Dec. '98-Jan. '99
Rock & Blues News

Daniel Moore, Riding A Horse & Holding Up The World

Most songwriters secretly desire to be singers. Few get the chance. Cue Daniel Moore, composer of such gems as "My Maria" (#4 in '73 for B.W. Stevenson and a C&W hit by Brooks and Dunn) and "Shambala" (#2 in 73 for Three Dog Night).

Included here is Moore's original demo of "Shambala," an unexpected treat for "Dog" fans. Also included are Moore's versions of his songs that have been recorded by everyone from Waylon Jennings to Jerry Jeff Walker. He has also written for the Everly Brothers, Bonnie Raitt and the movies. As Danny Moore, his career began in 1962 when he cut a folk album for Everest and sang backup for Jimmie Rogers as a member of the Fairmount Singers.

In 1970 he hooked ;up with Joe Cocker in time to make the legendary Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour. Cocker subsequently recorded a handful of Moore's tunes. Moore's vocal stylings, while leaning on country roots, are varied enough to easily handle the swamp-rocking "The Wild One" and the uptempo "Blaze Away." The music runs from the nostalgic to south of the border. Give this one a chance and it will grow on you. (LC)

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Review 2 of 3

From Rapport Magazine Nov.98-Jan 99 Issue

You may not be familiar with this artists' name at first glance but you will surely recognize some of his songs. The monster hit "Shambala" done by THREE DOG NIGHT and "My Maria" recently a hit for BROOKS AND DUNN, are songs penned by Moore.

His talents go beyond song writing though. He can sing and play music. On this CD which one can say was 25 years in the making, Moore delivers 12 songs that cover pop, country, folk, and rock genres.

Moore kicks off with "My Maria" 3:09 done in his own unique style. Next comes "Turn Around" 3:33 and "Jack-A-Diamonds" 3:49 two strongly country-flavored tunes.

He continues the country feel with "Cross the Borderline" 3:01 and "Let It Fly" 3:43 which is another C&W sensed track. "Oregon (Give Me Wings)" 2:52, a pretty, mellow cut. Then "The Wild One" 2:53 lays down a great beat, it is a country rock tune that has 'hit' written on it.

The eighth cut is "Blaze Away" 3:28, followed by "The Prettiest Eyes in California" 3:30, a nice love song. Another "girl-name" song follows called "Suzanne" 2:51. His big hit "Shambala" 2:56 follows; here it's in the original version. I like the commercial versions better. "Take Good Care of Yourself" 4:01 adds more of that country sound. A nice pop-country album with some decent songs. Nice sounds with steel guitar on some tracks add much to the overall product.

     -- Armondo Canales, The Critical Review

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Review 3 of 3

Yosemite Wonderland Review

Most popular Christmas songs have been reworked or redone literally hundreds of times and ways, using every instrument, speed, twist, signature, effect, etc. possible. Of course doing this has its place. Yet good, new original Christmas music is hard to find.

In YOSEMITE WONDERLAND, we have an exception. This album contains 10 fresh new Christmasy tunes. These are all composed, performed, and recorded by Daniel Moore, a well-known music industry veteran. The music here is instrumental and offers rich production values. Some songs receive simple arrangements with few instruments while others have a lush orchestral feel. The texturing is just right. No over-production here. No bizarre sound effects or noises.

The CD offers the listener great listening. The songs come in a variety of styles. While not jazz or blues per se, it mainly is the MOR or A/C genre. The music really has "holiday" written all across it. From the first cut "Swingin' Christmas" a peppy, horn-filled number to the orchestral feel of "Winter Moon" the album is a winner.

Other songs that deserve mention include "The Grand Christmas Ball" a mellow yet sophisticated piece and "The Wawona Waltz" which gave me an old-fashioned out-in-the-country feel. Actually the music was composed in an old cabin in Wawona, which is a little town just inside Yosemite Park, thus the album title. The tune "Survivor" has a powerful soundtrack feel. And "Suspended Snow" gives one a 40's feel. Good clean music the way it used to be done decades ago.

The artist who it seems has worked with dozens and dozens of famous musicians like Joe Cocker, Jennifer Warnes, Kim Carnes, Kenny Rogers, Waylon Jennings, THE DILLARDS, Bonnie Raitt, CANNED HEAT, Dizzy Gillespie, THE EVERLY BROTHERS, Maria Muldaur, and many more, brings his experience to this unique project. The music makes for relaxed background music or for meditative or contemplative moods. From the magnificent cover photo, to the fine music, an enjoyable original Christmas creation.

    -- Armondo Canales, The Critical Review