So on to the stage saunters Dan Sartain in The Captain’s Rest, looking every inch the rock and roll rake that he is, both in stature and demeanour. Resplendent in tortoise shell Ray- bans, authentic rockabilly denim and greased quiff he opens with a clutch of songs from new album Dan Sartain Lives. Backed by a remarkably fresh faced drums and bass combo that keep the “boom-chika-boom” coming on strong he opens with ‘Those Thoughts’.
Things start off a little slowly with some sound issues and the definite impression that theyʼve yet to warm up and get into the spirit of things but by fourth song ʻAtheist Funeralʼ Dan has hit his stride and is delivering the songs with something more approaching the confidence and bravado that they demand. Channeling equal parts Johnny Cash, Link
Wray and Carl Perkins he certainly wears his influences on his sleeve but itʼs pulled off with enough self believe and gusto that this is easily forgivable. Plus when youʼre having this much fun, who really cares? Just try to keep those toes from tapping.
Half way through the set Dan excuses his rhythm section to go it alone, accepting audience requests from his back catalogue and plowing through them with a nervous energy and excitement that breathes new life into them. Rounding off the set by being rejoined on stage by his band and coming back for an encore Dan certainly gives the fans
what they want.
Overall, a good gig but not yet great. Still seeming somewhat self conscious and a little held back Dan needs to embrace his inner bluesman and cut loose. These are songs that deserve volume, passion and fire and tonight they donʼt quite manage to tip the scale.