++GIG REVIEW++
He may look like William Burroughs, but Son Of Dave is also a ranting bluesman who'll rattle your soul like an old school pro. Matt Merritt caught his act as it rolled into Portsmouth...
Son of Dave is more than just a bluesman: he's rapidly become a crossover star, bringing blues music into the mainstream to a degree that rivals even Seasick Steve. To see him here at the Cellars, a tiny venue that holds just over a hundred punters, is something very special indeed.
Tom Mansi & The Icebreakers are up first with their rampaging rockabilly blues pounding out of the PA. Their music twists and changes throughout the set - being reminiscent of 'Lyre' of Orpheus era Cave one minute, then uncannily like Bob Dylan’s 'Hurricane' the next. Regardless, it's always fast, furious and hard hitting.
"he even has a small group of idiotic hecklers engaged throughout..."
By the time Son Of Dave takes to the stage, the crowds anticipation has reached fever pitch. He casually makes them wait even longer as he checks his mike - before launching into song that stirs them up to the point of explosion.
He holds them in his hand however, and even has a small group of idiotic hecklers engaged throughout. Even if some people become confused some with his unique take on harmonica led blues, he's never less than compelling.
Midway through the set and declaring himself lonely, he places a table onstage and drags up support act Loz Bridge and his girlfriend, employing them as impromptu percussionists. Mr Bridge declares the night the best of his life, and most of the audience leave similarly excited.
The confused faces of some show that this former Crash Test Dummy still has the power to confound an audience, even after so much exposure. Perhaps for that alone he is an artist to treasure.
++ Matt Merritt ++
Artrocker rating: 3
The newest sounds as heard in the Artrocker Office and our Resonance FM podcast.
++ full details ++
