Local Minneapolis folk/rock trio The Danny Jack Fiasco may have started their musical career hooked on Nirvana, but as they’ve matured, they’ve borrowed notes from Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz and I even hear a pinch of Arcade Fire in tracks like “Scared Crow.”
The Danny Jack Fiasco : “Scared Crow” (mp3 snippet)
The Danny Jack Fiasco : “Oceans In Between” (mp3 snippet)
The Danny Jack Fiasco’s new album, A Cornerstone, features 16 tracks of acoustic guitar riffs matched with girl/guy harmonies and hand/foot percussion. I’ve heard a lot of melodic acoustic stuff lately, but TDJF blends winsome idealism with magnetic melody. These guys are the real deal.
We sat down with group leader Danny Jack to discuss the band, the new album and upcoming CD release show at the Fine Line on November 15.
Who is TDJF?
The Danny Jack Fiasco is Eric and Paige and I. We’re a unique and organic folk/rock trio. We combine acoustic instrumentation, hand and foot percussion, catchy melodies and simple harmonies with hopefully an interesting juxtaposition of dark, sometimes painful lyrics.
How long have you guys been together?
The Fiasco has been formed for less than a year. It was originated from my solo material over the past two years. Eric and Paige were brought on to compliment, and add their own flavor to the sound. In late 2007 while starting to record what was to originally going to be a “solo” album, I changed gears mid stream and decided to add to more depth to the sound. Eric’s musical versatility (he plays guitar, bass, and percussion on the new album) provided an effective growth to the tunes. Paige was the newest member added and her amazingly pure voice and rhythmic talents (she supplies all backup vocals and hand percussion) created that final piece of the puzzle.
How would you categorize your sound?
Organic, Dynamic, Acoustic… Vague enough for you? 
Who are your biggest influences?
Musically, I listen to literally everything and take bits and pieces of it all I’m sure. I would say personally I’m more influenced by what happens to me, and for the most part, I write songs based on that as a form of venting frustration or dealing with depression.
How do you guys fit in the MSP music scene?
I’m not sure yet, I’m hoping to find out in the coming months.
When I ripped your album to iTunes I was blown away that there are 16 tracks. That’s a lot of songs. What do you have to say for yourselves?
While in the studio, Nate Giller (Producer – Shark Records) and I talked about the number of tracks. It was originally slated to have 12 or 13, but we recorded a couple extra thinking that we’d probably make some cuts. In the end we decided to put them all on. I’m glad we did because some of my personal favorites on the album were those recorded at the 11th hour. Also, we felt like it gives the record a true variety of sound which I personally like. If you want to identify with a particular emotion or feeling, chances are you’ll find it on there somewhere.
Tell me about the track “Letter To Time.”
When you’re trying to endure something so insanely painful in your life, you hear people say “Time will heal everything…” or “It’s going to be ok” – something to that effect. Well, In my case time was being a real bastard and I definitely was not ok. People in general, and the calendar told me I was supposed to feel a certain way but my thoughts and feelings weren’t changing. So I decided to write Father Time some hatemail.
Tell me about your upcoming CD release show.
Our CD release show is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th at The Fine Line. We start up around 10 and will be playing nearly all the songs from the new record. Eric plays acoustic guitar and congas at the same time and is constantly moving. Paige sings, hits a free standing cymbal, and provides claps, snaps and other percussion. I sing, play guitar, and stomp on an old steamer trunk. The trunk is the heartbeat of our sound and can be heard on nearly every track. It provides a nice thump, clack, or boom to dynamically build the songs on the fly.
Besides the new album and CD Release show, have anything new in the works?
This winter we’re kicking around the idea of recording a 5-6 song EP of some stuff I had written awhile back. We’re still undecided, but updates will be posted on our website as soon as we know whats going on.
Where can people get the new album?
You can order the new album on www.thedannyjackfiasco.com or on iTunes. You can buy it locally at all cheapo stores and the electric fetus. We truly appreciate all the support we’ve already received, and thank you to Perfect Porridge for taking some time out for us.
The Danny Jack Fiasco puts on a stellar live show! I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at their most recent show at O’Garas. There is so much to love about this band – great song writing, unique voices and overall sound, and tons of instrumental talent! Everyone I know who has the CD is hooked – including me!
Wow! We saw The Danny Jack Fiasco last night at The Fine Line and Amy is right! The place was packed with Fiasco fans and friends and no one was disappointed. What a show! It’s obvious that they have great respect for each other both musically and personally and this shows to great effect in their performance. Seeing them in person only enhances respect for their talents as demonstrated on their debut CD, Cornerstone. We look forward to their next live show and subsequent songs and CDs.
I have not been fortunate enough to be able to make it to one of the live shows, but I cannot agree more with the previous comments. The sound they produce is absolutely addicting. I am constantly listening to their CD in my car, on my computer, and on my iPod. I can’t wait to be able to enjoy their music, live. The Danny Jack Fiasco needs to start traveling and making their way down to Phoenix, I’ve got a fan base down here ready to accept them with open arms!! Keep rockin it!!
The Danny Jack Fiasco brings powerful energy to every show they play. Their unique blend of organic instruments and vocal harmonies is rare for a band that has been together for less than a year! They have achieved a distinct sound and great stage presence which accounts for incredibly entertaining live performances. The guitar playing is top notch, the hand percussion adds a very natural sound, the vocals are pure and powerful (back-up singer has a great voice and a body to match) and the trunk/base drum is the pounding heartbeat of the Fiasco! Their new CD “A Cornerstone” is a wonderful composition of catchy melodies, brilliant lyrics and exceptional musicianship. I can’t get the songs out of my head! Be sure to check out their website for updates on future shows, they are an experience you don’t want to miss!
[...] The Danny Jack Fiasco I interviewed Mr. Danny Jack back in November and earned a comment on that post claiming the band filled the Fine Line with fans for their CD release show that month. Last night was a repeat crowd draw, as plenty of parental-age gray hairs waved their cell phones in the air (mock-lighter style) as Jack crooned, Paige “oohed” and Eric slapped his conga. Speaking of, I couldn’t keep my eyes off his stand hand cymbal. I need to get me one of those. [...]
What a talented young man. Met him in an elevator in Austin. Now I am one of his fans. Good Luck on your future. Thanks for introducting me to your music.
The Danny Jack Fiasco brings powerful energy to every show they play. Their unique blend of organic instruments and vocal harmonies is rare for a band that has been together for less than a year! They have achieved a distinct sound and great stage presence which accounts for incredibly entertaining live performances. The guitar playing is top notch, the hand percussion adds a very natural sound, the vocals are pure and powerful (back-up singer has a great voice and a body to match) and the trunk/base drum is the pounding heartbeat of the Fiasco! Their new CD “A Cornerstone” is a wonderful composition of catchy melodies, brilliant lyrics and exceptional musicianship. I can't get the songs out of my head! Be sure to check out their website for updates on future shows, they are an experience you don't want to miss!