Song Spotlight: DanDan's Next Year (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

DanDan (moniker for Daniel Leese) is a recent USC Thornton graduate with a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. He recently opened up the night at a WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. I was immediately struck by the potential symbolism in the set. It started with what he wore for the night: a white robe that reminded me of a Medieval monk. Perhaps that impression was implanted due to his first song of the night that was called "Savior's Song." On his Soundcloud account he mentions that the song is about a "fear-mongering troubadour on a busy street corner . . . the evil intentions of the troubadour become frighteningly clear." I'm speculating that his dressing up in white is him trying to avoid being put until the evil spell of the troubadour. 

DanDan at Hotel Ziggy

Jumping to the end of the set, he sang an unreleased song called "The Strength of Salmon." That song title reminded me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy. The book ends with a paragraph that has the first sentence "Once there were brook trouts in the streams in the mountains." One has to take into consideration that the book is about a post-apocalyptic world that has either been destroyed via a nuclear war or natural event like an asteroid or super volcano. It sort of feels rather depressing. 

DanDan at Hotel Ziggy

Though maybe I was imagining evil fantasy / post-apocalyptic vibes due to my own imagination, I do have to say that his performance radiated a sense of joy that was unmistakable on his face. And there was the song "Angel" that he dedicated to people who make music. There was also an a cappella rendition of Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lay." Who knows, maybe his joy was just him trying to be that twisted troubadour. 

DanDan at Hotel Ziggy

The song spotlight goes to the mystical future of 2026. He mentioned that he wrote "Next Year" in January 2025 about the future year. What brings that fantasy feel?

I traveled many nights
To discover if the myths were really true
A place where magic lies and man would never try

His bio includes the following line, "DanDan is creating a mythical world of strong-willed characters . . . "

DanDan at Hotel Ziggy

Setlist: Savior's Song, Next Year, Big Trees, Crest of Light, Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington cover), Angel, The Strength of Salmon.