Album Notes

Dan and Dennis combine Classic Rock with Topical influences to comment on the craziness of the Key West lifestyle. If you are a native you are a "Saltwater Conch". If you have lived there 7 years of more, you are a "Freshwater Conch". Since, these guys, like the rest of us, only visit, and have to turn the craziness "on and off", they coined a new category, "Tapwater Conchs".

Dan Crawford grew up in Flint, Michigan, where he trained vocally from the age of 4. He took up guitar at 12, then later keyboards, bass, and harmonica. He was a very successful local musician before moving to Florida in 1977. There he continued to perform as a solo artist as well as form the band Overture in 1980. Dan has opened shows for Gregg Allman, Firefall, and the Coasters. Dan has been composing for over 30 years and has recorded 2 CDs (Present Tense and Frame of Mind) all containing Dan's original work. He has received numerous awards for his compositions, including "Welcome to the Real World" and many others. He is currently a popular performer at each and nightspots throughout Florida, including Le Barge Party Boat, which sets out to the Sarasota Bay most nights.

Dennis Niec was born in Flint Michigan and first performed an Elvis pantomime on TV at age 4. He liked to say that was the peak of his career. Dennis started writing and playing music at an early age and even though his friends grew wise enough to later put down their instruments, Dennis continued to perform and write. In the mid seventies Dennis toured as opening act for such heavyweights as Bob Seger, Peter Frampton, and Kiss. At 22, Dennis became a successful general manager of a Midwest booking agency, and still continued to perform. In 1982 he formed The Surefire Band, which traveled the world working cruise ship/resort facilities. During this time, he produced over 30 albums and singles for other artists. In 1990, Dennis fell heads over heels in love with his best friend, Kim who he considers one of the best singers on the planet.

Marty Kane was born in Star Junction Pennsylvania and moved to Warren, Michigan as a very young child. Marty started playing drums at 11 years old, learning from the early influences of the Beatles, Big Band,and the Tijuana Brass. His first band was the PRM Jam Band which mixed originals and classic rock. Later with The Inner Mist, a 7 piece band that opened for the likes of Blood Sweat and Tears, and Chase. Marty worked the local scene for with Fifth avenue, a Detroit based band. The Blue Hawaiians, a Flint Based band where 3 cd's were made, and Air Margariraville where 2 cd's were made. A large bulk of the Island influences come from this band! Marty have also worked with Amy Lee and Greg (Fingers) Taylor from Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reafer Band. Marty lives for music, it has consistently played a major role in his life!! Rock On Marty


Kim Niec joined them on several tracks and added some class to the proceedings. Marty added drums to 5 tracks and has, with Kim, become permanent members of "The Tapwater Conchs".

Both Dennis and Dan entered the Tapwater Conch project as "a bit of fun" and are consistently amazed by the intense interest in the their little fun CD. The track "I Drink Too Much" is a favorite of most bartenders and wait staff in Key West. The "Tapwater Conchs" hope you have as much fun listening to this CD as they had making it. Remember, "What Happens in Key West"...