be in my hands with such immediacy! Now folks, as you know by now, I get a lot of new music every week,
and although it’s easy to get a little back-logged and behind with my reviews, I ALWAYS take at least one quick listen, before putting a new arrival in the stack. I mean, who knows, maybe that one could be "THE" one! What is "THE" one, you ask? Well, truth is, I’m darned if I know! I just know that when I hear it, it takes me about 30 seconds to grab a pen and start writing. I don’t get many of those — and I get lots of GREAT CD’s from talented and promising artists, absolutely! But "THE" one – well it seldom happens, and when it does, and especially if it comes right out of the blue, on a SUNDAY afternoon, it totally catches me off-guard.

As soon as I heard the first few seconds of track #1, I knew I had something special here, and that it was gonna be GREAT. Danny Grae did NOT disappoint me. He describes this as a ‘demo’or ‘preview’ CD. There are 6 songs on it, and I loved them all. But the "replay" button got the most abuse when I listened to "Loving You Is My Fantasy". Beautiful, Danny!

I’m still trying to define this music "style" in my mind — is it traditional country? Is it Honky -Tonk? Is it Rock-n-Roll, 50’s style? The first cut, "30-day Money Back Guarantee" made me think, immediately, of Elvis Presley. But, "Stop the Mississippi" had a very honky-tonk sound. Then, of course, we had "Till I Get Over You", "Too Many Beds" (which you’ll hear on that Stardust label’s "Cookin’ Country"), and "Round About Midnight". Well, I’m just not sure what its "definition" is. And further more, I don’t really CARE! ‘Cause this is just one of the most enjoyable CD’s I’ve listened to lately! Danny’s smooth and romantic vocals are a pleasure. And the instrumentals are awesome! Diana B, who produced this CD with Danny, certainly knows what she’s doing, too! With the exception of "30-day Money Back Guarantee" (Schnieder/Bulgarelli), she wrote the entire group of
songs.

Danny has been working hard on his career, and it shows. He’s won all kinds of awards, including AIRPLAY INTERNATIONAL’S 1999 "International Rising Male Artist of the Year". He performs often, in and around the NYC night clubs and cabarets to fine-tune his talent, and has enjoyed a TON of airplay internationally. Of course, on the National level, he’s always working harder to get more radio exposure…and who can blame him? It’s hard to believe U.S. radio hasn’t played more of this guy’s stuff—but hey—we all know THAT story, don’t we.

Danny Grae, who I first heard on the Stardust label’s compilation "Cookin’ Country" album, (he tells me that Colonel Buster Doss, who owns Stardust, has quite possibly been responsible for his smooth transition into country music, and he speaks very highly of the Colonel) is a truly superior vocalist. I haven’t yet "seen" him perform, but my guess is he keeps the audience’s attention! This is one very cool dude. And hey, he’s not too hard on the eyes, either! (smile)

Be sure to check around for this CD. Danny tells me it’s for sale, along with another one that’s in the works. So go to www.redballoonrecords.com, which will direct you on how you can hear and buy his music. I know you’re gonna love it! I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check him out. I think we’ll be hearing more from Danny in the future…and the not too distant future, either!

Now, kids, I’m going back into my office, turn on the computer, and get this review rollin’! First impressions? Don’t EVER let anyone tell you they don’t count. Danny Grae found a unique way to get my attention, AND to make a very fine and LASTING impression. He’s got the right idea, and the right stuff! AND, btw, he just happens to be VERY VERY talented!

Now, how’s THAT for…