I found this CD to be very unique and fresh. This review is only the beginning of my thoughts on "Sticks and Stones." I know that each time I listen to it my appreciation to the freshness will only increase if that is possible.
If you want music that comes from the heart, this is it. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Brian Dale for transferring your feelings into your music.
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Sandy Shore is absolutely right in calling this music Smooth Jazz, even though it's listed as "Rock" on iTunes. Wonderful and refreshingly powerful CD! The soundtrack of my summer...
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What a surprise find... STICKS AND STONES by Smooth Jazz newcomer Brian Dale sneaks in as a summer favorite. Raised by musicians, Brian developed an early appreciation for music and he gladly embraces musical diversity with expertise and style. The seasoned session drummer and vocalist has released a very refreshing vocal pop/jazz project co-produced by Joe Puerta (Ambrosia, Bruce Hornsby) and Kevin Arndt. The result is a sophisticated groove that will most certainly appeal to fans of Steely Dan, Toto and Steve Winwood... these crossover vocalists have always found a home on Smooth Jazz radio. The first track and single, "Free and Renewed," fits the Smooth Jazz format like a glove... rhythmic, percussive and smooth with soulful trumpet offered up by Latin Jazz Grammy-winner Brian Lynch. There's certain panache to Brian's songwriting style: great groove-oriented melodies with attention-grabbing hooks, admirable arrangements, intelligent lyrics and soulful singing. In addition to the killer new single, other stand out tracks include the sax-driven and soulful “The Voice,” waving a white flag at a crazy world of media sensationalism and over-saturation (reminding me why I discontinued the delivery of the morning paper and avoid news programming altogether), the funkalicious and infectious “Befunkell,” and the smooth, moving glide of “The Closing Scene.” STICKS AND STONES is a first-class, first full solo album for Brian Dale! ~SANDY SHORE
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Brian's songs have tight arrangments, beautiful melodies and rich structure.  Such wonderful craftsmanship.  His lyrics reflect an intuitive observer of our society, our cultural and personal ethos, and the love we share for one another.
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