Collaborations is a unique musical project engineered by Ed Daniels, Vic Steffens, and Matt Oestreicher. The veteran musicians have made smart, astute choices in tailor-making each of the tracks. The production quality, which is deliberately gritty, overall sparkles. Daniels, Steffens, and Oestreicher clearly worship at the altar of acts like The Band, The Who, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. There’s a distinctive seventies vibe to each of the songs the trio machinate, along with lyrics that tell an actual story. There’s no electronic manipulation or abundance of sound mixing here. Just straight production quality, musical talent, and a series of great vocalists to compliment each of the tracks.
In their own words, Collaborations describes their approach as follows: “In an era where the essence of music often gets lost amidst the cacophony of modern sounds, ‘Collaborations’ emerges as a beacon of hope for fans of profound lyrical narratives set against the timeless backdrop of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Conceived by Ed Daniels and managed by Vic Steffens, this project is a celebration of diversity and unity, bringing together a vibrant ensemble of indie artists under the masterful orchestration of Matt Oestreicher. ‘Collaborations’ is not just a project; it’s a revival of music with a soul, crafted with a deep respect for the art of songwriting.”
They also write, “‘Collaborations’ is brought to life by a dedicated family of musicians and vocalists. Ed Daniels lays the foundation with music and the theme for the songs, while voices like Vita Rose Taytro, Suzanne Kiss, Carla Zipa, Heather Joseph, and Sylvia Jones add lyrics with layers of emotion and depth. The harmonies are further enriched by backup singers Kevin Monroe and Devotion’s talents, creating a rich and evocative sound. The recording sessions, held at Horizon Music Studios in West Haven, CT, are overseen and produced by Vic Steffens with co-producer by Matt Oestreicher, who also handles the orchestrations. The Collaborations Band, featuring notable musicians such as Bobby Torello, Scott Spray, Al Ferrante, Jpn Peckman and Tim DeHuff brings each piece to life with skill and passion.”
In many ways, as much as Collaborations has reverence for the past, it is simultaneously a creature of its time. Thanks to the web, independent media’s rise, and Silicon Valley apps starting to replace standard broadcasting models, entertainment is democratizing. From said democratization, incredible talent overlooked by studio systems can have its day in court, and to an extent, solely on the basis of merit. Collaborations embodies the spirit of what I am excited in seeing, genuine artists having a chance to be platformed.
In a post titled Join the Musical Renaissance, the group states: “(We) invite listeners to experience music that is not only crafted with skill but also imbued with meaning. It’s a journey back to when songs told stories, evoked emotions, and inspired change. For those who believe in the power of music to unite and uplift, ‘Collaborations’ is a project that resonates with purpose and passion. Discover the essence of ‘Collaborations’ online and connect with the project through its website and social media platforms. Let the timeless sound of purposeful music fill your soul and remind you of the power of collaboration in creating art that endures.”
Garth Thomas