You know this may sound silly, but I enjoyed this album so much that it was only on the third play when it dawned that this was Dave Arcari performing on his own. No back-up band. No instruments other than his guitar and possibly the occasional use of a ‘kick-box.’
OK – so Blues music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Dave’s style and guitar playing is so upbeat and infectious that even the most reluctant of listeners will find their feet making involuntary tapping movements. He takes the traditional Mississippi Delta blues and without losing sight of its roots, gives the Blues a subtle kick into the present day. Songs like ‘Close to The Edge’ have a distinct Celtic-punk feel – more Lars Frederiksen or Dropkick Murphys than Robert Johnson and the likes. ‘Parcel Of Rogues’ is Dave’s musical interpretation of the Robert Burns poem and so merges Blues with Scottish folk.
What those who do not normally listen to the Blues have to remember is that it not always some geezer singing about the mishaps, misfortunes and problems of his life in a depressing, moribund and wailing manner. It can, as in this case, be about the mishaps, misfortunes and problems of life but sung and played in a simple but jaunty manner!
Throughout, Dave’s gruff, rasping vocal style reflects that of Captain Beefheart and Leon Redbone while the guitar varies between picking and slide in equal proportion.
‘Got Me Electric’ is the stomping opening track and you know you just want to bust out that old moonshine jug from the loft, dust it down and blow over the neck! It sets the tone perfectly for the following thirty-four minutes. ‘Nobody’s Fool’ like all the tracks in fact, has a repetitive but memorable guitar hook and the lyrics are simple and straightforward. None of this fancy-dan cramming lines and words into ill-fitting musical stanzas!
‘No Easy Way’ resembles the Mike Whellans track ‘Fired Up And Ready’ and if you’ve read my review of that elsewhere on this site, then you’ll realise just how highly I rate this short song.
And the brevity of the songs is something else that strikes the listener about this album. It’s like a real step back in time, but taking back the experiences and lessons from the present day, to a time when music was completely unpretentious and played more for the pleasure of the listener than the self indulgence of the performer.
Though there are a few ‘covers’ on the album – one being a superb four and a half minute version of the Robert Johnson song, ‘Walkin’ Blues’ – nine of the thirteen tracks are Dave Arcari compositions which just shows that Glasgow not only produces some of the finest and most promising pop / indie bands in the UK, but also has roots musicians of world renown and talent.
To my shame, this is my first taste of Dave Arcari’s music. It most certainly won’t be my last, and I can imagine that a ‘live’ show would be an electric experience – sorry, that pun just sneaked through!
The wonderful Dave Arcari now joins Rory Gallagher and Roy Buchanan in my list of Blues heroes!