Daniel Janke

Songs Of Small Resistance

Northern Town Films, 2022

8/10

Listen to Songs Of Small Resistance

The first international release from the singer-songwriter, filmmaker and composer Daniel Janke, his singing and piano playing is supported by Jordy Walker, Dave Haddock, Jay Burr and Lonnie Powell here.

“Time You Thief” gets the listen off to a melodic start, where Janke’s smooth voice and warm piano is complemented by Powell’s precise drumming, and “Icarus” follows with some rootsy flavor that benefits much from Burr’s well timed tuba.

At the halfway point, “Man In Love” recruits Haddock’s strategic bass amid the crisp drums and vivid wordplay from Janke, while “Three Days In Rain” is particularly intimate, where a poetic delivery is met with eloquent keys and much atmosphere.

“Remember My Name” and “Dancing Man” exit the listen, where the former finds plenty of grooves to reside in, and the latter is a bit fuller, as Walker’s guitar playing adds much to the rockin’ climate.

Janke might best be known for his work in the area of jazz, and there’s plenty of that to be found here, but the hints ot indie-rock, gospel, rock and roots help make for a very unpredictable and exciting listen.

Travels well with: Greg Greenway- Between Hello & Goodbye; Tim Grimm- The Little In-Between