Beatin’ The Heat

“Beatin' The Heat” was Dan’s first studio album since 1978. The Hot Licks name was back, along with a new pair of lovely Lickettes, who provide the signature Hot Licks harmonies. The CD, produced by Surfdog Records, presents Dan and his music in a more contemporary fashion.

“I Scare Myself” is reprised here in a techno-trance motif, as a duet with Rickie Lee Jones. Ms. Jones also contributes vocals on “Driftin'”. Bette Midler, who has previously recorded Dan’s “Up! Up! Up!”, sits in on “Strike It While It’s Hot”. Big-band reviver Brian Setzer plays guitar on “I Don’t Want Love” and “Meet Me On The Corner”. Elvis Costello also joins in on “Meet Me On The Corner”.

Finally, noted Sonoma County hipster Tom Waits does a delightful duet with Dan on the brash “I’ll Tell You Why That Is”, accompanied on backing vocals by members of Hank Ballard’s Moonlighters.

“Beatin' The Heat” was widely acclaimed, and named as one of the Top Ten CDs of 2000 by Time.com