Dave Goddess Group

Just like the ones scrawled all over the old wood wall nailed to the cover of Once in a Blue Moon, the stars—however crudely drawn—are aligning for the Dave Goddess Group. The band’s first full-length album since 2012’s Something New, the unpretentious and charming Once in a Blue Moon follows three well-regarded EPs that have filled the void admirably.

Plain honesty and integrity are hallmarks of Goddess’s unfussy songwriting and storytelling, driven by an underdog rock ‘n’ roll spirit that’s loveably shaggy and soulful. Uplifting at times, with the anthemic “Volunteers” appealing for more humanity and involvement from mankind, Once in a Blue Moon is mostly built of solid, mid-tempo roots-rock with a working-class bent, as the softly weathered guitar-jangle of “When Lightning Strikes” fits comfortably alongside the easygoing, melodic swing of “When You’re Happy, I’m Happy,” where divorce proceedings are recounted with good-natured, self-effacing testimony. The upbeat “All Talk No Action” practically jumps with infectious pop energy, but Once in a Blue Moon mellows when warped pedal steel turns liquid in the dreamy title track and the country ballad “When the Past Caught Up with John Henry Weaving” is hit with hard reality and pained harmonica.

All the while, that raspy voice of Goddess’s tears biblical and historical references out of old books and expresses keen observations of life’s absurdities and struggles. Stumbling to make sense of the world, he lightheartedly explores mortality in “Exit Through the Gift Shop” amid a tight funk jam, but picks himself up in the lightly strummed and starry wonder “Chinatown,” a moving epic of building drama and bittersweet mood that looks skyward for salvation. He’s earned it. Here’s hoping the Dave Goddess Group comes around more than Once in a Blue Moon.

—Peter Lindblad - Elmore

Classic rock outfit Dave Goddess Group just released their new album, entitled Once In A Blue Moon, encompassing 10-tracks of “the real thing,” i.e. music devoid of auto-tuned voices and fancy filtering techniques, songs pulsating with raw feeling and power.
Beginning with “When You’re Happy, I’m Happy,” opening on jangly guitars riding a country-lite-flavored melody, highlights on the album include “Dance While You Can,” a rousing rocker vaguely reminiscent of Springsteen in the early days. Goddess’ deliciously rasping voice infuses the lyrics with enthralling tones, as the keyboards bray low-slung colors and the guitar solo lights it up.
Wonderfully arranged and produced, Once In A Blue Moon discharges powerful carefree harmonics atop irresistible rhythms. Don’t miss this one! - Medium

With some winsome rugged vocals, the Dave Goddess Group at least gets out of the starting gate with some genuine doses of rock planted in a rootsy soil. With no posturing, yet evocative of some past bands that had success with this formula & respect, Goddess follows the map carefully.

I hear the dynamics of Jimmie Mack, who had 3 excellent LPs in the late 70s. the major-label Eddie & the Tide (Eddie Rice), John Cafferty (Eddie & the Cruisers), and the like. They’re all cut from that Springsteen cloth but with far less Jersey edge.

Dave’s new independent LP Once In a Blue Moon (drops Feb. 28), he provides a solid set of melodies as attractive as a sparkling new jukebox. The performance, — that’s what will attract most ears. The musicians are tight, well-arranged & delightfully proficient.

Ok, they’re not Bruce Springsteen or the late Willy DeVille. Most songs are upbeat, with some darker subjects (“When the Lightnin’ Strikes”) cranked with lots of ballsy aggression. Their melodies are not as pop-clever as Eddie & the Tide, but they are indeed compelling. They do know their boundaries & well-within those boundaries they sparkle like a Simonized black Chevy. No smooth Dion DiMucci vocals, no controversial Graham Parker subjects, or crafty early Elvis Costello. But Dave has that smoky rock voice. If his songs were a little more New York specific — he’d be Willie Nile.

