She Said
Omad, 2021
8/10
The songwriter and mulit-instrumentalist John DeNicola has enjoyed a 5 decade career in the music industry, but this is actually only his sophomore album. Turns out, he’s spent most of his time on the producing side and penning tunes for others, such as the ‘80s classics “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes”, both of which were smash hits from the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing.
Armed with musicians like Zonder Kennedy, Chris Ryan and Blake Fleming, among many more, DeNicola brings us 8 originals and a pair of covers here, where is lengthy experience and vast talent covers a lot of ground.
DeNicola starts the listen with the shimmering and dreamy ‘80s quality of the title track, where elegance and melody are met with a soft falsetto, and “Love Devine” continues with Patti Maloney’s soothing backing vocals complementing the warm synth and strategic keys from DeNicola, as the climate soars with much beauty.
Further into the listen, the well timed bagpipes from Brad Davidson and agile drumming thanks to Blake Fleming make “Morning Dew” a diverse rocker that gets a bit more firm, while “Breathe Deep” swirls with a playful beat and hazy synth lines that are met with programmed vocals. “Battered Cloth”, one of the record’s best, then benefits from a mellotron, harmonium, tanpura, and, of course, DeNicola’s expressive singing amid the poetic landscape.
“Can’t Find My Way Home” arrives near the end and does justice to the Blind Faith tune with much grace and rhythm, as Vinny Jessel handles piano and Jake DeNicola holds down drums, and “Sky” exits the listen with DeNicola playing all instruments in a folk influenced finish.
DeNicola Is a rare artist in that he’s excelled in so many areas in the industry, and these solo albums later in life only further cement his unique and timeless contributions to the history of pop music, while illustrating his eclectic vision.
Travels well with: Tod Lippy- Yearbook; Timber- The Family