Jeff Writes About: Dan Nichols

Make it stand out

Back in Nashville they called you "Dan the Music Man." You were a college student, singing and teaching at Congregation Micah. That's where we met, when Kol B'seder came to do a concert (January 26, 1991, as I recall.)

We became colleagues, and then friends, when you joined the faculty of Hava Nashira, our annual song-leaders workshop. Was it the late 90s? I can't remember, but I do remember you were writing five songs for every one of mine, and they were all great. I especially loved "Kehilah Kedosha," a celebration of Jewish community, a reminder of how much we - all of us - need each other. It was around that time we started to talk about songwriting, and I asked you about your lyrics and why you chose certain notes or chords, and maybe I pushed too hard at times, but you were gracious and sincere, never realizing how much I was learning from you.

I clearly remember the moment I knew you had broken through as a songwriter. You were leading a service at Hava Nashira, and in place of Chatzi Kaddish you sang a new song called, "Beyond." When the final chorus with its hypnotic refrain, "And let us say, and let us say, amein..." rich with the harmonies of a hundred voices, had faded away, I had tears running down my face. It was as if I had learned the secret name of God, heard the sound of what cannot be seen, felt the seismic shifting of crust beneath the world of music and prayer.

Dan, with every new song, with each new CD, you continue to astound. But it's not just the music, it's the depth of your soul and the warmth of your spirit, the connection you forge with every one you lead in song. Dan, may your vision never fade, may you take us ever higher, to worlds beyond. 

Jeff Klepper
2/8/2013