John DeNicola - Don’t Wait (2025)

Even though some music in this set has a soulful groove in a Philadelphia International style, “King of His Own World” brilliantly meshes a Steely Dan posture with the textural continuity of Mark-Almond’s lite jazz performances. Therein lies an old soulful sound that DeNicola manages to cross-pollinate into his own atmospheric production. John’s voice has a sincere tone, even in moments of falsetto; he maintains control with streetwise tenacity. “Don’t Wait” has its little dynamic but never gets pushed into grandiosity.

The 9 tracks were self-produced & recorded in upstate New York by John & Don’t Wait is dedicated to their late friend, musician Tim Lawrence. The songs primarily follow an R&B, lite-jazzy route with a touch of funk, lots of accentuated, bouncy horns. Though John taps into a sterling past, attractive sound, his approach is still quite creative & original with superior material & arrangements. The background vocals are always pristine in an early Steely Dan pastiche. “Donnybrook Lane” is a steady piece with a vibrant mix of performances. Whereas “Flotsam & Jetsam” is rooted in a more serious concentration with a sure vocal, atmospheric delivery & wonderful decorative brass.

DeNicola co-wrote hits in the past – “(I Had) The Time of My Life,” & “Hungry Eyes,” from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack. With his warm mainstream voice, John seesaws between soulful pop with good arrangements & more highly imaginative forays, including a cover of Peter Lewis’ (Moby Grape) “Apocalypse,” a song also covered by Michael Been’s The Call. Peter’s guitar part on this version is from his original take on the 1971 Moby Grape LP. John’s voice is perfectly suited — a good choice.

John doesn’t sound like Loggins & Messina, but he’s constructing diligent work similar to that duo’s pre-Steely Dan composition “Pathway To Glory” (1973) embedded with these qualities. There are some missteps, but few to mention since DeNicola knows what he’s doing & should be working with some veterans from other bands. The music produced on Don’t Wait is proof that it’s still viable, pleasing & continues to embellish the ears with sweet sounds that have since become great memories.