http://youtu.be/lwBE5OKqOlI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WroZxjf3Mj0&feature=youtu.be

I just wanted to let you know that I have released a little single of “Never Got Around” for ya to enjoy.  There is a version with Kristen playing violin available at littlefield.bandcamp.com.  Since CDbaby and itunes won’t let me upload this version, for now I have put an acoustic solo version up on itunes with just me playing (for some reason it will take this version and not the other??).  As soon as the issue is resolved I will get that other version up asap.  Hoping it won’t take long.  I really hope you guys enjoy this one.  We had fun making this one and it has really become a lot of folks’ favorite song.  Enjoy!

Check it out at littlefield.bandcamp.com

I’m really excited for this next Thursday, Sept. 29th.  We are headed to Pasta Moon in Half Moon Bay to play in their music box!

If you’ve never been here before it is just about the tastiest pasta and Italian food around.  Their new music box room is immaculate and a special place to catch live music.  We are playing there September 29th from 7-10.  Come on out, grab some delicious dinner, and stick around for our set.  We’ll be playing mostly originals with a few special covers thrown in.  This is also my last fundraiser for awhile.  All proceeds will  be going to the Cabrillo Education Foundation.  I hope to see ya there!

Lastly, I’ve been making the final adjustments to the four songs I’ll be recording soon.  I must say, I think they are going to sound pretty darn awesome.  I’ll be going back into Rick Sutton’s studio again.  I just feel real comfy in that studio and feel it brings out the best in me.  We’ll be heading in there Oct 15th and it will probably just be a digital release.  If you sign up for my email list I will gladly give ya a free download code! Well, that’s it for now.  Hope to see ya at Pasta Moon or a show soon! Take care amigos!

Speaking of the OPL, I’m very happy to announce that Travis Warren’s new band The LookOut Kids are coming to town to rock! You may know Travis as the new singer for Blind Melon.  Travis is a friend of mine and probably the most talented musician I have ever met.  He will be at the OPL Nov. 17th and I will be opening up for him.  There is also a badass band called Telstar with the bass player from PINK joining in the action as well.  It would be a shame for you to miss this show because everyone should witness the unbelievable voice and talent of Travis.

Oct 15th I am headed back into the studio.  I have gotten request from many friends to hear some songs in a less produced, more stripped down style (like how my performances are).  So I’m heading into the studio to record about four new songs in that fashion.  I will be recording acoustic guitar, vox, harmonica, violin, and some very simple percussion.  Keepin’ it simple but intimate and live sounding.  I’m really looking forward to it and I think its gonna rock!

I have a gig at A Grape in the Fog tonight (Sept. 10th) and one or two just about every weekend for the next month.  I’m really excited to play Pasta Moon Sept 29th as well.  This will be another fundraiser effort for our schools.  Check out the new stage area at www.pastamoon.com  Its pretty awesome!

That’s it for now.  Hope to see your happy faces soon!

I have decided to go back into the studio and cut a more live stripped down album of the new songs.  Doesn’t mean I won’t go back and do the whole full production thing again, I just wanted to do something more simplistic for my fans that enjoy that sound more.  Kristen will be part of several of them but for the most part we are talking guitar, vox, and violin.  Should be awesome.  I’ll give you more info very soon.

I will be at the King’s Mountain Art Fair Saturday, Sept. 3rd.  This will be an amazing show in the redwoods! Then I have a benefit I’m putting on for local schools and teachers at the Old Princeton Landing Sept. 4th.  After that, I’m at the Vintage Festival in Sonoma Sept. 24th.  This will be very special to me because since I was a little boy I used to go to this festival and I have ALWAYS wanted to be a part of it!  Stoked! Then I have a handful of wine bars and performances afterwards that should be great events and I hope, hope, hope you can come be a part of them! It really means a lot to me to see you guys there.

I hope you are all doing well and thank you so much for all your support!

Album: The Hills We Knew

Review by Alec Cunningham

Dan Littlefield, a singer/songwriter out of California, has broken the seal wide open with The Hills We Knew, his very first solo album. Littlefield’s slight southern tone gives his music a unique sound. Not only is he a skilled singer, though. He is also a skilled guitar player and songwriter – three skills that most beginning artists have trouble tying together.

From start to finish, this album is nothing less than brilliant.  The Hills We Knew does not consist of one single mediocre song.  Littlefield kicks off The Hills We Knew with “On the Rails.”  Within just seconds of the song’s intro it is evident that this will not only be a notable song, but that this will also be an impressive album.  Littlefield incorporates an even mix of finger picking and strumming within his guitar playing to create a captivating melody. His soulful southern voice and the song’s mellow melody is similar to the style of artist Uncle Kracker. Littlefield’s descriptive lyrics are what immediately set his songs apart from the vast crowd of acoustic artists. Describing the train tracks, he sings, “Rusted spikes replace the steel once so strong.”

