News

The new CD is finally out! “THAT’S WHAT I’M HERE FOR” was released December 6th with a sold out show at The Mountain Music Shoppe in Shawnee, KS. The self produced disc features twelve new original songs performed solo, just me and an acoustic guitar. Two of the tunes were co-written with a couple of guitar playing buddies from back home in Upstate New York.

CDs are available here as well as in Kansas City at The Mountain Music Shoppe, Prospero’s Books on 39th Street, Borders Books & Music, and of course at all shows. Check out Present Magazine's review at www.presentmagazine.com

There were a lot of great gigs in ‘07. The summer was busy with area festivals and concerts including opening for MARCIA BALL at the Olathe Summer Concert Series. In addition to solo gigs, I played a number of shows with KC jazz guitar great ROD FLEEMAN as well as with my electric trio featuring ALLEN FISHELL on drums and JIM DECKER on bass.

In September I once again competed in the FINGERSTYLE GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIP at the WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL in Winfield, KS - a wonderful gathering of amazing fingerpickers from all over the United States, Canada and Japan. I once again had the honor of placing in the contest, coming in behind DON ALDER of British Cloumbia in 1st place and TIM THOMPSON from NASHVILLE,TN in 2nd place. Both are truly awesome musicians and very nice fellows. Along with the 3rd place trophy I was awarded another beautiful handmade GALLAGHER guitar and had the the pleasure of performing in the winners showcase on the Festival’s Main Stage.

Once again a big thanks to all who take the time to keep up with my schedule and make it out for the gigs. I sure couldn’t do it without you!

Reviews

“…guitarist Dan Bliss has finally released a solo album, Open For Business. This stellar record suggests that Bliss is aptly named, as his blend of jump blues, delta blues and swing should bring blues fans to ecstasy. His vocals, a hearty roar tempered by a bit of twang, blend Louie Armstrong and Eric Clapton influences. Musically his cover songs reveal his range…. Bliss’ original compositions showcase strong melodies of tunes such as ‘Back By My Side’ and ‘Get Together With You.’ …After spending years in the shadows, Bliss is more than ready for the spotlight.”
KANSAS CITY PITCH WEEKLY

“Dan Bliss’ hands are at harmonious odds. His left hand pulls, holds and hammers strings on his acoustic guitar while his right maintains a steady picking rhythm. Together they create some of the best blues standards and originals heard around the Lawrence-Kansas City area.”
LAWRENCE KS JOURNAL WORLD

“Dan Bliss opened the show with a gentle, easy flowing set of acoustic blues, with that jaunty but intricate finger-picking style that, once you hear it, you realize how much you love it. His set included ‘Statesboro Blues’, ‘San Francisco Bay Blues,’ and ‘Hesitation Blues.’ He also did an original tune that moved in a deep, strong rhythm about a tattooed woman, definitely someone to meet!”
BLUES NEWS - KANSAS CITY BLUES SOCIETY