Rising star Daniel Donato brought his band Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country to the Brooklyn Bowl for a three night stand in late October, and did not disappoint. Their clever mix of country, blue grass, rock and funk was a hit with the crowd, as this quartet continued to make traction at the iconic Williamsburg venue. They included a number of originals along with many notable covers that many had perhaps not heard before in a bluegrass setting.
The music began with an electrified "Why You Been Gone So Long," by Mickey Newbury. The band gave a nod to funk jam contemporary the New Mastersounds by playing the instrumental "Cigar Time." Donato's skills on guitar shined brightly in this jazzy tune. Keyboardist Nathan Aronowitz elevated this song substantially, as he eloquently morphed into a funk keyboardist. This jam was incredible, and showed how talented this squad is.
The first original of the evening, "Passing Storm," was up next. Donato sang this country tune, which turned into an almost twenty minute exploration of blues and prog rock. Donato has been called a virtuoso, and this is clear evidence. Drummer Noah Miller handled every beat change like a boss, and showed the wide range of music he is capable of playing. The tension and release at the end of this song was perfectly executed, and we highly recommend a re-listen.
The music went back to a bluegrass feel with "East Bound and Down" by Jerry Reed. At the end of the song, audience members started passing large sunglasses to the band, which they put on, much to the delight of the crowd. Donato put on the glasses and shared a tender moment with Aronowitz, stating he "was glad you shaved your mustache." He then decided to propose an appendage amendment in the lyrics for the next song, "Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms," from arms to legs. This was decided in honor of the sunglasses, and was deemed respectful to tradition by Donato, as everyone in the crowd laughed at the antics. The band followed through and played "Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Legs." Bassist Will McGee had a stellar bass solo towards the end of the song.
"Blame the Train" proceeded, with another instrumental original, "Cosmic Country Gardens," on it's heels. McGee had switched to the upright bass, which added a tasty aesthetic. The upbeat, bubbly song resonated with the crowd. The set ended on a strong note with an eighteen minute "Translation" that included a bluegrass infused heater with Donato on the face melting guitar.
After a short break, the band emerged armed with more originals, such as "See Through." Donato's voice was reminiscent of Bob Dylan for this bright tune. This bluegrass inspired tune eventually transitioned into a deep psychedelic jam. This was an absolutely fuego moment, and worth another listen of this twenty minute gem.
The music shifted gears into the euphonious, vocally driven "Down by the Riverside." Aronowitz contributed vocals, along with Donato, and galvanized keyboard work to this well known traditional tune. The band pivoted into another country tune "Down Bedford" that once again took off in a funk meets psychedelia mode, while still maintaining the country elements. This is conceivably the definition of Cosmic Country, and why fans are lining up to see this Nashville native and his squad.
"Justice" brought more country vibes, and showcased Miller's ability to texture and change beats. This lead into the Allman Brother's "Jessica," where Aronowitz dazzled during the keyboard solo. Donato unleashed his fury, channeling his experience playing with the Allman Brother's cover band, Trouble No More. Before the song ended, the band alluded to the next tune, "Boogie Man." This explosion of deep cosmic funk was welcomed and not at all surprising. All four band members were firing on all cylinders by this point. We only wish this delicious jam extended longer.
The band welcomed bassist Kevin Scott on stage for the next tune, "Down Along the Cove" by Bob Dylan. Donato used a slide guitar effect for this double bass tune. A raging bass face off went down between Scott and McGee, as they took over the tune for an enjoyable moment. Scott stayed on stage for the next song, "Freedom Jazz Dance." They proceeded to perfectly execute this jazz standard tune, once again exhibiting their versatility. This transformed into what would be played at a hoe down with jazz music, and was unquestionably the jam of the night.
"Always Been a Lover" brought more high energy to the North Brooklyn venue. Thereafter, "Luck of the Draw" delivered a melodic chorus that delved into a mysterious psychedelic territory. Aronowitz and McGee continued to raise the bar and hoist the funk. This gave way for "Sugar Leg Rag," the only tune from their recent release Reflector. This peppy, fast paced song was the ideal end to a remarkable set.
The band stepped off stage for a moment, and club owner Peter Shapiro grabbed the mic to address the crowd. He mentioned how fortunate we all were to be in attendance of this very special show. On a side note, we as a community as beyond fortunate for the passionate support of Shapiro for musicians like Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country.
The foursome returned to the stage, and sang an acoustic "I've Been Working on the Railroad." This invariably brought most back to their childhood, and eventually transformed into Warren Zevon's "Nighttime in the Switching Yard." This funk fueled tune fit the mood perfectly, as the crowd was anxious to keep dancing. Donato reinforced his rock star status as he wailed to end this song. The band was not quite done, and dropped into an up-tempo "Respect," sung by Aronowitz. The band continued into an exhilarating jam to end the show.
Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country is a force to be reckoned with. They bolster a unique mashup of country, blue grass, funk, psychedelic, prog and blues rock, along with a fun attitude. We can't wait to see Daniel Donato and his band again soon. They are up next at the Mexico Incident supporting the String Cheese Incident on December 7-11, 2024. Tickets are available here. Catch them at in their hometown of Nashville, TN at the Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on December 13-14. Head on over to their tour page for more dates in your neck of the woods.
Check out more photos from the show!
Date: October 26, 2024
Band: Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country
Venue: Brooklyn Bowl
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Set One: Why You Been Gone So Long1, Cigar Time2, Passing Storm, East Bound and Down3, Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms4, Blame the Train, Cosmic Country Gardens, Translation
Set Two: See Through, Down by the Riverside4, Down Bedford, Justice, Jessica5, Boogie Man, Down Along the Cove67, Freedom Jazz Dance78, Always Been a Lover, Luck of the Draw, Sugar Leg Rag
Encore: I've Been Working on the Railroad4, Nighttime in the Switching Yard9, Respect10
Notes:
1. Mickey Newbury
2. The New Mastersounds
3. Jerry Reed
4. Traditional
5. The Allman Brothers Band
6. Bob Dylan
7. With Bassist Kevin Scott
8. Eddie Harris
9. Warren Zevon
10. Otis Redding
