Hmm typical; someone so good and it’s taken me nearly 6 years to be in the same place at the same time since gig-brother John T brought him into the spotlight in early 2014.
Since then, Dan has shed the “Blues Boy” tag; a strapping man more than a callow youth, but what a voice he possesses and while it may not have the “gravelly” edge once reported, it certainly has the command to pin back your ears when wrapped round the tasty self-penned numbers Dan has at his disposal. It is I think, fair to say that Dan has developed away from “Blues “into a more “Folk” orientated direction, but not so much as he still has his feet in both camps.
So, for a first encounter, a new [to me] venue, and on a chill November evening, the show was nicely warmed by a short but skilful set from another Salopian, Jessie Reid who was quite adept at the ol’ finger-tapping. When Dan came on after a short pause, he opened with one of my favourite numbers of his, Icarus, so as far as I was concerned we were, well, flying… Mixing numbers like Running To The Hills and Beauty In Disaster from the latest EP with tracks from his full album; Splinter; Made To Love You; Hideaway the split set just seemed to pass too quickly even though he must have hit 90 minutes before being called back on stage for the Ballad of Hollis Brown cover that made his reputation.
No doubts then; this guy is a serious talent, whether he continues to walk (or ride) this folksie path or head back to Blues or Rootsy Americana and to overlook him will be to your serious detriment.
Because the venue, Old Cinema Laundrette is on the "intimate" side (50 seat capacity or you get a headstock up your nose), video of the show would be hard to come by, so here's one from an earlier gig and a few choice song picks:-
From Spain, last week - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8iEO6_YJcM
Icarus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIt91_UN5pU
Hideaway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIt91_UN5pU
Hand That You Hold - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNB_95zW0hA
Ballad of Hollis Brown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgpUgdSidqI
When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons. Why were the lemons free? What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
