You've seen Jeff Daniels in films like "Terms of Endearment," "Gettysburg," Dumb and Dumber," to name just a few. While there is no doubt Jeff Daniels is an accomplished and talented actor, once you've heard his music, you will be pleasantly enlightened to realize Mr. Daniels is just as accomplished and gifted as a musician.
Sporting Artisans is proud to offer all... [Read More]
When you think of “grassroots” and “down to earth”, you don’t normally think of a movie
star. You especially don’t think of a movie star the caliber of Jeff Daniels. Yet that is
exactly what Jeff has accomplished with his second CD release, “Grandfather’s Hat”.
With the follow-up album to “Live and Unplugged,” Daniels has proven that he is not an
actor who sings, but an accomplished singer/songwriter who’s musical talent does not
require the support of his acting.
Further proof of his talent is supported by the musicians Daniels has performed with over
the last couple of years. Although it took him some time to feel comfortable on stage
behind his guitar, Daniels’ confidence has matured with his songwriting, being invited
onstage to perform a few songs with legends Lyle Lovett, John Haitt, and Guy Clark,
during their rare “Songwriters” tour. Having his pal Keb Mo’ join Jeff on stage was equally
rewarding (Jeff calls it a “free guitar lesson”). From time to time he’s also been fortunate
to expand his shows to sold out venues outside of Michigan.
“Grandfather’s Hat” showcases Daniels’ range as a songwriter, from the laugh out loud
humor of “Have a Good Life (Then Die)” to the quiet poignant lyrics of “Middle Of The
Night”. His honest, sincere and relatable approach to the songs on the CD remind us of
our own lives, hopes and dreams.
A Michigan native, Daniels never forgets his roots. The rowdy rendition of “Detroit Train”
with guest artist, Alto Reed, saxophonist with Bob Seger’s “Silver Bullet Band,” is a fun,
energetic, rock and roll tribute to the city that bares its name; On the first CD, “The
Lifelong Tiger Fan Blues,” was a lament to the team with the second worst season in
baseball history. On this CD, Jeff had the rare opportunity to rewrite the lyrics (“The Life
Long Tiger Fan Blues, Revisted”) as an ode to the almost-World-Series-Champion team
reinforcing again his love of all things Michigan.
Fans of Jeff’s popular original stage play, and independent feature film, “Escanaba In
Da Moonlight,” have eagerly awaited the musical tribute to the subject, and he delivers
with, “The Ballad of The Buckless Yooper”. Teaming up with the energetic foursome,
“Steppin’ In It”, he spins the folk tale of Ruben Soady, the only man in Michigan’s Upper
Pennsula never to bag a buck.
“Grandfather’s Hat” is an evolution of a career in motion. What started out as a means
of raising money for the equity theatre he founded (The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea,
Michigan) has become a back road journey that taps into the storyteller’s head. But now
it has a melody, as well as a story to tell. And if you happen to find your foot tapping
along, then that would be just fine.
" A couple of Novembers ago, he (Lyle Lovett) played the Wharton Center in Lansing, Michigan, sharing the stage with John Hiatt, Joe Ely and Guy Clark...An hour into the show Lyle introduced me. Happy to take a mid-set break, Guy Clark handed me his guitar. I sat down. To my right were Joe Ely, John Hiatt, and Lyle Lovett, all leaning on their guitars, staring at me. As were two thousand people in the audience. As they say on Broadway, "You're on kid. " I launched into my pulled-straight-from-my own life song about rage called "Have a Good Life, Then Die." I'm happy to report my hands went where they were supposed to, my mind remembered every lyric, and my voice found a melody that actually went with this particular song. Halfway through the tune, I dared to turn towards Joe, John, and Lyle. They were cracking up. Hiatt was biting his hand he was laughing so hard.
Now, I tell this story because in every performer's life, there are turning points. Moments when you realize that maybe this thing you're doing is worth pursuing. Well, it is. And I am."
Jeff Daniels
Proceeds of every Jeff Daniels CD go to support the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan.
You may hear portions of the songs from this CD by clicking on the song titles.
You've seen Jeff Daniels in films like "Terms of Endearment," "Gettysburg," Dumb and Dumber," to name just a few. While there is no doubt Jeff Daniels is an accomplished and talented actor, once you've heard his music, you will be pleasantly enlightened to realize Mr. Daniels is just as accomplished and gifted as a musician.
Sporting Artisans is proud to offer all... [Read More]
