Review of Something's Going To Happen Here by David Ward, host of The Afternoon Edition and Ballads & Blue Notes on CKUA Radio:
Another fine Alberta songwriter's album, Something's Going To Happen Here, opens with the unaccompanied rich and confident voice of Dana Wylie...
Sorry baby, I gotta go
Don't ask me 'cause I don't know
I might not be on my way home
But I can't stay here
Thirty seconds later she's joined by the big bass sounds of Nye Parsons and a journey begins which winds its way through her melodic thoughts and astute observations about advice (Make The First Move), confession (The Stupid Things I Do), character studies (Gone For Good), and, for good measure, a song about our canine pals (Black Stray Dog).
Although it's Dana's voice which always draws me in, it doesn't hurt to have the backing of some of Alberta's finer musicians who seem to know exactly what to play in order to allow her songs to breathe comfortably and, while I'm at it, hats off to producer/guitarist Matthew Ord for making them all sound so pleasant!
Review of Something's Going To Happen Here in Penguin Eggs, Canada's Folk Music Magazine:
Maybe it's her background in musical theatre, which she trained in at Edmonton's Grant MacEwan Centre For The Arts, but this Biggar Saskatchewan native has a terrific knack for pulling the listener in with her handling of a lyric. Not only that, but they're interesting lyrics and sung in a lovely, clear, appealing voice. That's no mean feat these days with all the competition out there but this artist also stands out from the pack with the maturity of her musical vision, which combines elements of folk (she does a lovely cover of the traditional song Black Jack Davy), pop, and jazz (check the bass runs of sideman Nye Parsons, references to Wynton Marsalis in the lyrics, and her own pretty terrific Joni Mitchellesque piano). Honing her chops in Taiwan and the UK probably helped, too. This is the artist's third release (after Almost There in 2006, and The Unruly Ones in 2008) and may be her best yet. Whatever, she's the only artist this critic has felt comfortable comparing favourably to Joni Mitchell in the scope of her talent EVER. Great production by guitarist Matthew Ord and fine playing by the session musicians, like Cam Neufeld, make this a real keeper. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will. - by Barry Hammond.
Press Quotes
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“…a series of musically diverse stories that capture you and leave you asking for more...I am glad I had the pleasure of listening to such a great album.”
- The Ontarian
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“Wylie is treading her own path, breaking ground and boundaries as she goes. Vocally potent, and with an honest outlook on life, Wylie captures things as they are, wrapping them in her own words…an exceptionally strong debut album.”
- Linear Reflections
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“There is no disconnect between Wylie and the listener; her music has a common you-and-me-we’re-in-this-together feel.”
- Elmira Independent
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“Wylie carves out a space which is big enough for anyone who enjoys honest, no-frills music to come check out. This self-proclaimed “tiny white girl” has a big future ahead.”
- Daily Graphic
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“Her clear, powerful vocals coupled with her cheeky, light-hearted lyrics shine…Wylie’s lyrical style can be described as witty and even borderline irreverent…possesses an unmistakable indie charm”
- The Varsity
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“Solidly written and produced debut…Wylie’s stylish and entertaining delivery make each song strong.”
- The Uniter
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I’ll go as far as saying if anyone listens to this album he or she will find a track that connects with him or her. There’s that much variety in the songwriting and melodies.”
- The Imprint
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“Dana Wylie has come full-circle with the release of her unruly sophomore album – and it’s damn good… ’The Unruly Ones’ is an everlasting love affair with all things badass.”
- See Magazine
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“Wylie phrases like Demosthenes -- as if those torrents of words might never get another chance to spill out… an old fashioned singer-songwriter, Carole King screwing with the conventions or working within it…whatever else, she sounds confident enough that she can take on anything in the future. ”
– Edmonton Journal
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“…will make you laugh, squirm, engage in introspection, clap you hands, stomp your feet and want to play the juice harp…Wylie’s lyrics tug at your shirt tail, and at times reach down through your ears and give your guts a little twist.”
- Earshot
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“The sound comes across as light and friendly, although there are songs here which offer more once you get into the rhythm and can follow this songstress sprite as she speeds through the words with a tongue as sharp as a well-sharpened foil. At times you will simply smile in awe of the way she handles the material.”
- Yorkton This Week
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“The album has a sense of humour, great musicianship and many moods …entertaining, solid, eclectic, kooky.”
- Cornwall Seaway News
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