Search - David Gans :: Solo Acoustic

Capturing the live experience

Brian Ferdman | New York, NY | 05/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Grateful Dead had a knack for covering a song and making it their own. David Gans is also blessed with this gift. I first listened to the disc without looking at the tracklist, and on more than one occasion, I was surprised to learn that a track was indeed a cover song. His voice and playing style have this strange ability to wrap themselves around each tune and transform it into an effortless piece of music that flows from the heart.Perhaps David's strongest skill is his ability to wrap himself inside the lyrics of so many different characters. Just listen to his take on Gram Parson's "Return of the Griveous Angel," a song that I never particularly cared for until now, and you can't help but feel for this heartaching character that he creates. And if bittersweet pain is your game, no Dead fan would be disappointed by his heartfelt deliveries on "Brokedown Palace" or "Black Peter."Of course, this album is anything but a somber funeral dirge. There are plenty of jovial turns on songs such as "Down To Eugene," and Martin Mull's hysterical "Normal." Let's not forget the riotous donning of the jumpsuit for a rocking version of "Elvis Imitators."If smooth segueways are your game, you'll be hard pressed to top the transition from a majestic "Lady With a Fan -> Terrapin Station" into David's fan-favorite, "River and Drown" which gives way to his Jerry Garcia tribute, "The Minstrel." However,if you're like me, you'll fall head over heels for the smooth-as-butter transition from "Black Peter" into "Dear Mr. Fantasy" into "Trying."One last word needs to be said about David's new song, "Who Killed Uncle John?" This song is just flat-out fantastic. Lyrically, the song makes some great statements about the world that has evolved in the wake of Jerry Garcia's passing, but David resists the temptation to give in to cynicism and spins an optimistic and truthful ending to the tale. Musically, this tune couldn't sound more like Bob Dylan in his acoustic prime. Over a heavily accented guitar riff, David punctuates each lyric with fire and drives home the emotions that lie beneath this powerful song.If you go see David Gans in concert, you're likely to witness a performance packed with skilled playing, impassioned singing, dextrous improvisation, and a fresh dose of humor. Solo Acoustic nicely captures all of those elements into an 80 minute musical journey with many twists and turns but plenty of emotion at the core."

Not for Deadheads only

Eric Levy | Chicago | 05/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Best known for hosting the nationally syndicated Grateful Dead Hour, David Gans is also an experienced musician. He's played with various bands over the years, but is now touring as a solo artist. Solo Acoustic captures some of his best performances while on the road. A folk revivalist in the best sense, Gans effortlessly combines standards (including three Dead tunes) with his own originals. His warm expressive voice and contagious sense of humor make the entire album a joy. Some of the funnier highlights include "Normal" and "Who Killed Uncle John." A terific album--a treat for Deadheads, but with plenty to offer for everyone else."

Oh, so soothing

Janey Fritsche | Mill Valley, CA United States | 04/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the last 2 mornings I've been listening to "Solo Acoustic" while I struggle with a too-tight deadline. David's sweet voice and guitar playing have done wonders to sooth my slightly chicken-fried synapses. His interpretations of others songs are rich with feeling; and he is creating his own classics with songs like "River and Drown" and "An American Family". Really liked his fun style of singing "Elvis Imitators"."