My good friend Ethan Stoller recently released his debut album under the name Dynamite Ham. The album, I Believe In You features songs by two of his favorite songwriters: famed Broadway/Hollywood composer Frank Loesser and Dr. Frank from The Mr. T. Experience. But this is no mere collection of cover songs. Ethan has made each song his own, often transforming not only genre, but tone and tempo. The album showcases his versatility, talent and inventiveness with songs that range from boisterous tin-pan-alley to peppy hip hop. Through it all, his sweet soft voice holds it together."Lovelier Than Ever", with its gentle mbira in the background, is hauntingly romantic. "Thinking of You" is a sweet county-tinged love song that makes you wish someone wrote the song just for you. And in "Two Martinis From Now" he affirms that even though he's overflowing with ideas, he still has the confidence to allow only his voice and minimal instrumentation carry the song and tell the story.
By turns joyous and contemplative, I Believe In You is a mini-masterpiece. I've been a fan for 20 years. Welcome to the club.
Check out more samples on his website.
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