SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DAN WAYNER – LITTLE CROW

DAN WAYNER
LITTLE CROW
INDEPENDENT

Ottawa musician Dan Wayner does not put out music a great deal, but you can be assured that when he does, it will be something very special and original. Such is the case with Little Crow, a three-song EP with Dave Nachmanoff (Al Stewart) about Taoyateduta (1810-1863), known as Little Crow. Perhaps not the most recognizable name, but he is an important person in North American Indigenous history. After what many would call a misspent youth, Taoyateduta returned to the Dakota People and became their chief.

Little Crow opens with the stirring “Home Again”. The music is powerful, and he sets up the story. This is followed by the wonderful “Searching For His Way”. Here, Wayner’s vocals are emotional and somewhat plaintive, leaving the listener with the idea of lack of choice for Little Crow. Based in Minnesota, he strives to establish peace with the European colonizers, all to no avail. All too soon, the EP ends with “Final Journey”. This is the emotional conclusion of the EP and it is the strongest song. The guitar work intertwined with the violin and the vocals make it nearly perfect.

Wayner is obviously very passionate about getting this story out and he has set it to some very fine music. The addition of Nachmanoff is a smart move, as he complements Wayner’s instrumentation and style beautifully. The only downside of the EP is that there is more than enough material for an entire album. It is far too short, and although I am a fan of leaving the audience wanting more, this could have been expanded.

This is a small complaint and really a rather positive criticism. Wayner has a wonderful musical style and beautiful voice, and it is always a pleasure to hear him play. Little Crow is a strong and emotionally packed project.

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