What an experience this DYAD production is... Scott's vocals mesh perfectly with Shilansky's piano... they bill it in the liners as "...a sublime meeting of two minds"; & that just about sums it up.  It's not strictly jazz, though it certainly leans in that direction, with some great scat work, but cuts like "Boulder To Birmingham" bring clear visions of Marlboro men & other heroes trudging across the majestic plains in search of lost loves.  David's version of John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" will stay in your mind for years to come... he's got a haunting vocal style, with clear and definitive talent that many will fall in love with right away.  Shilansky's keyboards, though quite melancholy at times, also convey a playful spirit.  Whatever that "magic" is that players glom onto at times, these two have "got it".  A very interesting album that adventurous listeners everywhere will enjoy!  I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Dave, just dropping a line to tell you how much I enjoyed your singing with Mark Shilansky the other night. I’ve also been digging the DYAD duo album. Pretty exemplary playing and singing. The vocal/piano duo is one of my favorite set-ups: the absence of bass and drums, of the specific time thing, opens up more space to maneuver in. “The Song Is You,” the album opener, is a good example. It starts with what sounds like a relaxed rubato opening; only gradually do you realize that it’s really an up tempo that, without “burning” bass and drums, has a looser, conversational feel that allows for more give-and-take. A real duet. Very interesting.  

My favorite tunes are the originals: “Fall into You,” “Deciding Where to Land,” “Grow,” and “Agitated.” As a singer-composer myself, I appreciate the intersection of interesting, intelligent lyrics with a jazz musician’s approach to melody/harmony/rhythm—and the relaxed swing that you and Mark bring to the performances. In a better world, "Fall into You" would be a hit; it certainly is at our house. “Timber! . . .” Love the way you make that high note bloom on the first line. What’s a little 5/4 between friends?
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Tremendous.  I have always been a fan of David's voice, but this project really showcases the vocal depth and warmth that he brings to the table.

This is a wonderful triumph.  It's great to hear his smooth, lyrical sound and his treatments of the tunes are just lovely.  There's no other word except maybe, sublime.  And what a beautiful songwriter!  "Grow" is gorgeous and I love the lyrics.  I was also really thrilled to hear "Simple Song" from Bernstein's "Mass."  His voice was made for that song and I loved the uniqueness of the arrangement.  It's very bold but if anyone knows anything about the "Mass" or about Bernstein, bold is a word that comes straight to mind.  I think Lenny would approve.
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It's wonderful.  I'm drawn to piano-voice albums; I love the freedom and spaciousness and intimacy of them, and I think you and Mark Shilansky, whom I hadn't heard before, did a terrific job.  So nice to hear "Boulder to Birmingham" and "A Simple Song" again, too.  I hope to get to see the two of you in person in the near future.
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