Award-winning singer-songwriter/blues-rock guitarist Dan Patlansky has been immersing himself in the rich and rollicking world of blues rock music since 1999, but only recently has the UK been made aware of this talent.
Based on his latest album ‘Dear Silence Thieves’, which Blues Rock Review quite rightly describe as “a balance between powerful emotional guitar work, and intelligent and well-crafted songwriting”, it’s a crime that Dan Patalansky has only just come to our attention. However, with support from Planet Rock Radio and as special guest on the European leg of Joe Satriani‘s current Shockwave Tour, Patlansky can only now be heading off to bigger and better things.
No doubt some of this Bristolian audience are already familiar with Dan Patlansky’s fare, as pockets of cheers go up as he walks out on stage. For those none the wiser, it doesn’t take too long for them to realise their oversight as the band open with the instrumental ‘Drone’ which immediately showcases a muse that has previously touched the likes of Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Drenched in cool blue light, the Pretorian and his band Clint Falconer (bass) and Andy Maritz (drums), explode into a red hot performance. From 2012 comes ‘Bring The World To Its Knees’ before ‘Run’ taken from the forthcoming album ‘Intro-Vertigo’ and ‘Hold On’ from ‘Dear Silence Thieves’.
As one of only six Fender endorsed guitarists in South Africa, Patlansky certainly does everything to do his sponsor proud. He delivers a raw, range of sound with all the attack and sustain you could wish for, yet it never overwhelms the individual songs. All of this added to with one of the huskiest and warmest vocals you’re likely to encounter.
Highlights definitely come with two top tracks from the latest album. The Zeppelin-esque slab of ‘Fetch Your Spade’ and the first single ‘Backbite’ – which had 14 weeks of radio play rotation on Planet Rock – are both received with adulation. Certainly, anybody who had never heard of Dan Patlansky before tonight, are guaranteed to be asking questions when they leave here.
The closing instrumental ‘My Chana’ sees Patlansky throwing his Fender around and soloing like a demon, before ending with the chimes of Big Ben. A nod of appreciation not only to Bristol but to his time here in the UK and I imagine a whole new fan-base. A superbly cool and charismatic performance, one not to be missed in the future for any fan of the genre.
Review & Photography: Steve Johnston