There are a lot of musical
influences and sources that Daniel Donato has drawn on during his
career and that inform Reflector (Retrace Music), the Nashville
guitarist-singer-songwriter-band leader's first all-original album.
But within those Donato has carved out a unique and individualized
spot for himself, one that speaks to the deep American music
heritage that inspires him -- and that he's pushing towards the
future with inspired, intentional vigor.
He calls it Cosmic Country, a
moniker that's both self-descriptive and a statement of purpose.
It's an organic rock band aesthetic with plenty of roadhouse twang,
a showcase for Donato's instrumental virtuosity and facility for
melodically infectious songcraft. Bridging Nashville and the Great
West, Kentucky and mid-60s northern California, tie-dye and plaid,
it's a world of his own, and wide world of musical adventure at
that.
"I think Cosmic Country is a
tale as old as time, really," Donato explains. "It's yin
and yang in a musical form. It's three chords and the truth, and
then on the other side it's exploration and bravery. I really went
through a lot of years of grinding, and still am, to achieve this
sound which is a vehicle for my personality, and the personality is
a vehicle for my soul. So (Reflector) is more that than any other
record I ever put out."
