Through These Years

like one of the previous reveiwers i dont actually own this album but i do own several other albums of his and a few by his band go by train. i am very excited to see balmer finally on itunes his music is beautiful thoughtfull and sometimes quite technical which makes any of his albums a must. i have just come back from the mel brown jazz camp were i was lucky enough to be taught by balmer for a week and i feel i have improved immensely. as for more of his music i would recommend you look up his band go by train and purchase the album go by train which also features excellent keyboardist clay gibberson and which iv been listening to non stop for weeks..............GOOD JOB DAN

Although I don’t have this album, I have most of Dan’s recordings from over the years and recognize many of the song titles. I was hoping iTunes Music Store might list more of his recordings; I imagine they will, at some point, as his talent is too unique to be ignored. Dan writes extremely listenable and well crafted jazz that is dfferent in sound than Pat Metheny, but similar in sensibility and expression. He is an incredibly gifted bop player when he wants to be, though you won’t hear much of that on his most recent recordings. Rather, his exposure to pop, reggae, Latin and film music seems evident in his inventive and soulful writing and playing. Great chops, well crafted tunes, often with great hooks. Extremely listenable for even the non jazz fan. Dan is not a clone of any of the more well known players in jazz, but deserves a place in the pantheon of contemporary, but intelligent jazz guitarists. This selection looks like a great introduction - I recommend taking a chance! Get know Dan Balmer!

Balmer has been one of my favorite jazz guitarists for longer than I care to admit. His sensitivity of style and extreme technical talent make him a joy to listen to. If you want a lesson in West Coast jazz guitar, do yourself a favor and give this one a listen!