The Art of Making Fire

The Art of Making Fire

Track Listings

1. All These Things

2. Dancing Inside of Me

3. Sad Little Girl

4. The Art of Making Fire

5. Imagine

6. Face the Sun

7. Overturn My Table

8. Yalta

9. Fresh Coat of Paint

10. Joyride

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Who knew there was such a thing as a bachelor of fine arts degree in fingerpicking? Well, this Midwesterner has one, which is saying something since even Doc Watson doesn't really have a doctorate. Schwartz is indeed a tasteful, expert player, as evidenced by three solo instrumentals here, including an ingenious cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" that puts one in mind of another North Country picker, Leo Kottke. But, like Kottke, Schwartz's impressive technique serves songs that are more than excuses to showoff, as evidenced by such vocal exercises as the title track and "All These Things." --Steven Stolder

Product Description
Peacefire Productions announces the long-awaited debut recording from guitarist/vocalist/composer dan Schwartz -- The Art of Making Fire. Dan Schwartz delivers a collection of compositions with the power and sensibility one would expect from a veteran, yet with the emotion of a young artist who has something to say, and nothing to lose.

The 10 tracks on this recording contain a range of dynamics from spacious solo acoustic guitar compositions (including a beautiful slide-guitar arrangement of John Lennon's "Imagine") to organically rhythmic songs that portray Dan as both a technically gifted guitarist/vocalist and an emotianally driven artist.

The Art of Making Fire

Tracks:

All These Things
Dancing Inside of Me
Sad Little Girl
The Art of Making Fire
Imagine
Face the Sun
Overturn My Table
Yalta
Fresh Coat of Paint
Joyride

Amazon.com

Who knew there was such a thing as a bachelor of fine arts degree in fingerpicking? Well, this Midwesterner has one, which is saying something since even Doc Watson doesn't really have a doctorate. Schwartz is indeed a tasteful, expert player, as evidenced by three solo instrumentals here, including an ingenious cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" that puts one in mind of another North Country picker, Leo Kottke. But, like Kottke, Schwartz's impressive technique serves songs that are more than excuses to showoff, as evidenced by such vocal exercises as the title track and "All These Things." --Steven Stolder

Album Description

Peacefire Productions announces the long-awaited debut recording from guitarist/vocalist/composer dan Schwartz -- The Art of Making Fire. Dan Schwartz delivers a collection of compositions with the power and sensibility one would expect from a veteran, yet with the emotion of a young artist who has something to say, and nothing to lose.

Customer Reviews:

Hockey coach's advice still good.......2005-03-06

Dan Schwartz thanks his hockey coach for telling him to choose hockey or music. Now - unless he's got something else to show - he needs to choose the wonderful artistry of his guitar over the ... well, banality of his lyrics. "Departure docks"? "A brick/that's thrown into the roaring rapids..."? "Snow-clad regions"? You just get the impression that there was a beat that needed a syllable; there is no necessity of the syllable needing a beat. Does he write from the heart? I'm sure. From experiences saturated with anger and despair? I'm sure. (Good lord, even his photographs in the album notes are doused in meaning 'too deep for us to fathom.') But it's time to forget high school, Schwartz, and get back out on the ice! That said, the young man plays a wonderful guitar, and this is easiest to appreciate in his solos. He has a gentle phrase, and a soulful understanding of rhythms and transitions.

"Hey, you! Kid! Schwartz!.... Get back out there! And kid, just skate! Don't worry about the goal, or what the goal means, or the history of the goal, or the goal's role in the soul... Do you want to chronicle the death of Gordy Howe... or do you want to play hockey? Play, kid... just play...."

Amazing!.......2001-11-24

This cd is so amazing! Every song has something to offer and there is something special for everyone. The song Face the Sun has become my life motto! With it's catchy rhythms and totally inspirational lyrics, Dan offers so many life lessons in his music. His music is even better in person but if you can't see him perform this is a must have!

A great player, and a clever lyricist........2000-05-31

This is a guy who is best seen live so as to better grasp exactly how inventive and unorthodox his playing style is. I have had the fortune to see him play many times and I have yet to grow weary of his energy and performance style. For those who can't get to a concert, THE ART OF MAKING FIRE is the next best thing. Supremely competent and musical, the album makes for a great repeat listen -even if one is unaware of the mind boggling mechanics behind the songs. At once both passionate and introspective, this is one of my favorite singer songwriter albums.

Dan is the Bomb!.......1999-12-01

You should see this guy in person! Outstanding. If you don't live in Minneapolis or St. Paul, you may get lucky if he comes touring through your town. Better yet, buy ART OF MAKING FIRE. This music is passionate, joyful, filled with intensity and Dan's playful and TALENTED style. This CD is a must! BUY IT!

The Art Of Making Fire.......1999-11-23

Great vocals! Very talented guitarist. Dan Schwartz writes from the heart and plays from his soul. A must have CD for anyones collection.

Music Review: