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It's no secret that many Phantom Tollbooth writers have enjoyed Jennifer Daniels' music over the years, and her career is taking the next level -- or two. Daniels recorded her first live project -- to be released in early 2003 -- all in one fell swoop on the evening of November 7 at The Evening Muse in Charlotte, North Carolina.

With the EP An Invitation, plus full-length recordings, Fists of Flood and Dive and Fly under her belt, Daniels recruited her husband/guitarist/mandolin player Jeff Neal, along with drummer Eddie Walker and guitarist Rob Seals, to record Daniels' first live project. A regional artist from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Daniels chose this intimate atmosphere, with excellent results.

The Evening Muse has ample stage and audience seating space, which was perfect for the artist and her band. And wisely, Daniels incorporated the full band into her signature song from Fists of Flood, "Mary's Song," straight away. The sound system was already tested, and there was no need for any adjustments at all during the length of the evening. Crisp, clean, and clear, and the only starts and stops during the performance/recording were when there were mistakes or mis-tuning that were obvious to Daniels and her band... not to the audience. We, the audience, shared banter with the artists, and some will probably wind up on the CD.

I am anxious to hear the to-be-named live recording, since the audience was very polite and just loud enough to be heard during "Day to Live" (save, of course, for lots of rowdy applause after each song).

For listeners new to Jennifer Daniels' music, I suggest a parallel/comparison to Bill Mallonee and VoL, Mitch McVicker, or Beki Hemingway. Grab this CD as soon as it is released, and I will drop whatever I'm doing to review it for The Tollbooth. Among the selections, there will be excellent renditions of the aforementioned "Mary's Song," "River" (with a unique "live" introduction), "Rage," what Daniels terms "the Spider trilogy" (three songs: they'll be included, I'm certain), two new songs, and Claire Holley accompanying Daniels and band on one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, the title track to Dive and Fly.

I have seen Jennifer Daniels in concert several times in several venues, but Daniels has clearly reached a plateau that is taking her to yet another higher level. There were moments during this concert/recording session that I was torn between laughing and crying, and that note alone is worth the report.