Dan Patlansky

When some music genres are played with true passion, desire and drive, it doesn't matter when the music itself comes from. Blues is not a genre that gets associated to countries like South Africa, normally.

Still, the country in question has been able to unleash to the world in the last few years, one of the finest blues guitarists and songwriter and his name is Dan Patlansky. He supported Bywater Call at the Gloucester Guildhall and although only played four tracks, it was a cracker of a set.

His facial expressions alone show just how much effort, and feeling, he puts into his music and, and in 30 minutes, he threw everything at it. Dan opens with the slide-rich “Preachin’ Blues” originally released on his 2013 acoustic album “Wooden Thoughts”. No acoustic here though, it was all electric and was a perfect opener to get the audience in the mood for some wonderful guitar work.

We are treated to lots of different styles of song that not only stand on their individual merits, but they knit together perfectly to create a wide tapestry with influences from Blues, Rock, Country/Americana and some sublime elements added for good measure.

Patlansky’s skill on the guitar is quite extraordinary, and as a live act he’s incredible. The songs are a platform to show off his exceptional prowess as a guitarist. He shows power and pain in equal measure where needed, the quality and tone of his voice is nearly as good as that of his screaming guitar. He is not one for guitar histrionics. His Strat sound and whole technique is based around feel, not showing off for the sake of it.

He then moved to “Snake Oil City” from his 2022 album “Shelter of Bones”. With lengthy spells of non-vocal passages, the sound really is sublime and playing solo was presenting no particular barrier due to the loops he was introducing at the start of each song. Trusted, well-worn black Strat, that looks like it’s been around the block a few times in hands, Patlansky is master of his own unimpeachable guitar tone and fiery licks as he tore into the solo section like a man possessed and the intensity was infectious.

Everything is turned down a notch for the wonderful, poignant ballad “Madison Lane” from “Dear Silence Thieves” (2014). This track is full of pathos and intensity. A perfect, windows down, sunny evening sing along song.

He finishes with “Grandma’s Hands” with more gravel in his vocals, lightning-fast speed, and impeccable, soulful phrasing. He is at the very peak of his songwriting. Already a very talented guitarist, he has been refining, year after year and album after album his talent as a songwriter too.

Patlansky provided an absolute treat for guitar fans on this bluesy soiree. His playing is tight, soulful, emotional and energetic all at the same time, not many players can match him on this area.