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Tangled Tales, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks latest CD, is a more-than-worthy addition to Hicks’ already massive body of work. It is an irresistible nod to Dan Hicks’ undeniable musical legacy, and a potent reminder of all of the musical inspiration that this Great American Songwriter has spawned. Revered by and also having collaborated with such legendary artists as Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bette Midler, Brain Setzer, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett, among others -- Dan Hicks serves up his unique fashion, attitude and swagger that are embodied in his outlaw eccentricity and totally unique sound. His counter-culture appeal, which has twice landed him on the cover of Rolling Stone, has always been rooted in his songwriting. His lyrics have been touted as some of the sharpest-tongued, driest-witted, and subtly hilarious bits of irreverence ever committed to rhyme. He sets these lyrical gems to quirky tunes that trade on a bagful of jazz chords and an irresistible rhythm. This music gets under your skin, and the lyrics are set loose upon your unsuspecting brain. It's one hell of a good time.
“Dan Hicks is an American Treasure. ‘I Scare Myself’ and ‘It’s Not My Time to Go’…
I think they’re two of the best songs ever written” – Elvis Costello
The brand-new collection of compelling and witty tunes offers the same swinging music and insightful charm that has endeared him to audiences and fellow artists alike. Tangled Tales also features a world-class collection of musical talent, including instrumental virtuosos David Grisman, Charlie Musselwhite, and slide-guitarist Roy Rogers. Produced by Grammy-winning roots music producer Chris Goldsmith, Tangled Tales delivers eight great new original tunes that feel like instant Dan Hicks classics (and some choice cover tunes too).
“Dan Hicks is lightning in a bottle.” – Bette Midler
His latest work of genius, Tangled Tales, is a return to the roots of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks’ earliest days. This version of the Hot Licks has perhaps grown a bit warmer with age, but it has the same innovative mix of old-timey authenticity and modern swagger that has made Dan a favorite of listeners and fellow artists for over 40 years. Working with his touring band in the studio for the first time in decades, Dan also invites a California cartel of special guests. But instead of featuring guest vocalists, as he’s done on other recent releases, this time Dan has assembled an amazing cast of instrumentalists. In addition to mandolin master David Grisman, harmonica legend Charlie Musslewhite, and renowned slide guitarist Roy Rogers -- also featured are bluegrass violin master Richard Greene, and the world’s foremost cowboy swing guitarist, Bruce Forman.
“Dan Hicks is fly, sly, wily and dry!” – Tom Waits
Recorded and mixed at two historic California studios, The Plant in Sausalito and Capitol Studios in Hollywood, respectively, the album has a classic feel from start to finish. Dan is in great singing voice, the girls are jumping, the band is swinging, and the guests provide incredible musical inspiration.
Dan’s songwriting is also showcased here with a collection of original tunes like “13-D” and “The Diplomat,” that sound fresh but feel like they’re already Hot Licks classics, as well as the very intimate song “A Magician,” which offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s quieter, more emotional side. The cover tunes he chose for this album reflect his mastery of the vintage music of the early 1900’s, flavored by a love for legendary swing guitarist Django Reinhardt. However, rather than treating these tunes like museum pieces, he brings them to life again with a renewed vitality and vigor.
Throughout the 60s and 70s there was no one who sounded at all like Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, and remarkably, 35 years later, there still isn't. We now find ourselves again in an age of introspective sensitive singer-songwriters. Luckily for us, throughout the past decade and amidst the new wave of freak folk that prides itself on its eclecticism, Dan has re-assembled the Hot Licks. Getting back into the swing of regularly recording and touring, he has proven once again that the king of hipster-chic will always be Dan Hicks.
Show us the way, Dan.
The Dan Hicks Discography includes Original Recordings (with His Hot Licks) (1969), Where’s The Money? (with His Hot Licks) (1971), Striking It Rich (with His Hot Licks) (1972), Last Train to Hicksville (with His Hot Licks) (1973), It Happened One Bite (1978), Shootin’ Straight (with the Acoustic Warriors) (1994), Beatin’ the Heat (with the Hot Licks) (2000), Alive & Lickin’ (live album with the Hot Licks) (2001), Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks: Featuring an All-Star Cast of Friends (live CD + DVD) (2003), Selected Shorts (with The Hot Licks) (2004), and now Tangled Tales (with the Hot Licks) (2009).
Dan Hicks And The Hot Licks On MySpace
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Tour Dates
- March 10 @ Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
- March 11 @ Grand Rapids, MI - Venue TBA
- March 12 @ Detroit, MI - Detroit Institute of Arts
- March 13 @ Dowagiac, MI - Wood Fire
- March 14 @ Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music
- April 15 @ Northampton, MA - Iron Horse
- April 16 @ Natick, MA - Center for the Arts
- April 17 @ Fall River, MA - Narrows Arts Center
- April 18 @ Piermont, NY - Turning Point
- April 21 @ New London, CT - Garde Arts Center
- April 22 @ New York, NY - B. B. King Blues Club & Grill
- April 23 @ Albany, NY - Swyer Theatre
- April 24 @ Homer, NY - Center for the Arts
- May 14 @ Seattle, WA - Triple Door
- May 15 @ Eugene, OR - Shedd Institute for the Arts
- May 16 @ Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater
- July 9 @ Harrison Hot Springs, BC - Harrison Festival of the Arts
- July 10 @ Courtenay, BC - Vancouver Island Music Festival
- July 11 @ Courtenay, BC - Vancouver Island Music Festival
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