Nick Daniels, one of the truly great voices and bassists, oozes his birthplace of New Orleans in all that he does. He grew up with the funk, soul and rhythm and blues that blanketed the city’s music scene as he was honing his chops. As a noted sideman who contributed his considerable abilities to such renowned groups as the Uptown All-Stars and the Neville Brothers, and who is presently a member of Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Daniels takes center stage on Run to Daylight.

Writers, producers and musicians Rex Pearce and Dale Murray assembled a group of talented studio musicians working under the name The Groove Krewe to back Daniels so that he could, perhaps at last, shine out front of a band. The release is filled with all original material primarily from Pearce and Murray and also from the pen of multi-instrumentalist Nelson Blanchard who is heard on percussion, keyboards, guitar, background vocals and even on bass for one song.

Funk rules on the strong opening title cut, “Run to Daylight,” with drummer Eddie Bayers setting the solid rhythm before the horns jump in. Daniels works the hip lyrics and throws in some essential screams.

Old-school rhythm and blues and soul reign on “Sweet Situation,” with the accents of tenor saxophone Jason Parfait coming in for all of the “sweet” spots. He is heard again on the album’s only ballad, “Reach Out,” that Daniels delivers with the emotional power of a preacher.

More than anything, Run to Daylight is a funk groove dance party and a gift to all of the long-time and loyal fans of the hugely talented Nick Daniels.