Review Text
Dane's music can best be described as a mix of new and old; guitar work reminiscent of Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan, with vocal work stemming from the Motown Era. His songs contain a modern twist, grabbing your attention immediately. Whether he is doing a solo acoustic gig or playing with the full band, his talent is showcased both through his sultry original work and ability to play covers effortlessly. Born in to a long line of musicians that range from his grandfather, a classical composer in the 1930's, to his accomplished violinist/pianist grandmother, music is in Dane's blood. Raised by his full-time musician parents, he grew up in an environment filled with the sounds of Motown, Jazz, R&B, and Classic Rock. His own love for music and passion for live performance has come to fruition during his time as the front-man for rock/funk band Cuesta Drive. While singing, composing, and playing guitar for the band, Dane wrote and produced three records with Cuesta Drive. Their rigorous touring schedule and ever-expanding fan base led to national media attention on radio and television. For their first live TV appearance, the band was featured on Good Morning Sacramento in early 2009. Over the six years that Dane fronted the band, the surrounding press provided write-ups in Submerge Magazine, the Sacramento and Chico News and Review, Ink 19, Sac State Hornet, Evolution of Media and much more. Dane's song 'Pasatiempo,' received Honorable Mention by the Billboard World Song Contest in 2007, as one of the top 500 finalists. Tracks from 'Distractions' and 'Where the Palm Trees Grow,' received radio airplay on KWOD 106.5, 98 Rock and 100.5 the zone. NPR featured the band for a full 30-minute segment on 'Insights, with Jeffery Callison.' In February 2009, video producer Waymon Boone (Boondock Films) teamed up with Dane and the band to film a music video for the song 'Rollin'.' The video was a huge hit on the web and established credibility both for the band and Dane as a songwriter/musician. Dane's distinct sound encompasses the range of his influences, taking cues from pop, jazz, rock, r&b, reggae, folk, soul, and blues. 'Rock & Soul,' Dane's solo debut -released April 30th 2010 - calls upon all of his immediate family members for their talent and support. Janel and Deena Drewis can be heard throughout the album on vocals, guitars, keyboards and percussion, while his parents, Dale and Janet Drewis, provide bass and vocal harmonies respectively.
