Dan Silljer - Foolish Heart

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Dan Silljer – FoolishHeart
2012, Soccer Mom RecordsDan 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’sband 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 androll and his singer/songwriter roots. 

“All But Over You” is AM pop radio gold, circa 1981, andshows a distinct talent for lyrics in addition to composition.  Silljer displays a classic pop touch on “FoolishHeart”, swinging the beat in a gentle ballad that maintains high energy whilekeeping its cool.  Tower of Power stylehorns come to life on the guitar-driven “Unfaithful You”, accented by someStanley 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 onthe album – you simply won’t be able to sit still.“Sanctuary” settles into a solid groove, while “StrangeRelationship” 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 theline.  Things get smooth on “Cradle ToThe 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 aniconic song from an iconic artist, but Silljer succeeds with a funky/smoothsound that’s classic and fresh at the same time.  “’Til I’m Gone” mixes soul and Americana (orCanadiana, if you will) in a down-tempo number that’s melodically pure andsteeped in the blues.  This is a greatpiece of songwriting and is delivered with a quiet sense of urgency that ispleasantly surprising.  Foolish Heart bows on a quiet note: justSilljer and guitar on “Fall Apart”. While the album is high quality throughout this is Silljer’s finestmoment: showing he has the musicianship, voice and charisma to hold a listener’sattention without any frills added.

Dan Silljer may spend a lot of time in the background as amember of Jason Plumb And The Willing, but he is a first class front man in hisown right.  This fact becomes more andmore apparent he wends his way through FoolishHeart.  Dan Silljer shows off hismany musical facets with quiet confidence and just a touch of flair.  FoolishHeart is an album you simply don’t want to miss.Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Dan Silljer at Soccer Mom Recordsor on Facebook.