Since 2020, Irish artist Jerry Fish has co-hosted Hi, How Are You Day!' in Dublin – a day to celebrate Daniel Johnston’s life and to have open conversations about mental health and wellbeing - with MayKay and pianist Can Boylan. 

With the added bolster of a 14-piece orchestra, a three-piece brass section and backing vocalists, The trio have delivered one hell of a tribute record here.

Indeed, merely labelling the 13 tracks on Dreaming of Daniel as covers, really does them a disservice – channelling as they do, the originality, brilliance, poignancy and transcendent nature of the lord of lo-fi himself, the late, great Daniel Johnston.

Jerry Fish is a veteran Daniel Johnston disciple, who has been performing his version of ‘The Story Of An Artist’ for years, and its harlequin-infused, carnival atmosphere really nails the track, ‘Peek A Boo’ reprises that brilliance.

‘Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Your Grievances’, douses the raw original through the big band, rock cabaret wash and results in a celebration of Johnston’s philosophy – one we can all dance to.

Elsewhere, Maykay’s naked vocal delivery on ‘Devil Town’ is exquisite, and she brilliantly anchors the shattered dreams of ‘Some Things Last A Long Time’. Finally, the country stomp of the pair duetting on ‘Ain’t No Woman Gonna Make A George Jones Outta Me’ is great gas.

Mighty stuff.  9/10  * * * * * * * * *

Will Russell ~ Hot Press Magazine.