West Hollywood, California (Thursday, November 5, 2009) - Genghis Cohen in West Hollywood is probably one of the most unique places anywhere to hear great music. 
Dana Parker and his band. Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
Any given night of the week you can drop by to hear an artist, and get a bite to eat. Or, you can drop by to sample the great menu, and end up being introduced to a great acoustic act.
Dana Parker and his band played there a few weeks ago, and it was amazing to me how much sound that little room can throw at you when you have such talent on that little stage.
Part of the success Dana Parker enjoys on stage is the ability to recognize talent and devotion in others. From the first note, with his hands flying across his 88 keys, the listener is engaged.
Out of the boy-next-door looks comes a voice with a range and dexterity that is at once gravely and exciting. No matter what you might expect to hear out of his voice, you’re surprised.
Dana Parker and his band. Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
Songs like The Harbor take you on a journey of subtle tones, with Christian Wunderlich deftly adding layers on guitar. The soft brush sound that Dustin Johnson brings (no full drum kit) blended together with Dan Davis on bass, and built up into a huge wave of song.
These musicians are themselves incredibly talented, and working as studio musicians on films, and in television. Being in the room with these guys, you feel the energy, and from the first few notes, even if you don’t like a particular song, you can get a show out of watching any one of them individually.
No one makes it entirely on his own in the music business. Dana’s Jazz infused pop-rock has been influenced by countless albums he’s heard, but it’s apparent that having worked with so many people over the years, many of whom you’d know by name, he’s picked up bits and pieces here and there from all that talent.
Add that to the songwriting, and you’re in for a great ride every time. See him live more than once, and you’ll see a saxophone here, a clarinet there, or any number of other instruments, all played by very talented friends eager to share a stage.
Dana Parker and his band. Photo by Sean Patrick. WeHo News. |
Signature songs like Country Roads have all the makings of a hit. From great lyrics about how the important things are overlooked for consumerism, without trying to be commercial, the listener walks away humming the lyrics, because it does seem that, “there’s nothing left to buy”.
It’s also a great song to see live. Dana is one of the most talented keyboard players around, and it’s a show in itself to see those hands caressing and hammering on the keys, and a face lost in the moment.
Tracks from Dana Parker’s latest albums, ‘Eclectic’, and ‘Kicks Iron’ , and ‘The Feel Good Tragedy Of The Year’ can be heard on his MySpace (/danarparker327). Dana was honored recently for his track with Brian Matthew, ‘Passion and Chemistry’ by being nominated for an LA Music Award, and I’m sure that’s not the last you’ll hear of him.
For a short, five-song set that night at Genghis Cohen, I came away with a taste of a career musician’s sound that blends the best of hard work and talent, with a guy who’ll extend his hand to you and say hello.
Anytime you get a chance to hear Dana Parker, you should do it.
Sean Patrick is a blogger, musician and WeHo News’ Sunset Strip reporter. Catch his blog at www.SeanPatrick.us.
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