DAN PATLANSKY / ASH WILSON | LIVE PREVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Thurs 4 May
Back in the UK following the release of his critically acclaimed album Introvertigo, celebrated South African blues-rock guitarist Dan Patlansky [pictured] is joined on this UK tour by special guest Ash Wilson, who is kicking up a storm with his debut album Broken Machine. Between them, they’re set to make Thurs 4 May at The Globe a definite date for lovers of blues that rocks.
Dan’s latest single Sonova Faith offers a reminder of why we love the power of his guitar, with vocals that give strong lyrics an added sting. When I spoke to him, he was excited to be back in Cardiff. “I love the vibe of the venue. The Globe is a great little venue with a great audience who have such a positive response. The Cardiff crowd are always up for loud music and to enjoy the blues.
“This tour will be such fun,” he continues, “with Ash Wilson opening, a great band, great songs… the combination will be a good night of live music.”
The sound that Dan achieves from Old Red, his faithful Fender Strat, is awe-inspiring. How does he weave such magic? And are the rumours correct that this wonderful guitar is being retired?
“I play with twelve-gauge strings – they are considered heavy, but I have always used them. I don’t just use them for the showmanship of the last number. I like the sound they produce. I use a standard Fender pickup. For the last number I turn my amp up to achieve sonic textures, feedback making it as musical as possible.
“Old Red’s not being retired, just refining parts of her. The neck is being overhauled – it’s become a liability as 1960s Fenders used Brazilian rosewood, which is now a restricted wood and can cause a problem at customs in some countries. In addition the neck is getting tired and twisted. When I get back home from this tour I’ll be getting a new neck for the guitar.”
Dan Patlansky’s special guest Ash Wilson may be a new name but now, with his own band and new album, is gaining a reputation of delivering quality blues. Ash has a distinctive vocal that packs a lyrical punch with great guitar playing. His lyrics are full of power on every Broken Machine number.
“The song Broken Machine came first, it wasn’t a deliberate album title,” Ash says. “Broken Machine is about relationships that do not work. The whole album is my life up to getting married. It’s Ash from 15-30: nothing in the album covers the now, it’s set in the past. That said, the track seemed the perfect words of the album title as it reflected the past.” With lyrics drawn from his own experience, he delivers modern blues with authenticity.
High quality blues driven live music with attitude: buy your ticket and enjoy the musical journey.
Tickets: £15. Info: 07590 471888 / www.globecardiffmusic.com
words LIZ AIKEN photo SEAN BRAND