Bluegrass Unlimited Review

World of Dreams

 March 2004 Issue

Blue Daze is a DC-area quintet that's been around since 1990, and "World of Dreams" marks their second album since that time.  It's clear that these guys are not content to be just another regional band.  While the only composition written by a band member is the sole instrumental among the CD's 13 tracks (Dazed," by mandolinist Lenny Whitehead), they've still managed to tap a network of lesser-known songwriters for the bulk of their material, principally from the pens of Wayne Ashemore and Jim Livesay, who contribute, respectively, four and two songs apiece.

Additionally, Blue Daze has other things going for it, such as a fine lead singer in guitarist Chuck Van Meter, who displays a phrasing influenced by early Tony Rice.  Van Meter also shows some decent flatpicking guitar chops, including a nice crosspicking introduction to "Cold Walls of Stone."  Banjoist Tim Kruzic serves as the group's rhythmic foundation, alternately driving and swinging as needed.  Bassist Mike Jenkins, utilized principally as the baritone singer in the vocal trios, steps out front to sing an effective lead on the sprightly change-of-pace western piece, "Billy The Kid Saloon."  Fiddler Mike Hartnett, the newest addition to the ensemble, overdubs a sweet twin fiddle opening to the midtempo ballad, "Don't Step Over A New Love."

Truthfully, there's not much keeping Blue Daze from breaking out into a larger market.  There's an occasional faltering in the intonation of the fiddle break on "Dazed," for instance, and the trios in which Whitehead switches from tenor to lead aren't quite as powerful and confident as, say the Van Meter-led a cappella kickoff to "Don't Laugh."  But this is clearly a band with its eyes on the prize, and it won't take more than just a wee bit of polishing, perhaps with the help of an outside producer, to bring Blue Daze the broader attention they richly deserve.

Review written by Henry Koretzky