Littlefield incorporates a slight island feel into “Awake in the Bed I Lie” by using a tambourine, bongos, and maracas.  He sings of the consequences of both his actions and the actions of the person the song is directed toward.  “No one said this would be easy . . . now it’s time we put it all behind. Won’t you let me be?”

“Drifter” does well to stray from the cliché lyrics so often found within songs that talk about relationships. Littlefield uses the word drifter to describe the way he is “drifting in and out of hope” within the relationship. The honesty within his lyrics and the passion with which he sings those words allow his listeners to be able to easily relate to his songs. Littlefield sings, “Nothing feels right without you around, and I think it’s time I told you so.”

 The superior production of this album makes it difficult to find any true faults within any of his songs. But while the production is of high quality, it is clear that the album portrays the raw abilities of Littlefield and is not overrun with studio edits in an attempt to make him sound better. The title track is introduced in the very middle of the album. Within “The Hills We Knew,” a violin can be heard in the background, adding a poignant touch to the already touching song. Littlefield once again uses descriptive lyrics to his advantage when he sings, “I remember walking with you, picking the sage that grew on the tops of the hills that we both knew, in the middle of the night.”

Littlefield rounds out The Hills We Knew with “Common Threads,” another intense, very moving song. You’ll find yourself humming along to the extremely contagious melody of each verse. He talks about a fading relationship singing, “I used to know you, now I’m not so sure. . . Common threads are supposed to last forever. Come back around again.  This time it’s not so pure.”

The Hills We Knew is one of those rare albums that can be played over and over again without the album becoming old or seeming worn out. Littlefield has created something very special with this album. One might even go as far as to say that he has created a masterpiece. It will be interesting to see how Littlefield develops his musical talent in his sophomore release.

Review by Alec Cunningham

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things have really been going great for me lately.  I’ve really found my mojo again musically lately and been rocking my shows and meeting a lot of really excited people as of late regarding what I’m doing.  The drive for $10,000 is on and I’m about 1/10th of the way there but that’s only having done three shows! So I am really excited about how things are going and raising money for the Cabrillo Education Fund.

I will be playing at the Old Princeton Landing this Thursday night (June 23) with local favorite Ldub Ellis opening up for us. Then its off to Sonoma for the LOCOMOJO FESTIVAL! I will be playing in the downtown square amphitheater at 2 p.m. sharp! I’m really excited about this one.  Finally, I will be on 1710 Neighborhood Radio June 28th.  You can listen online at http://www.neighborhoodradio.info/.  I will be doing a real fun interview and they will be featuring a couple songs of mine.  Very excited for it!

July is going to be a quiet month for me.  Taking some time off to Get married and  go on my honeymoon to Greece! Its hard to go into hiatus when things are going so well with the music right now but I need to focus on this right now and usually whenever I take any time off I come back stronger and more motivated anyways so August better watch out!

Last thing, mark your calendars folks.  September 4th, 2011 at the Old Princeton Landing in Half Moon Bay.  This is the big one! The OPL will be donating 100% of the cover charge and 10% of their bar tab and more to the cause of benefiting the Cabrillo Education Fund.  I am putting a spectacular line up together of local and touring artist for this one.  Its going to be an amazing event and we need you there!

Alright friends that’s it for now.  Thank you so much for all your support and love.  You guys make it so worth it.

Until next time, take care of yourselves!

Dan

I have also planned a big fundraising event Labor Day weekend at the Old Princeton Landing.  Brian and the guys have graciously offered to donate 10% of the bar and 100% of the cover charge for a huge event we will be putting on.  We are talking food, hours of music, and tons of entertainment.  All to help provide our kids with what is only fair and right, a quality education.  One that will give them the opportunities they deserve.  I will be on 1710 Neighborhood radio June 28th to help promote this show.

I had a wonderful show at Hopmonk Tavern in Sonoma Saturday night.  People came from all around to see it (even from Texas!).  I’ll be at the Locomojo festival June 25th in the Sonoma Square for what looks to be an amazing event and then that’s it for me for a little while.  I’m getting married! Got to focus on that, enjoy my wedding, honeymoon and all!

I’ll see you guys and soon and please mark your calendars! I need your help to reach this goal!!!

I’m also on Jango now and making quite a few fans there.  That has been super cool.  Getting those emails “You’ve got a new fan!” really have a way of brightening up my day.  Well, back to work.  Thanks so much for listening!