I’ve been writing songs for over thirty years. I don’t write hits. I don’t send out demos to famous singers. I just write songs. They’re my diaries. I had everything I’ve ever written in this big, black notebook. Some of them were typed, some were in long hand, but all of them had a time and a place that marked some moment in my life. If you really wanted to get to know me, you’d find me in there.
A few years ago, I was in New York finishing up the Final Mix of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT. For those of you who’ve never mixed a film, it makes watching paint dry interesting. So while Steve Curran was slaving over every single sound in our epic tale of deer hunting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I sat in the back of the room typing three decades of my musical life into my computer. Like the teacher you never saw coming, I looked up and suddenly he was there. Through weary eyes, he asked me what I thought I was doing. I told him I was organizing my songs, getting ready for this little fundraiser at the Purple Rose Theatre in a couple months. It seems someone had suggested that if I were pushed out onstage with a guitar, people might actually pay money to see what happened. In the non-profit world of fundraising, this is known as a "good idea." Steve stared down at me with the stress of an eighteen hour day and no end in sight oozing from his pores, and he said, "You really should record the shows." I told him to turn around and finish tweaking the fart scene. He asked me what I was afraid of. I told him that in case he’d forgotten, I make my living as an actor, not an actor who sings. I said if I put out a CD there’s a very good chance I’d be compared to William Shatner, to which Steve replied, "Sounds like a song to me." And then he turned around and said something about adding more bass to that flatulence.
So, in yet another desperate attempt to raise money, here it is. Along with the three years of sold out shows from which this CD was recorded, all proceeds from what you’re about to hear go straight to the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan. And for those of you who love burning copies, do me a favor. Please try to remember where the money would go if your friends actually went out and bought it for themselves. All of us at the Purple Rose will greatly appreciate it.
Thanks.
Hope you enjoy it.
Jeff Daniels
Hi Jeff I listened to the cut off of the Grandfather's Hat CD Middle of the Night. This song really holds a lot of my own feelings as there is someone in my life who left many years ago. Yet despite the passage of nearly 30 years I miss him dearly.
Just stoppin bye to sh0w your page some l0ve! I hope all is well. Thanks so much for all the support! You rock!!
Well write back whenever i'd love to hear from ya!
We had the good fortune of seeing your performance of Blackbird Saturday night. Your performance was astonishing!! Ms. Pill was amazing, too. I'm a long-time fan of yours, but your performance in this show was something on another level. Thanks for blowing our minds! My husband and I saw you walking up 7th Avenue after the show, and wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed it, but we were too chicken to bother you. :)
Hey,Jeff.I just wanted to stop and tell you what a great actor you are.I had the priveledge to watch you film a little of "Escanaba in da Moonlight" and it was one of the coolest things i've seen.Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks for the add and thanks for continuing to live among and share your talents with the people of Michigan. You're a great performer and a great role model.
Hello Mr Daniels! =)
Wow, thanks for your encouraging words! You have no idea how much it means coming from one of my all time favorite actors!
I'm really looking forward to getting to know you better, you seem like a super awesome person!
Take Care,
Endless amount of love and support,
Robert Holik
