Dan Mcveigh cd release party

Dan McVeigh's CD Release Party

Featuring Diana Jade

Friday October 19, 2001

Dan McVeigh’s long awaited CD release was finally taking place, with his “Hearts And Bridges” featuring many self and co-written songs. For the release party he would be performing as a four-piece band and the venue would be a popular club in Norval Ontario. “Take It Easy” would be the band’s first song and no, it wasn’t to be found on Dan’s CD…it was just a ‘fun’ song to do. “Been There, Done That” is one from the album though, and it’s a song co-written with another songwriter of note - Bruce Madole. Relaying the ‘past experiences’ from one adventurer to another maybe not-so-adventurous soul the song is a fun, rockin’ message song. “Nearest Thing To Perfect” is a really nice song, describing the way a man really feels when faced with the ‘uncertainty’ of his partner. Anyone would be lucky to have such a song written or sung for them.

“My Heart Keeps Hanging On” was next, with Dan back on keyboards for this one. Dan is usually found behind a keyboard, although he’d used his guitar for the first few songs and looks equally at home with either. The story of one left behind, waiting and hoping that the other will return is the root of this one. The next song is going to be the first single and “What I’m Looking For” is the type of song that reminds you of a “My Kind Of Girl” theme, with the description of what the ‘perfect’ type of girl would be to this particular storyteller. I really liked it, it seemed like an honest to goodness description of what a ‘real guy’ would be looking for - something we can relate to.

“Fallen” is a beautiful song, letting Dan highlight his skills on the keyboard. You have to pick up this CD to see what I mean. Yes, it’s about love (in case the title didn’t give it away) and the heartfelt confession that yes, one had ‘fallen’ for the other - believe it or not. But it is a soaring, over the moon type of song and I liked this one too. “95 Acres of Tears” sounds a bit unusual but if you have a fondness for those ‘real-life story’ songs then you’ll love this one. With the gritty feel of “Daddy Won’t Sell The Farm” and the rockin’ country style it would be right at home in a ‘Farm Aid’ type of atmosphere, telling a story that is just too real to life for those who chose to leave their fates to the weather and farm for a living. “Country To The Bone” is (by contrast to the last song) a bouncy, almost whimsical biographical feeling song explaining the genre of choice. I especially like the line describing how the woman in his life left him after he painted Garth on the side of her pickup truck...that one always makes me smirk.

“Nuts About You” is the tale of someone who acknowledges that they’re a bit over-the-top about another. Back to the guitar for the next one. “Dirty Hands” is a simple, honest story of regular men who work hard, doing regular, unglamorous jobs and the women who find it in their hearts to love them. “The One That Got Away” is a real ‘fishin’ story about a series of life’s lessons, from the earliest ‘pole broke’ beginnings to later life’s letdowns and how to remember the good things instead.

“Piano Man” is a very surprising addition at this point and no, it’s not on the album either. Dan and company did an excellent job of this one anyway. Diana Jade (who is a very lovely and talented lady) joined Dan on stage for the next few songs, including the title track “Love And Bridges”. This is another beautiful song, made even more so by Diana joining in. Onward to a more ‘rockin’ selection before Dan’s portion of the show comes to an end and Diana takes over on her own.

Dan has had a long and varied career in the music industry and has literally done it all at one point. Currently working for EMI Music he’s also an award winning songwriter, has fronted some very popular bands over the years, has had a career as a radio DJ and is one of the co-founders of the Toronto chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Helping others with their own dreams while still working to make his come true is the mark of a wonderful person and we’ve had some very interesting discussions. I look forward to many more and encourage you to support this enterprising performer. He is an example of the ‘never-give-up’ attitude we have to encourage in this country to help our talent get to the front of the line, where they deserve to be. It’s the least we can do, for the joy that these performers give us. Thanks Dan.

Pictures

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi

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