"...join me as we begin to follow the career of an outstanding musician" said Jordan Rudess about Daniel J, whom you might remember from performing some guitar parts on Rudess' previous solo album "Rhythm of Time". Having the perfect setting for becoming multitalented musician, Daniel (the son of Jaroslav Jakubovic) spent a lot of time in various recording studios and backstages at live concerts while growing up. His early influences include Metallica, Dream Theater, and Yes... therefore it isn't surprising that his music is a cross-over of these aforementioned bands.

Titled as "Losing Time", Daniel J's debut album starts off with heavy yet groovy songs coupled with melodic guitar playing and vocal lines... nevertheless, also few ballads have been included after the mid-point of the record. The songs are about relationships with love being on the podium. Nonetheless, Daniel has managed to avoid being mushy, and thus lyrics remain entrancing.

The production on Losing Time has been carried out the American way... meaning huge sounds at the expense of sound quality. At times some distortion occurs, but fortunately it isn't too obtrusive so listening remains pleasant throughout the whole album. Mastering was handled by Jim Brick at Absolute Audio, New York.

All in all, I've got to admit Daniel J has all the qualities one can wish from an artist... only time will tell whether he's going to break big-time. Until then you'd better check out "Losing Time" and support one of today's most promising artists.


- MAGE (August 13th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Jakubovic, Daniel: Vocals, Lead Guitars, Drums, Bass on Tracks 4, 8, 9 & 10, Keyboards on Tracks 6, 10, 12 & 13 Zehavi, Omer: Rhythm Guitars Nagata, Iyasu: Bass on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 & 13 Ventimiglia, Euginio: Drums on Tracks 3 & 6 Jakubovic, Jaroslav: Tenor Saxophone on Tracks 7 & 10 Rudess, Jordan: Keyboards on Tracks 3 & 7, Solos on Tracks 3 & 13
Producer:	J, Daniel
Mixing by:	Rowe, Nick
Mastering by:	Brick, Jim

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Black 02. Theories in Her Head 03. End of Summer 04. Losing Time 05. Insane 06. Xited 07. All the Same for You 08. The Best 09. Save Me 10. Innocence 11. Replaced 12. Out of Reach 13. Rush Length: 67:18