Album Preview: Danny Balis - Too Much Living

As bombarded as we have been in recent weeks with local album releases, perhaps the one we are most excited about is Danny Balis' "Too Much Living". For good reason too, as Balis is simply everywhere right now. Aside from helming one of the area's most popular radio talk shows, his other regular gig playing bass with arguably the hottest honky tonk band in Dallas, The King Bucks keeps him busy 8-9 nights a month. And while this would be enough to satisfy most men not named Jack White, it didn’t stop Balis from recording his stunning solo debut, “Too Much Living”.

Danny’s aptitude for penning country tunes shouldn’t really be too much of a shock, he does after all play frequently with the King Bucks, but it is still somewhat surprising how well he’s able to breathe new life into the whiskey-soaked sounds of yesteryear. But “Too Much Living” is not just another King Bucks record, instead it comes across as something much more heartfelt and genuine, which comes largely from the disc’s subject matter. “Too Much Living” was written largely in the weeks following the death of Carter Albrecht.

The disc’s title, which was culled from a Carter Albrecht quote and the sparrow on the disc’s cover are just two of many tributes to Danny’s late friend/former Sparrow’s bandmate/roommate. Never is this more evident than in the title track in which Danny uses his gentile baritone to paint vivid imagery of Albrecht as a bird who’s “perch was a barstool”.

While the tone of album is largely Don Williams it would be nearly impossible to compose an entire disc of deadpan old school country and western tunes without tossing in a few of the punny tunes the genre is known for, i.e. “If You’re Trying to Kill Me (You’re Already Halfway There)” and “Autumn Leaves” which contains the line “When Autumn leaves I’ll be right there by her side”.

Already seeing some love from local blogs and some radio airplay, “Too Much Living” should be around for quite awhile. And even though the official release date isn’t until Sept 1st, fans can see Danny play these tunes live August 21st at the Granada’s 5th anniversary party (with Slobberbone) which will also be the first time fans can purchase the disc. I would definitely encourage Balis fans to attend as he hasn’t really expressed too much interest in performing solo on a regular basis.

MP3: Danny Balis - Tethered

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