Daniel Makins,
Daniel Makins



Label: (self-released)

(3½ out of 5)

As a drummer who has worked with the likes of Dana Cooper, Austin Collins, and Susan Gibson, Daniel Makins has seen his share of stages. Yet Makins also is an award-winning singer/songwriter whose latest achievement is winning this summer's Gig Harbor Folk Festival's songwriting contest.

Makins blends small-town reminiscences, love songs, and ruminations on his self-titled second album. His gentle voice, warm instrumentation, and folksy storytelling make for a charming album that compares favorably to heroes David Wilcox and James Taylor.

Especially noteworthy are small-town stories "Old Town" (listen) and "Little Cafe" (listen), which call upon memories from a West Texas childhood and seem to be ideal Lyle Lovett material. Similarly, Makins manages to craft a moving song about a car (no small task) when celebrating his grandmother's old Chevy in "Turtle Dove" (listen).

Not every standout deals in yesteryear. "Moonlight" (listen), the winning Gig Harbor entry, is Makins' winsome love note to his wife. At the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, "Pain of Awaking"(listen) captures the very modern anxiety brought on by public performances.

Makins is a nimble guitarist who produces an impressive cascade of notes from an aged Gibson B-25. He gets instrumental assistance from Paul Eason and Matt Farrell, among others, and the angelic Sloan Bonfield contributes gorgeous backing vocals.

While today Makins may perform primarily in support of other artists, he clearly is a promising singer/songwriter destined to command his own bookings.

(You can purchase Daniel Makins from CD Baby for $15.)

October 18, 2005