What’s interesting is that he admits that not every song is about him. That’s where his creativity comes. He’s willing to stretch & write about what’s not necessarily personal. “When the Past Caught Up With John Henry Weaving” is a cool story-song with pedal steel (Robbie Bossert) & Goddess harmonica. This is a hat-tip to bare-bones Springsteen Nebraska.

Produced by Dave & engineer Konrad Carelli the 10-track LP was recorded in NY. Dave plays guitar, Mark Buschi (Bass, vocals), Chris Cummings (Drums, percussion, vocals), Tom Brobst (Sax, flute, keys), Gary Gipson (Guitar & vocals) with additional help: Steve Patterson (Keyboards), Corey Purcell (Button accordion), Valerie Borman (vocals) & Robbie Bossert.

Each song was tailored with care & they translate the band’s energy effectively. “All Talk & No Action” has the drive of Eddie & the Tide with its instrumental break sweet as The Del-Lords. They cook on a low flame & it comes to a simmer wonderfully. No showboating, nothing wild & crazy. Just good American rock & roll as it should be.

“Chinatown,” is sculptured like an old classic Jimmie Mack (“On the Ice”). This is when a great bar band with studio chops sings & plays a ballad with all the finesse of pros. Quite impressive. With the addition of accordion (Purcell) on “Exit Through The Gift Shop,” Dave mixes in a cup of the Blasters to a pinch of the rural Band. Quite good.

The 38-minute LP closes out rollicking on “Volunteers,” & sends you off — wanting more. - Ameriana Highways

I am not married. But a wise man once explained the art of successful matrimony to me: “It’s simple,” he said. “Like any good soldier, you have to learn which fights you can’t win and retreat from the battlefield….”

Or in the case of Dave Goddess Group, you can marry the same woman three times, divorce her twice, and when its due to end again, you simply say “If You’re Happy, I’m Happy” an try and win her back in the court house as the judge is about to make it final, because, as the second verse goes: “it always was good between the sheets….”

Such a song would get reviewed on here anyway, because it is a world away from cliched, formulaic, “maybe, baby” bullshit. But when you do it over a bluesy, country little romp worthy of the great Dan Baird himself, you best sign me up, to be fair.

If that first track alone was enough to ensure me and Dave were going to get along just fine, then the rest of it underlines real talent.

“Dance While You Can” is power pop, punk rock, but entirely blue collar. Like The Replacements, if they’d gone for the line : “we started out on a quest for fun, but some things are easier said than done” while the floating, lilting country tones of the title track show another side, there is still something original about the take on simple love.

For my tastes, though, TDGG are at their very best when they are doing the rootsy rocker thing that they do so well. “When The Lightning Strikes” knows its heroes and borrows from all of them, yet is in debt to none.

The harmonica driven “When The Past Caught Up With John Henry Weaving” recalls the work of the similarly left field Stephen Fearing, and if picking the finest highlight here is tough then the low slung lead guitar at the start of “You Can’t Fight Fire With Fire” is definitely up there – plus the glorious thought in the chorus line of “when you fight fire with fire, everything burns” might be something that the world’s leaders could learn from.

Tom Petty himself would have been pleased with “All Talk No Action” – which gets bonus points for including the word “bamboozle” in its lyrics – and southern rockers the world over would be thankful for “Chinatown”. Just check out the organ, you’ll get sucked in.

There is, though, in truth no doubt about the best song here. “Exit Through The Gift Shop” wraps up an attack on consumerism with a track that would have even stood out on a Warren Zeavon record – and that is about as high as praise can get. “A t-shirt with a logo, to show that you were here,” he withers. I look down at the band t-shirt I am wearing, a little ashamed.

“Volunteers” rounds off this fabulous collection, wrapping a happy tune around the lyrics that include: “I am sure there have been darker times, but I can’t remember when.”

If that’s the case then let this record offer a beacon of hope.

