John DeNicola – Don’t Wait
Even though some music in this set has a soulful groove in a Philadelphia International style, “King of His Own World” brilliantly meshes a Steely Dan posture with the textural continuity of Mark-Almond’s lite jazz performances. Therein lies an old soulful sound that DeNicola manages to cross-pollinate into his own atmospheric production. John’s voice has a sincere tone, even in moments of falsetto; he maintains control with streetwise tenacity. “Don’t Wait” has its little dynamic but never gets pushed into grandiosity.
The 9 tracks were self-produced & recorded in upstate New York by John & Don’t Wait (Drops Aug 29/Omad Records/34:45) is dedicated to their late friend, musician Tim Lawrence. The songs primarily follow an R&B, lite-jazzy route with a touch of funk, lots of accentuated, bouncy horns. Though John taps into a sterling past, attractive sound, his approach is still quite creative & original with superior material & arrangements. The background vocals are always pristine in an early Steely Dan pastiche. “Donnybrook Lane” is a steady piece with a vibrant mix of performances. Whereas “Flotsam & Jetsam” is rooted in a more serious concentration with a sure vocal, atmospheric delivery & wonderful decorative brass.
DeNicola co-wrote hits in the past – “(I Had) The Time of My Life,” & “Hungry Eyes,” from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack. With his warm mainstream voice, John seesaws between soulful pop with good arrangements & more highly imaginative forays, including a cover of Peter Lewis’ (Moby Grape) “Apocalypse,” a song also covered by Michael Been’s The Call. Peter’s guitar part on this version is from his original take on the 1971 Moby Grape LP. John’s voice is perfectly suited — a good choice.
John doesn’t sound like Loggins & Messina, but he’s constructing diligent work similar to that duo’s pre-Steely Dan composition “Pathway To Glory” (1973) embedded with these qualities. There are some missteps, but few to mention since DeNicola knows what he’s doing & should be working with some veterans from other bands. The music produced on Don’t Wait is proof that it’s still viable, pleasing & continues to embellish the ears with sweet sounds that have since become great memories.
Commercialism touches everything, but when someone understands when to pull hard back on the reins, listeners discover its rosy vocal future. John DeNicola has this gift.
Highlights – “King of His Own World,” “Don’t Wait,” “Apocalypse,” “Donnybrook Lane,” & “Flotsam & Jetsam.”
Musicians – John (vocals/piano/Wurlitzer/congas/bass/percussion/Hammond organ/Mellotron/synth/marimba/auto harp/acoustic & slide guitars/sitar/tambura), Ken Favre (guitars), Jeff Lange (alto, tenor & baritone saxes), Bob Myers, Brian Delaney & Jake DeNicola (drums), Greg Schleich (Fender Rhodes), with Terry Nigrelli (trombone), Leon Petruzzi (trumpet), Alan Zahn (piano/string arrangement), Ken Kubota (cello), Chern Hwel (violin/viola), Chrissy Lawless, Donna Lee Maida, John DeNicola (bgv), horns arranged by Rob Mounsey & John DeNicola.
Color image courtesy of John’s Facebook. A 4pp lyric insert included. CD @ https://john-denicola.com/ & https://www.omadrecords.com/store/johndenicoladontwait
