Dan Tyminski Can Turn Any Song Into Great Bluegrass
His voice has helped Alison Krauss win several Grammys and kept George Clooney out of prison in O Brother, Where Art Thou? He's finally released a new solo album -- Wheels -- and this week celebrated with a release party in Nashville's Belcourt Theater. You know it's a big deal when a quick scan of the audience reveals Vince Gill sitting a few rows behind me munching on a box of popcorn. I turned around pretty smartly and watched Dan Tyminski and his band take the stage -- bluegrass time!
The quality of Dan's voice is undeniable, and every time he opens his mouth, you not only hear the song but also all of the great Alison Krauss recordings he's been part of. He sang some great new songs off the record, including "Wheels" and the Ron Stewart song, "I Ain't Taking You Back No More." He reminds me of the way Del McCoury sings: You feel like he could sing any song and make it sound like authentic bluegrass. And yet when he sang an old song like "The Old Home Place," he breathed new life into it. There's a cracking band behind him, including Adam Steffey on mandolin, whose comic mastery was also present at various times on stage.
If you weren't in the mood for bluegrass, then this wasn't the right place for you, but most folks seemed like they knew what they were after. This is a band well steeped in the tradition of the music, and their passion is clear and present when they dig into a classic bluegrass song, just as it is when playing an original. Vermont isn't known as a bluegrass state, but Dan may be about to change all that as he travels around the country, impersonating George Clooney. It's the perfect fix for your bluegrass cravings. Hope you get to see the band this summer!
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Nova says:
Here is a cd that I will rush out to purchase. This man is one of the finest I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. Just checking over the comings and goings at CMT and land right here on a magical ride. Thanks so much for this beautiful article about one of the world’s greatest talents… in my personal view.
Growing up, bluegrass was and still is a big part of my life and we could close our eyes and pick out our favorite pieces and they would stay with us for days at a time. In my older years, it is quite honestly, harder to do this but I can still pick out great music and the talent that surrounds us with special beauty. You are a master at your craft Dan and I thank God that He has graced us with your incredible talents.
Again thank you so much for your wonderful article.
Lisa says:
I am really enjoying the Dan Band’s cd “Wheels”. We had to wait too long after “Carry Me Across the Mountain” to hear Dan again! I just wish he was coming close to where I live to do a concert, but I will have to be content w/ listening to the cd. It’s great!
-Lisa
Ashley says:
mot that I have anything against Dan, or his band, because the boy can sing, but I resent the comment that he helped Alison Krauss win grammys. lets just admit that she does not need any help being a wonderful singer and does not need any help winning anything. Dont get me wrong, I saw AKUS in concert last August and it was an amazing experience and no doubt that without Dan soimething would be missing from the band, I just am more of a fan of Alison’s, and I feel the need to comment on that sentence.