On the press stuff that came with this, it simply said: “Dave Goddess is a man on a mission”. That quest was for honesty in the music. “At the very least,” he said himself, “its authentic.” Dave, to be honest, it’s a bit more than that. “Once In A Blue Moon” is glorious.

Rating 9/10 - Maximum Volume Music

Review Fix chats with Dave Goddess about the origin of his group, their creative process, goals for 2020 and new single, “When You’re Happy I’m Happy.”

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Dave Goddess: Even as a little kid I loved rock ‘n roll. I begged for my first guitar. My uncle was a songwriter and a big influence on me. I watched him writing and eventually we’d be riding on the car and one of his songs would come on the radio. Even then I knew I wanted to do that too. And now when I hear myself on the radio, I always get a similar kick.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Goddess: I always try to be receptive to what’s around me, and I jot down ideas all the time. I tend to write songs in groups, mostly because when I get in a zone, I try to maximize it. I just sit down and do it—there are no shortcuts. Once I have lyrics and melodies, I take the ideas to my band and work on arrangements. We push and pull a lot—we try different tempos, feels, instrumentation. Eventually we come to something that works.

I will say that it is rarely the case that I actually do what I set out to do, either lyrically or musically. Hopefully the end result is good, but it is something else—because writing and recording is a process of discovery, and in spite of your intentions, you can wind up in a place you hadn’t planned on going. Picasso said, “I don’t seek, I find.” I’m not Picasso, but I know what he was talking about.

Review Fix: What inspires you?

Goddess: When I was writing my new album Once in a Blue Moon, I was travelling a lot and trying to force myself out of my comfort zone. That usually opens up my mind and I let the ideas come to me. I try to write about things I see and understand, things that move me or amuse me–human stories that have a core of feeling or truth. Or sometimes just fun.

Review Fix: How do Strength, Struggle, Romance, and Resilience play a part in your songwriting?

Goddess: They’re all part of any musical journey, and you have to embrace that journey if you want to be happy. Even under the best circumstances there are lots of highs and lows. I’ve played for ten thousand people and I’ve played for ten. Been admired and insulted. So you need to be strong and resilient just to persevere. It can be a struggle, but so what. The romance part I think provides the inspiration that fuels your creativity and makes you want to do it in the first place.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Goddess: The music we play is pure American roots rock–rough, ragged, and soulful. We dig deep and we’re always on the edge. We give it our all. That makes it fun for us and hopefully fun for the audience.

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

Goddess: We definitely try to capture the energy of our live show in the studio. Seems like that would be easy, but it’s not. In the studio there’s no crowd to urge you on. You can do many takes and you can be very analytical in evaluating your performances. It can be tough to keep it raw. You absolutely have to embrace imperfections and go for an overall feeling.

Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?

Goddess: My song When You’re Happy I’m Happy came to me pretty quickly. I heard the phrase somewhere and it stuck in my head. The point of it is that you can’t choose who you fall in love with. We’ve all either been in relationships or at least seen relationships where a couple is in love, but they just can’t seem to get along. They get into a cycle of breaking up and making up. My song takes place in a courtroom where the girl is trying to divorce the guy for the third time. He knows that he’s screwed up but is pleading with her for one more chance. We don’t know how it ends up, but I’m rooting for them.

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2020?

Goddess: My album has a song on it called Dance While You Can. I was thinking about how life wears us down and makes us dull. We watch TV or stare at our phones while time slips by. I’m going to do all I can not to be that guy. Dance While You Can is about finding more joy—remembering what you love doing and doing more of it before it’s too late. So my goal for 2020 is to take my own advice.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Goddess: Since I have a new album coming out, I have a lot to look forward to. I love sending my songs out into the world and seeing how people react to them. I have a great band and we’ll be playing lots of live shows. So we’ll see what happens. - Review Fix

