Downloads From The Universe
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Downloads From The Universe
A Mississippi resident who’s spent time all over the country, Jason Daniels brings a wealth of influences to his song craft, where this sophomore album was recorded to tape with his positive and optimistic demeanor never far from the surface.
“I’m Not Going Down” starts the album with some cosmic roots sounds as wordless vocals from Jennifer Gibbons and an organ set the pace for the rhythmic, Americana prowess, and “It All Can Slip Away” cements the atmosphere with plenty of funk and blues nods in the highly melodic delivery.
At the halfway point, “39202” isn’t short on grooves amid the frisky landscape that benefits from sax by Steve Stevens, while “Be My Friend” recruits a stronger percussive presence as spirited guitar lines help develop a jam band quality. “Breathe”, one of the album’s strongest tunes, than offers rollicking keys and bright sax in the festive atmosphere that will leave you unable to sit still.
Late in the listen “Get Down With Now” moves calmer with an emotive quality and some gospel hints, and “Prayer To The World” exits the listen with a group chorus and a feel good climate amid the sharp musicianship.
A breath of fresh air in a time with so much turmoil, Downloads From The Universe is nothing if not a good time, and one that embraces jazz, Latin and rock ideas that flow with a loose feel that often sounds like it emanates from the ‘70s but sure sounds great in 2020.
Travels well with: Lee Gallagher And The Hallelujah- L.A. Yesterday; Ted Russell Kamp- Down In The Den