Chris Daniels has been such an
integral part of the Colorado music scene for so long, that it is almost
possible to take him for granted. What a huge mistake that would be, as one
listen to his beautiful new album Better Days will immediately confirm
that he is an artist at his peak. After a nearly fatal bout with leukemia,
Chris has obviously taken stock of what matters in this life, and his art and
audience are the clear beneficiaries. A sprawling, musically diverse program of
heartfelt tunes, Better Days finds Daniels addressing lots of issues
from his past in a mature and, as always, humorous way. Whether it is lost
love, found responsibility or loving acknowledgements to his fellow musicians,
Chris looks it straight in the eye. He doesn’t shy away from tough subjects,
such as the loss of his first wife at 36 on “I Still Think Of You,” or his own
recent brush with mortality on “Sister Delores.” He also never loses his
ability to laugh at himself as on the timely “Medical Marijuana” or “Therapy,”
but as always Chris is at his best when serving the songs, and numbers like
“Eldorado Canyon,” “This Old Guitar” and “Better Days” show his superior
craftsmanship as a singer, songwriter and arranger. As the album comes to a
close with a breathtaking rendition of the old spiritual “Right Down Here” and
fellow Colorado legends Hazel Miller, Freddi Gowdy, Clay Kirkland and Tim Irvin
among others are singing and playing along, and one looks over the amazing
package by local artist Greg Carr, filled with touching photos from Chris’
life, it was pretty easy to see why this guy is a hometown hero. He’s one of
the best we’ve got.
- Paul
Epstein
Be sure to check out Chris Daniels live at Twist and Shout on August 7th at 6pm!
