The Colonial Theatre presents An Evening with Jeff Daniels
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| Jeff Daniels on Monday, July 20th at 7:30PM., $45 and $25 |
When you think of “grassroots” and “down to earth,” you don’t normally think of a movie star. But, that is what Jeff Daniels has accomplished with his second CD, Grandfather’s Hat, proving that he is not an actor who sings, but an accomplished singer–songwriter whose musical talent stands alone.
Although it took him some time to feel comfortable on stage behind his guitar, Daniels’ confidence has matured with his songwriter, being invited on stage to perform a few songs with legends Lyle Lovett, John Haitt and Guy Clark during their rare “Songwriters” tour. Having his pal Keb Mo’ join Jeff on stage was equally rewarding (Jeff calls it a “free guitar lesson”). From time to time he’s also been fortunate to expand his shows to sold-out venues outside of the Midwest.
Grandfather’s Hat showcases Daniels’ range as a songwriter, from the laugh-out-loud humor of “Have a Good Life (Then Die)” to the quiet and poignant lyrics of “Middle of the Night.” His honest, sincere, and relatable approach to the songs on the CD remind us of our own lives, hopes, and dreams.
A Michigan-native, Daniels never forgets his roots. The rowdy rendition of “Detroit Train” with guest artist Alto Reed; saxophonist with Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band, is a fun, energetic, rock and roll tribute to the city that bares its name. On Live and Unplugged, “The Lifelong Tiger Fan Blues” was a lament to the team with the second worst season in baseball history. On Grandfather’s Hat, Jeff had the rare opportunity to rewrite the lyrics (“The Lifelong Tiger Fan Blues, Revisited”) as an ode to the almost-World-Series-Champion team, reinforcing again his love of all things Michigan.
Fans of Jeff’s popular original stage play and independent feature film Escanaba in da Moonlight have eagerly awaited the musical tribute to the subject, and he delivers, with “The Ballad of the Buckless Yooper.” Teaming up with the energetic foursome Steppin’ In It, he spins the folk tale of Ruben Soady, the only man in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula never to bag a buck.
Grandfather’s Hat is an evolution of a career in motion. What started out as a means of raising money for the equity theatre he founded (The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan) has become a back road journey that taps into the storyteller’s head. But now it has a melody, as well as a story to tell. And if you happen to find your foot tapping along, then that would be just fine.
