Danny Scherr: Press

"A terrific, terrific album!"

San Fran Wham Bam

Such is the life of the music addict. You spend your life trawling the backstreets of Musicopolis in search of a sweet hit and every now and again up pops a little nugget that manages to push just the right endorphin releasing button. Well worth consulting your (record) dealer then in search of this little gem of a cd. Ten tracks of sherbert fountain sweetness mixing uptempo melodic indie/pop/rock and slower introspective acoustic numbers all tightly played and nicely sung. In fact it comes as something of a surprise to realise that instead of the really tight, well drilled band you were expecting to see credited on the cover you find that Scherr plays all instruments (bar drums and some keyboards) himself. But this is no self indulgent naval gazing vanity project. Scherr obviously has too much common sense to let that happen. Apparently this New York City born San Francisco resident was on the verge of giving up music when a track (not present here) was used in a movie soundtrack and the fan feedback made him reconsider. Thank goodness for that because to lose this guy’s talent would have been a travesty. Standout tracks are two rockier numbers – “Always Goes That Way” and “Love Again” both of which, in a fair and just world, would be instant radio-friendly hits for a discerning adult market. Touchstones might be Pete Yorn, our own Matthew Jay or maybe The Pernice Brothers.

Danny Scherr
Richmond Special
Laststoprecords.com

How do I love thee, let me count the ways? Danny Scherr has a bunch of 'em as he assumes a wide array of pop personas throughout. Power pop star ("Always Goes That Way", "Make My Day"). Dirge singing bluesman ("Two Far Down"). Blue-eyed soul purveyor ("Love Again"). Folk rocker ("Fade Me In"). Confessional singer-songwriter ("Don't Know Why"). Country crooner ("The Next Motel"). Heavy-metal arena rocker ('Til I'm In Love Again"). Shoegazer ("Let It Go"). Scherr slides into his upper register voice akin to a young John Lennon while spinning melodies comparative to those scruffy bards who always seem to show up on the arms of super models and year-end best of lists (James Blunt, Daniel Powter, Josh Rouse, Damien Rice, Chris Martin). Kudos to the artist and his producer Alex James Muscat for mixing the guitars and drums pleasantly loud in all the right spots. I'm sure he'll get the girl on his next album.
-Tom Semioli
Amplifier #59

You'll alternately be reminded of Ron Sexsmith, Elliott Smith, Connells, and NZ's great Mutton Birds, while Scherr turns up the energy level for some superb Tommy Keene/Nick Lowe-style power pop on 'Always Goes That Way,' 'Make My Day,' and ''Til I'm In Love Again.' Overall, this striking, amiable LP is rather special, indeed.

No, Danny Scherr isn't from Richmond (he's actually from San Francisco), but his debut release is most certainly special. It's an expert evocation of the 70's California sound, with enough punch to keep it from being overly mellow.

The rocker "Always Goes That Way" starts things off, and it'll have you checking the credits to see if Danny Kortchmar played or produced the track. The wistful mid-tempo "Fade Me In" follows, and if you close your eyes, you'll see Laurel Canyon. "How I Lost a Day" has the quintessential "western rock" sound to it, and "til I'm Love Again" reminds of the rare James Taylor rocker, "Honey Don't Leave LA". By the time you get done with Richmond Special, you'll be wondering why there isn't an Elektra Records logo on the CD.

Sample and buy it for a reasonable for $10 at CD Baby. And he has a myspace page streaming four of the tracks. If any of this sounds remotely appealing to you, grab it.

RICHMOND SPECIAL is "...a beautiful collection of soft ballads and uplifting melodic rockers."

"...a great, GREAT disc...keeps your fingers miles from the skip button!"

The acoustic grounding yields sounds which bite into a smart, sweet collection of sunny, West Coast early/mid 70's feel. Singer/songwriter material like this can really veer into two different directions, one being a big bore and the other a magnified artistry that promises enjoyment. Thankfully, Danny Scherr's "Richmond Special" accomplishes the later with skill, aplomb and makes a lasting impression as a songwriter of note.

"...Elegant guitar balladry..."