“Last of the West Side Cowboys” is simply marvelous. The melody rumbles and rolls along with egregious dynamism, while the rhythm vibrates with a pulsing irresistible pattern. Goddess’ grating voice magnifies the electrical sparkle of the music. All these elements combined make “Last of the West Side Cowboys” one of the best songs I’ve reviewed so far, which means you don’t want to miss the EP. - blogcritics

George Hayde, New York’s last urban cowboy, finally has his own song, and it’s rockin’ great. Put that drink down before you click the link because it’s gonna topple with the first chord. - Living the High Line

“Who wouldn’t do this if they could?” he said. “It’s a lot of people’s fantasy and it’s such a great process. It’s very, very frustrating and the music business is very, very tough, but I get to write songs, I get to express myself, dig deep and look into my deepest parts and try and bring something out and express that. Then I get to have a band of brothers go out and play the song loud and flesh it all out. Then we get to play it in front of people and make records. It’s so great and so much fun and who wouldn’t do it if they could?” - Medium

The real thing. Deep down, we remember what that means. A voice that isn’t auto-tuned. A band that’s not sweetened to the point of blandness, but whose rifle-shot riffs shake you and whose message moves you. Songs that rock your soul and break your heart—ragged, urgent, full of spirit and power. - The Big Takeover

The band is comprised of drummer Chris Cummings, bassist Mark Buschi, guitarist Gary Gipson and Tom Brobst on keyboards and sax. Goddess describes his group as, "kind of a rough and tumble rock n' roll band. We play with a lot of feeling; we play a little bit out of control. It's a little raw, and that's the way I like it." - Broadway World

"I’m trying to take people to a place they can’t get to by themselves. I want to move people. I try to lift them up. I try to make them think and feel. I believe music can be much more than a catchy pop tune." - Review Fix

Since the beginning of his career, Dave Goddess has brought authenticity and solid vocals to the music scene. Not only does this group bring a raw talent to the fans that adore them, but they also bring out the best of rock n’ roll. Modeled after some of the most iconic musicians in the history of music such as Elvis, The Stones and Tom Petty this band has hit the rock n’ roll scene with a force that has been unmatched. Goddess’ songs have a knack of writing songs that touch the deepest part of the soul and ring true with the heart’s desires. - Imperfect Fifth

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this CD, but after several listens I found it more and more impressive. It’s that kind of soulful, Bluesy rock’n’roll that could only have come from New York City. Accomplished musicians for sure, but the important thing is that they’re clearly passionate about what they’re doing. For comparisons, I’d include the likes of Little Steven, Mink DeVille, possibly Jesse Malin, and even the dark country tones of Thin White Rope. They also channel the spirits of both John Lennon and Joe Strummer during the song ‘Roll Over’, questioning the way that optimism seems to have been replaced by resignation and acceptance, even as events in the world get progressively worse. It’s political but on a personal, observational level and works really well. Elsewhere, the title track raises the issue of workers becoming redundant as business and technology moves on. The lyrics have a real empathy and come across sincerely, something that is so often missing in modern music. With plenty of great melodies and hooks, I’m sure this album could appeal to music fans right across the spectrum. - FEAR AND LOATHING FANZINE

Right out of the gate on the Blown Away EP it all kicks it into high gear with the title track...Blown Away is an suitable title and I am sure that is the feeling you would have after catching this band live. Its pure rock ‘n’ roll ecstasy on the EP and they most certainly will gain some new fans and increase their reach with this mighty fine taster. I look forward to hearing the full course meal of music soon. - Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Simple and basic classic rock is what you’ll find here, albeit classic rock with a modern flair. Well crafted songs, a highly polished delivery, and an ever present sense of melody make Blown Away a worthy successor to DGG’s full length Something New. Somehow DGG manages to produce very old-school music, yet makes it sound fresh and vital. The music is sincere and “real,” free from the massive overdubs and studio tricks that plague some modern rock. Warmly engineered and well produced, Dave Goddess Group’s Blown Away belongs in the collection of every blues-rock fan. - Joe Mis

