Almost There by The Dana Wylie Band

The Dana Wylie Band has members from diverse backgrounds creating a chemistry that is unbelievably incredible. There’s a wee bit of everything to be found in their sound, most likely due to the wonderful diversity of the members. The Dana Wylie Band has made this work for them where so many others fail as they cross all the boundaries with complete success.

There are elements of jazz and bluegrass and folk peppering the tracks of this spicy release. “Almost There” is an exceptionally strong debut album. It was recorded while the band was living in England, and has since been followed up with a second release, “The Unruly Ones.” While the band has relocated to Canada (Saskatchewan is Wylie’s home province) it hasn’t affected their sound whatsoever – they still blow the listener away.

Central to the band’s sound is Wylie’s exceptional skill on the piano. Combined with her powerful and overtly passionate vocals, listeners don’t have a choice – they’re caught up and spellbound before they realize it. Add to the mix a talent for creating stories with the lyrics… delivered clearly and for the most part, with a light-hearted pitch. Wylie has a slightly sarcastic streak, and she calls it as she sees it. This is quite noticeable in the track “Karmically Due.”

The first line or two of “Even In Saskatchewan” brought to mind another Canadian, Alannis Morrissette. Wylie is treading her own path, breaking ground and boundaries as she goes. Vocally potent and with an honest outlook on life, Wylie captures ideas, wrapping them in her own words. “We may be just a whole lot of procreating magnets, but we sure have fun sometimes!”

“The Money Song” has a sultry flavour, and takes a serious look at the hold cash has on us, and all the things it cannot give you! Pointedly honest, there’s a huge amount of cheek to this track (something that Wylie has down to a science)! When music and lyrics are combined – this track is scorching!

I’d have to say that my favourite track is “Karmically Due.” I couldn’t stop laughing after the first listen. It’s just so blatantly honest. “My head is too far up my ass and I’m crass…Some days I’m not biased, I hate everyone, especially puppies, cab drivers and girls who wanna have fun!” There’s a brief delve into the melody of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘80’s pop hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” a definite side splitter!

“Almost There” -
Even in Saskatchewan
Winter in April
To Go
Jolene
I Know You Know
The Money Song
Hideout
Karmically Due
Hurricane Boy
Getting’ Ahead (The I Don’t Have Time Song)
Tiny White Girl Blues
We Know the Secret

Dana Wylie