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Local dueling pianist to
release multi-faceted album
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For those of you looking for the next great thing in
entertainment, I suggest you take a trip down to the Manhattan
Grill to experience Todd Dunnigan’s version of Total Request
Live. What’s this, you might ask? Well before I get into
that, let me give you a little bit of background on the man.
Todd Dunnigan, former owner of the Audio Lab studio and member
of the band Orgasmatron, is a multi-talented performer who sings,
records, and plays an entire host of instruments. He is currently
working on his latest album, yet to be titled.
I sat down with Dunnigan for my own private listening session of
his nearly finished work. “This double cd is going to be
reminiscent of the new Outkast cd,” he says.
He went on to explain that the Outkast record involves two
people who bring different aspects together into one package.
Dunnigan’s own album will encompass the split sides of his
writing personality (no, he’s not a Gemini, I already
asked).
The first disc gives the feel of a Prince album. Smooth vocals
and various live instruments, not to mention a little freakiness,
are laced throughout songs like “Dirty Nasty Freaky
Sexy.”
On the flip side (disc two), the music is reminiscent of lounge
music. Think Carmen Diaz at the Cocoa Bongo club in “The
Mask.” This album takes you back to a time when jazz was the
party music, but adds updated lyrics. Incredibly, Dunnigan plays
all of the instruments (much like Prince).
Todd Dunnigan, along with his partner-in-crime Danny Beal,
perform a high energy, in-your-face piano act. Yes, I said high
energy and piano in the same sentence. The premise is this: All of
the music they play together is by request only, so everybody gets
involved. This means that the patrons are encouraged to sing along,
dance, and really get into it. This also means that they receive
requests for anything from Beethoven and Louis Armstrong to Nine
Inch Nails and Snoop Dogg! It really takes you back to the days
when all music was for all people, because everybody can enjoy it.
Now that’s entertainment.
With all of this in mind, I once again suggest you make the
journey down to the Manhattan Grill on a Thursday, Friday, or
Saturday night.
The show usually starts at about 8:30 and lasts until closing
time. It should prove to be an entertaining and energetic evening.
You can watch for Dunnigan’s album to be released some time
this spring. As always, I will let you know when it gets to be that
time ‘cuz’ you know I‘ll hook y’all up!
Danaka Oliver
A & E Writer
The Arbiter