The Artist
Dan Zanes' signature hair and trademark rootsy sound are as magnetic as ever to both children and their adults. This musical pied piper continues to be a strong proponent of live music, of singing with children, not at them. House Party is the perfect embodiment of Zanes' mantra.The Music
House Party is exactly that: a celebration of music with a home full of family and friends. From Barbara Brousal's "Queremos Bailar" to Aggie Decaul and Courin Gibbs' "West Indian Counting Song," from David Jones' "How Do You Do?" to bandmate Yoshi Waki's "Tankoh-Bushi," Zanes circles the globe for musical inspiration while keeping the sound classic Zanes. Ukuleles, tubas, pump organs, mandolins, tremeloed electric guitar...Zanes uses these esoteric instruments on familiar and obscure tunes and makes it all seem effortless.More Tunes
The album leads off with Zanes' own "House Party Time," sounding as much like The Band as a riverboat musical ensemble. Zanes and Bob Weir then team up on the classic "Wabash Cannonball," kinda like their response to Dave Grisman and Jerry Garcia's 1993 album Not for Kids Only.
Dig Dominic Kanza's guitar work on West African star Angelique Kidjo's take of "Jamaica Farewell," and Father Goose's rowdy rendition of the oldie "Old Joe Clark". And don't miss Zanes' originals "Sunny Old Sun," "Shining Star," "Hey Little Red Bird," and "A Place for Us."
Modern Americana
This is Americana for the 21st Century: ancient tunes and rhymes walk arm in arm with modern interpretations of the folk song idiom. A winner all around.
Released October 7, 2003; Festival Five Records
