Along comes Revenge of the Slowpoke, veteran drummer and songwriter Dave Diamond’s most recent release, turning the secret truth inside out. After years of touring and recording with members of the Grateful Dead, The Zen Tricksters, Blow Up Hollywood, Shannon McNally, Jason Crosby and a host of other notable independent artists, Dave has definitely put in his time. But there’s something about Revenge of the Slowpoke that refuses to acknowledge the stereotypes and compartmentalization that come with such a moniker. The music just feels good and urgent and wants the world to hear it.

Diamond himself refers to this new release as “a departure from other records I’ve made,” and talks about situating “pop ditties next to extended jams.” This conscious and deliberate move of integration—perhaps a bit of a surprise to some friends and fans—is more of an earnest tip of the hat to all of his influences than some sleight of hand trick. Not surprising however—if you know anything about Dave Diamond’s work—is the fact that the musicianship on this CD is stellar, polished and full of grace. Dave’s voice is mature and seasoned and, at times, sounds similar to fellow folky soul rocker Jonah Smith. On songs like “Eastern Sky,” there is an exploratory kind of playing reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby’s finer moments. “Closer to You” (which features Donna Jean Godchaux) and “Concrete and Stone” thump their way into the seat next to you when you’re driving. “Bittersweet,” a personal favorite, shifts genres and explores indie rock territory a bit while maintaining Dave’s earnest and rootsy delivery. Revenge of the Slowpoke is essentially an Americana album that won’t sit still.

It is true that there is something intrinsically beautiful about starting out in the world. But Revenge of the Slowpoke proposes that maybe, just maybe, there is something equally if not more beautiful in sticking it out—and that goes for music and life. Dave Diamond doesn’t have to worry about any codes or secret truths associated with making it in the music business because he already has made it. And it sounds better and better with each listen.

On the MPC Recordings label, the new Dave Diamond album “Revenge of the Slowpoke” debuts live Sept 25th at the Living Room downtown NYC. Album available everywhere on line today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 25, 2009 – While being in the presence of Hall of Fame inductee Donna Jean Godchaux of the Grateful Dead, Mookie Siegel of Ratdog, Klyph Black of The Zen Tricksters & the fabulous Jason Crosby, Dave Diamond was recently down at MPC Recordings tracking for the anticipated release of his new album out today and for 2010.
Dave Diamond continues to bring real bright and emotional music to his ever growing fan base and he truly falls in the category of a “musicians musician” as well. Also coming out this fall is the music video to the album cut “Concrete & Stone”.
With veteran engineer & mix man Michael Phillip Costanzo behind the production and release of this new 15 song album, there is a duet sung by the famed original member of the Dead, Donna Jean and Dave Diamond called “Closer to You”. Also appearing on the album is the single called “Just a Memory: “Everyone who has been involved with the project so far has been really positive and has had a strong response to Dave’s songwriting, the production and the over-all turn out of the album. Klyph Black does an amazing job on lap steel guitar for the strong ballad off the album where everyone, including me, is playing on it and Mookie Siegel’s contribution to the album on piano, organ and accordion has just been fabulous”. Costanzo goes on to say: “We are also getting a good response from terrestrial radio around the country as well as the satellite radio stations that focus on adult contemporary rock, jam band, as well as bluegrass and country radio.”

“Revenge of the Slowpoke” available now online.

Please visit for more info:

http://www.davediamondmusic.com/

http://www.mpcrecordings.com

Dave Diamond CD Review- Revenge of the Slowpoke

By Christine Gerani

Singer, songwriter Dave Diamond comes at us with a new independent release of his latest CD Revenge of the Slowpoke. With solid hit tracks like “Eastern Sky”, Dave pulls us into another place with his ethereal lyrics “With daydreams of days gone by is where you’ll find me.” One doesn’t need to really figure out what musical style Dave embodies; it’s a style all his own, rich with flares of bluegrass, pop, rock and soul. This album is one of those surprises like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand where you might not hear a track on Top 40 Radio stations, but for the true music lover it belongs in your collection.

Dave’s vocals are spot on in “Just a Memory”, hitting higher notes taking him out of his comfort zone, while bringing depth and substance to an already well written song. Taking a page from Dave Matthews (which is a good thing) the beautiful Fiddle arrangements by Jason Crosby add incredible warmth to included songs. Dave Diamond, who started his career off as a drummer, is now a multifaceted artist playing guitars, drums, bass and keyboards. He also of course sings and writes. During “I Got a Song” Diamond works his backup singers into an R&B frenzy reminiscent of the old radio show The Quiet Storm. Drop dead sexy groove along with soulful vocals by Dave and his ladies.

Grateful Dead member and rock and roll hall of fame inductee Donna Jean Godchaux-Mackay lends her voice to “Closer to You” which is no doubt one of the catchiest and rockin’ tunes on his album. Besides Jason Crosby and Donna Jean, Diamond surrounds himself with world class musicians, Mookie Seigal, Teddy Kumpel, Mark Newnan, Billy Titus, Jessica Wagner, Wendy Lanter, Peter Levin and of course the incomparable Victoria Faiella. Each one of these musical geniuses adds a level of excellence, freshness and pace to the masterpiece that is Revenge of the Slowpoke.

This new recording has been a long time in the making, and I’m really excited that it’s finally finished and ready for you to hear. So please join me this Friday night at the CD release show.

I can’t wait for you to hear these songs live, and for you to hear the AMAZING band that I get to play with: Chris Crosby, Jason Crosby, Victoria Faiella, Lizzy Friel, Eric Kalb, Mark Newman, and Billy Titus.

We go on at 10PM and I promise that you’ll have a great time! See you there!

Dave Diamond
CD Release Show for “Revenge of the Slowpoke”
Friday, September 25th, 2009 @ 10PM
The Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street, New York City, NY

Dave has been doing some cool sessions as of late. Just wrapped recording famed photographer Andre Serrano’s debut…… classic versions of some cool tunes you might know and original tunes too… and if you didn’t know, Blow Up Hollywood is also featured on the Body Of War soundtrack along with Pearl Jam, Neil Young and a host of other amazing artists. Other sessions include Victoria Faiella’s upcoming release and going into the studio this week with Jason Crosby to record some tunes for his upcoming record… Stay tuned………….