In Case You're A Little Tired of Dan Zanes
I think the world of Dan Zanes. But I'm willing to acknowledge that not quite everyone is as OK with the pied piper of family music as I am.
Mark Foley, the creator of New York's One Man Blam, has put his own take on Mr. Zanes up on YouTube. Now, considering that in the very description of the video, Foley says, "Dan Zanes & Company do such great work, who can resist joining in the fun?," it's clear from the get-go that the phrase "gentle satire" was created for stuff like this.
"Well, I don't have a tangerine suit / Or a fiddler in hot pink tights," Foley starts out, then later notes that "I threw out the very same duds / He got in an old thrift shop." He's aiming Nerf balls at Zanes, but he's certainly hitting the target.
Considering the other songs Foley's made available, Foley is clearly mining the same seam Zanes has mined with such success. And I've got to believe that Zanes himself would probably completely approve what Foley's doing with One Man Blam and Volunteer Music, which brings "free concerts for underserved communities and worthy civic initiatives." He, uh, just doesn't have the distribution deal with Starbucks.
One Man Blam (Mark Foley) - "Dan Zanes Blues"
Now where did I put that DZ ukelele of mine?...
Comments
granted- i haven't seen the video yet...but i'm somewhat frustrated that what seems like mean spirited jabs and cynicism have entered the world of kids' music... won't they get enough of that later? i plan on watching the video when i'm not at work and posting my thoughts...it sounds like BOTH guys could definitely coexist in a world (and a city) that is in great need of what BOTH of these guys purvey (with or without a great distribution deal). and let's not begrudge those lucky enough to get heard...is it so wrong to make a living at doing what you love when you do it so well?
Posted by: bill smith | February 27, 2008 05:30 AM
Bill, I don't think Foley (or I) would characterize this as kids' music.
My guess is that Foley is truly a DZ fan.
Posted by: Stefan | February 27, 2008 07:59 AM
and that, kids, is the danger of jumping to assumptions about something. do not try that at home. thanks for the clarification, stefan. you rock!
Posted by: bill smith | February 28, 2008 04:54 AM
The uniqueness of Mr. Foley's poetic music is his capacity to emotionally move children and adults alike through song and verse.
Like the masters and teachers of folk music before him, Woody Guthre, Pete Seager, and Bob Dylan, the message is quite clear in Mr. Foley's lyrics, enlightenment, conscious awareness, and fun through music and participation.
Mr. Foley carries that message to a variety of non-profit organizations and institutions serving the less fortunate and disabled through his personal love and desire to give to help.
Posted by: Carlo Albanese | March 10, 2008 10:31 AM