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On his debut album, Delivering The Cake, lap-slide guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and sideman, Dan Bonis gets into the driver's seat and delivers a sweet-sounding feast. Roaming freely over the landscape of musical styles of slide playing, the album ranges from wistful to whimsical. Delivering The Cake blends American and British Isles traditional and contemporary music such as folk, blues, bluegrass, and fingerstyle instrumentals . Leo Kottke, Martin Simpson, Doc Watson, and Ry Cooder are among his musical inspirations. The instruments he has chosen are the vintage lap-slide guitars---Weissenborn, Kona and lap steel, as well as resophonic guitar (Dobro), acoustic 6-string and 12-string guitars, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, dulcimer, and accordion. His playing has a balance of simplicity and elegance, and the album evokes feelings of dreaminess and joy.
According to Dan, "My intention of making Delivering The Cake came out of people asking me if I had recorded any of my own tunes. This inspired me to act and look for a good producer with a recording studio. I was referred to Billy Masters and knew of his reputation performing with Suzanne Vega, Richard Schindell, Dar Williams, and Cry, Cry, Cry. Billy is also a sideman and an accomplished slide guitar player, and as a result, he got the idea very quickly. We wanted the CD to cover the many styles of playing using vintage slide instruments. We also wanted the best tones that these instruments could express. Using a slide is one of the most expressive ways to play because it creates a smooth liquid tone.
“Out of the twelve tracks recorded, eight are original instrumental compositions, two are cover songs, one is a traditional song and one is co-written with Terence Martin. I usually do not sing at gigs, but I wanted to give it a try on the recording. I took vocal lessons which helped a lot.
“Accompanying me on various tracks are musical contributions from Billy Masters on electric guitar and bass, Chris Davis on lap steel and resophonic guitars, Brian Zito on electric and upright bass, Tony Zuzulo on drums, Terence Martin on guitar, Rick Gedney on guitar and harmony vocals, and Michele Rubin singing harmony vocals.
“I guess the last thing I should explain to you is the title of the CD. The lead track tries to convey the angst of delivering a wedding cake (or a CD).”
Dan hopes his audience will come along for the ride.
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