Customer Reviews

The Art of Making Fire

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You can't get a handle of Dan Schwartz without The Art of Making Fire. The Art of this album is creating organic songs that explore themes like racism, decision-making, teachers, memory, family, feeling numb, living your dreams, and taking a joyride! And every song on this album is great. This album gets some play on Cities 97's Acoustic Sunrise, but it should be played on a regular basis. It flows in a style similar to Dave Matthews Band, Joe Nicola, and Sharon Isbin.

Dan Schwartz thanks his hockey coach for telling him to choose hockey or music. Now - unless he's got something else to show - he needs to choose the wonderful artistry of his guitar over the ... well, banality of his lyrics. "Departure docks"? "A brick/that's thrown into the roaring rapids..."? "Snow-clad regions"? You just get the impression that there was a beat that needed a syllable; there is no necessity of the syllable needing a beat. Does he write from the heart? I'm sure. From experiences saturated with anger and despair? I'm sure. (Good lord, even his photographs in the album notes are doused in meaning 'too deep for us to fathom.') But it's time to forget high school, Schwartz, and get back out on the ice! That said, the young man plays a wonderful guitar, and this is easiest to appreciate in his solos. He has a gentle phrase, and a soulful understanding of rhythms and transitions.

"Hey, you! Kid! Schwartz!.... Get back out there! And kid, just skate! Don't worry about the goal, or what the goal means, or the history of the goal, or the goal's role in the soul... Do you want to chronicle the death of Gordy Howe... or do you want to play hockey? Play, kid... just play...."

This cd is so amazing! Every song has something to offer and there is something special for everyone. The song Face the Sun has become my life motto! With it's catchy rhythms and totally inspirational lyrics, Dan offers so many life lessons in his music. His music is even better in person but if you can't see him perform this is a must have!

This is a guy who is best seen live so as to better grasp exactly how inventive and unorthodox his playing style is. I have had the fortune to see him play many times and I have yet to grow weary of his energy and performance style. For those who can't get to a concert, THE ART OF MAKING FIRE is the next best thing. Supremely competent and musical, the album makes for a great repeat listen -even if one is unaware of the mind boggling mechanics behind the songs. At once both passionate and introspective, this is one of my favorite singer songwriter albums.

You should see this guy in person! Outstanding. If you don't live in Minneapolis or St. Paul, you may get lucky if he comes touring through your town. Better yet, buy ART OF MAKING FIRE. This music is passionate, joyful, filled with intensity and Dan's playful and TALENTED style. This CD is a must! BUY IT!

Great vocals! Very talented guitarist. Dan Schwartz writes from the heart and plays from his soul. A must have CD for anyones collection.

Great vocals! Very talented guitarist. Dan Schwartz writes from the heart and plays from his soul. A must have CD for anyones collection.