Acoustic Soul

Dan McLean Jr. is an acoustic soul singer. He has a powerful voice and writes songs packed with emotion and subtleties. As he playfully puts it, "I don't write songs about somebody dancing with my girl at the sock hop. I write songs about adult relationships - more like what happens after a marriage of 10 years breaks up." His covers shine just as brightly as his originals.

Last week on one of the coldest nights this winter, when it was -39 outside, Dan was in full form at a tiny bar in Parkdale. His versions of "She's Gone", "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" and "Kiss On My List" captivated.

McLean is also a wealth of information on music. He's particularly passionate about Philly soul. Between sets it was a pleasure to sit with him at the bar as he shared history of how Motown and Memphis soul gave way to Philly soul, which in turn progressed to disco and smooth jazz. Dan completely engages his audience, both in performance and conversation.

Dan McLean is a regular performer at Harlem Restaurant and host of web TV series "Rhyme & Reason" at danmcleanjr.com. Catch him every Monday in January at Not My Dog in Toronto.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/DanMcLeanJrMusic