Dan Silljer – Foolish
Heart
2012, Soccer Mom Records
Dan Silljer gets funky on his debut solo album Foolish Heart, blending 1970’s soul,
R&B and funk with a distinctive ear for melody. In the process the member of Jason Plumb’s
band The Willing creates a collection of highly listenable original tunes. Silljer’s voice is smooth and soulful throughout,
transitioning adeptly back and forth between soul /funk influenced rock and
roll and his singer/songwriter roots. 2012, Soccer Mom Records
“All But Over You” is AM pop radio gold, circa 1981, and
shows a distinct talent for lyrics in addition to composition. Silljer displays a classic pop touch on “Foolish
Heart”, swinging the beat in a gentle ballad that maintains high energy while
keeping its cool. Tower of Power style
horns come to life on the guitar-driven “Unfaithful You”, accented by some
Stanley Jordan-esque guitar work.
Silljer slows things down for the soulful and swanky “One More Dawn”
before launching into the elemental funk and roll of “Them Changes”. This is easily the most danceable track on
the album – you simply won’t be able to sit still.
“Sanctuary” settles into a solid groove, while “Strange
Relationship” marks a funky, classic-rock sound circa 1975. The blues roots of this number show through,
and Silljer digs into the vocal line with gusto – laying everything on the
line. Things get smooth on “Cradle To
The Grave” a solid old school pop number that’s pure Billboard material. Silljer then takes on Marvin Gaye’s “How Long”. It’s always a risk when an artist takes on an
iconic song from an iconic artist, but Silljer succeeds with a funky/smooth
sound that’s classic and fresh at the same time. “’Til I’m Gone” mixes soul and Americana (or
Canadiana, if you will) in a down-tempo number that’s melodically pure and
steeped in the blues. This is a great
piece of songwriting and is delivered with a quiet sense of urgency that is
pleasantly surprising. Foolish Heart bows on a quiet note: just
Silljer and guitar on “Fall Apart”.
While the album is high quality throughout this is Silljer’s finest
moment: showing he has the musicianship, voice and charisma to hold a listener’s
attention without any frills added.
Dan Silljer may spend a lot of time in the background as a
member of Jason Plumb And The Willing, but he is a first class front man in his
own right. This fact becomes more and
more apparent he wends his way through Foolish
Heart. Dan Silljer shows off his
many musical facets with quiet confidence and just a touch of flair. Foolish
Heart is an album you simply don’t want to miss.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
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