Daniel Lanois Belladonna CD

Personnel: Daniel Lanois (pedal steel guitar); Brad Mehldau (piano); Brian Blade (drums).
Audio Mixer: Adam Samuels.
Photographers: Margaret Marissen; Jennifer Tipoulow; Malcolm Burn.
Right from the onset of "Two Worlds" it's a refreshing splash in the face to hear Daniel Lanois' pedal steel playing dance around a bed of guitar feedback; it serves as a reference point to some of his work on U2's The Joshua Tree. Like 2003's Shine, Belladonna reveals a side of Lanois that is a treat to see. The vulnerable, contemplative side that was such a critical element to his work with Brian Eno is more than evident, and his slide guitar playing also highlights just how important his contributions were to the notable releases of Eno's solo catalog. The interplay between musicians on the full ensemble tracks is focused and meticulous, with each member knowing exactly when to play and more importantly, when not to. But above all this, it's Lanois' guitar that tells the story and is the anchor of the 13-song cycle; a homage to a lost love with Latin and desert country influences embedded within the center of the record. It's every bit as focused and accomplished as anything in Lanois' catalog, and die-hard fans will be wanting more long after the disc winds down. ~ Rob Theakston
Whereas Daniel Lanois's SHINE (2003) came a full decade after its predecessor, BELLADONNA follows Lanois's previous offering by only two years, marking a notable increase in the renowned producer/guitarist's solo activity. While SHINE featured vocal turns by frequent collaborators Bono and Emmylou Harris, this instrumental outing is built on the core of Lanois, drummer Brian Blade, and bassist Daryl Johnson. This trio has played together on so many occasions that they exhibit a musical telepathy evident in only the most seasoned ensembles. Here they use this connection to create gentle melodies that border on ambient territory, with an atmosphere that conjures up the gorgeous minimalism of desert landscapes. Throughout BELLADONNA, Lanois's delicate, nuanced guitar lines are at the forefront, reinforcing why he's not only a revered producer but a formidable solo artist as well.Mojo (Publisher) (p.110) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[With] the echoing, rippling 'The Deadly Nightshade' and the eerie 'Telco', where electronics drift through a simple melody played by Lanois and pianist Brad Mehldau."