Jane Songs
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
It’s been a busy year for the Eugene, Oregon troubadour Dan Friese, who just released an EP in the spring prior to this debut album. A multi-instrumentalist and poetic lyricist, Friese takes up company from Eric Carne, Bill Bambach and Irina Markevich across these 10 introspective tunes.
“Start Breathing In” starts the listen with acoustic guitar and harmonica as Friese’s smooth pipes steer the kind of blues, sort of country and definitely folk influenced opener, and “I Can’t Say” follows with a calmer display of soulful song craft that even flirts with psychedelia.
Halfway through, “Inner Child” gets a bit playful amid warm harmonica and rugged rhythm, while “Open” is a raw but pretty display of reflective guitar and cautious xylophone. “The Beginning” then focuses on piano as moody guitars complement the pensive instrumental.
The last two tracks are among the best, and include the agile acoustic guitar and percussion from Carne of “Stop Bringing Everybody Down”, where Friese’s inviting vocals are met with Markevich’s soothing violin, and “This Life” retains the violin on a chamber folk friendly exit.
Friese has a knack for storytelling, and he’s no slouch at playing the guitar either. His unique brand of Americana might just remind you of names like Jeff Tweedy or Jim James, and who’s going to have a problem with that?
Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions