Daniel Ladizinsky - Queens' Bird

Daniel Ladizinsky

Queens' Bird
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Daniel Ladizinsky is a musician from Portland, Oregon who just released an album entitled Queens' Bird. According to his Bandcamp he not only wrote all the songs but also played electric and acoustic guitars, electric and acoustic bass, electric and acoustic drums, percussion, alto saxophone and electric piano. And of course he was the lead singer.

Ladizinsky is a seasoned songwriter who flirts with rock, reggae, soul, funk and more throughout the eleven songs. There is a distinct ‘70s vibe that creates unification between the songs.

The album opens with one of the funkiest songs on the album entitled “Harmonator.” You shouldn’t be thinking Red Hot Chili Peppers style hyper funk. Ladizinsky’s version of funk is more chill almost Peter Frampton like. Ladizinsky’s lyrics are humorous and prolific at the same time. He sings, “If there's a donut shape to the universe, better start on the frosting first If you start with many and end with one, the Harmonator has just begun.” Ladizinsky attempts and pulls off a reggae song in the style of The Police on “Woe To The Rascal” while “Rainbow From Downtown” is a jazzy, ambient, slightly avant-garde piece.

“Lost Along the Way” is the most straightforward version of pop/rock. The song lies somewhere between Van Morrison and The Steve Miller Band. As the album progresses there were a couple of songs that felt like highlights including “All My Logic,” the jazz inspired “Rapture of The Deep” and closer “Siren in the Night.”

Ladizinsky’s songs take a little time to stick. They didn’t jump out at me as something that was particularly striking. That being said, with repeated listens they start becoming more memorable.

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