What is it writers always say..."Write about what you know" I believe? Well Dave here knows what he does best, and hits it out of the park. His deep, rustic vocals are reminiscent to a time of yore, a time of well-written music with a focus on the craft of songwriting. Don't remember those days? Me either. But the Dave Goddess Group is here to remind you. True musicianship, great production will be all you need to remember what it is to listen to good...damn...music. It's poppy, it's dark. It's happy, it's intellectual. It's...well...a must-listen. - Aaron Farrier

Back in the late '70s and early '80s, Dave Goddess led what was arguably the best and most popular rock group in the Lehigh Valley, the Daddy Licks Band. (Yes, we were there.) Now, all these years later, Goddess is back with a new band (sax and keyboard man Tom Brobst is the lone holdover) and an absolutely terrific new album. Something New is major league all the way. Mixed and mastered by Ed Stasium, well-known for his work with the likes of the Ramones and the Smithereens, the music packs undeniable punch and clarity. Amid the drive and the clarion uplift, Goddess has poured his heart and soul into the best songs of his life, songs that resonate deeply beyond their passion and energy. These are tunes written by someone who has been around and learned some lessons. When he declares on "I Can Dream" that "it's better late than never," it's hard not to think he's talking about his continuing need to rock. Great to see he's still rocking.
- Nick Cristiano - Philadelphia Inquirer

It seems like finding good, straight-up rock and roll is getting more challenging, unless you hover around the arenas waiting for the next throw back band come to your town. While echoes of “Unskinny Bop” resonate from years of wear and tear, in comes a band like Dave Goddess Group who you should be paying more attention to because they are in the here now.

Our modern day rock and roll saint, Dave Goddess exerts the rebellious spirit of Jeff Dahl and the rock prose of Bryan Adams, combined. All you zombies, put down that Hooters album and pick up Something New because Goddess has a backing band that is incredibly organic and tight.

It does not hurt that they brought in Ed Stasium (Ramones, Talking Heads, Smithereens) to make the album sound as good as it possibly can. From the powerful title track opener and the rocker “Call of the Wild,” these sounds are easy to listen to.

Dave Goddess’ rugged voice adds charm to what could be an easily glossed over production. If you want Chicago, go listen to Chicago. If you want U2, go listen to U2. If you want something vivid and rock and roll eccentric with powerful instrumentation, then listen to Something New. - ZapTownMag-Andrew Duncan

All things “retro” now seem to be in vogue, and most of them are pretty cheesy knockoffs of what used to be great or cool. That is definitely not the case with the debut album from the Dave Goddess Group. Something New actually is something new, yet will be immediately familiar to old-school classic rock fans. Definitely a tribute to, and not a rip-off of the old masters, Dave Goddess and his band make some fine old-style rock and deliver it with modern flair.
Musical highlights include the great bouncy bass line of “Something New,” the fine guitars and vivid lyrical imagery of “Call Of The Wild,” the Springsteen-esque tone of the somewhat tongue-in-cheek “Sweet Miss Understanding,” the great bass-drums-keys rhythm line and simple words to “It’s About Love,” the biting truths discussed in “The First Lie, ” the hot guitars of “Wild And Willing,” and the rest of the entire album – not a stinker in the bunch.
If you like any of the old-school rock singer-storytellers, you definitely will enjoy the Dave Goddess Group. Something New is a fine debut effort filled with top-drawer musicianship, solid songwriting and a great sense of fun. - Hardrock Haven

All in all , this album is your quintessential classic rock record ... it is a statement that screams ‘classic rock is not dead’ . As long as bands like Dave Goddess Group are existing , classic rock is far from being dead . Go get it folks, Its indeed "Something New" ! - BeARockR

Now lets head to NYC where there is an exciting rock band The Dave Goddess Group who are on the rise. I have their ‘Blown Away’ EP here and when I listen it makes me want to go out and drink and listen to live music. “One Man’s Passion” is a song that speaks to me, you must hear it. - SKOPE