On September 1, Danny Balis--he of The King Bucks, Sorta, The Ticket's The Hardline and whiskey dives across the Metroplex--will release his debut solo record, Too Much Living. And it's a long time coming: Balis has long been revered as one of the area's better vocalists, offering up a deep, silky-smooth vocal take on country classics in his work with the Bucks, and dazzling area fans with recent solo sets.
And though Sorta die-hards might be a bit miffed at the direction of the disc, those who've caught Balis' solo act won't be too taken aback: Too Much Living's a country disc--"a fresh mixture of Merle Haggard, Townes Van Zandt, and Don Williams," the press release announcing the disc explains. Having already heard a few cuts, though, that's hardly the overstatement it first appears to be. Balis has a fine ear for country tunes, and the voice to make the genre's often sorrowful themes seem genuine--especially given the fact that Balis wrote the entire album in the wake of losing his close friend and bandmate, Carter Albrecht.
After the jump, the press release in full--wherein you'll find details of Balis' CD release show at the Granada Theater on August 21. With Slobberbone. So, yes: Get pumped.
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Former Sorta Band Member Releases First Solo Album
DALLAS--July 10, 2009--Danny Balis, former bassist and one of the founding members of Dallas-based band Sorta, will release his first solo album, Too Much Living, Sept. 1, 2009. The recording will be available beginning Sept. 1 on all popular digital download sites (iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc.), with CDs available in stores, and for sale online through Balis MySpace page and www.goodrecords.com.
Too Much Living may seem like a departure from what Sorta fans are accustomed to, as it is a straight up, old school, country and western record -- a fresh mixture of Merle Haggard, Townes Van Zandt, and Don Williams. Entirely written and recorded following the tragic death of his best friend Carter Albrecht, Balis draws from the dark side of country music, exploring self destruction, love lost, and the effects of grief. A few reviews from Balis contemporaries are already in:
"I grew up listening to country music, so Too Much Living is a nostalgic listen for me. While country music today sounds like a hallmark card gone bad, sung with a southern drawl, Danny is true to the heart of classic country music."
--Eric Pulido, Midlake
"Danny's got this smooth, rich, authentic country voice that goes down as easy as a fine wine. A throwback, Danny is at home on a honky tonk stage, a young man with an old soul. Too Much Living is pure, genuine American country music, a body of work that comes straight from the heart."
--Deryl Dodd
"Too Much Living is a great record. It recalls my favorite, old-time country, yet still feels fresh. Danny Balis is the real deal."
--Rhett Miller, The Old 97's
A CD release show is scheduled for Aug. 21 at the Granada Theatre in Dallas at 9:00 p.m., in support of Slobberbone (Denton, Texas). The CD will be available for the first time at this event.
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