The Hard Travelers rolled back into the Howlin’ Wolf, this time supporting Dash Rip Rock. This promised to be a good show for Dave to play, with a large crowd expected to see the local trio. As the time approached for Dave Sharp to take the stage, the venue was just over half full, with most folks lingering around the bars and pool table, chatting with friends.
The six-piece band and Dave Sharp took to the stage and blasted into a blistering version of ‘Drive These Blues Away’. After the first chord rang out, heads throughout the audience began turning toward the stage to take notice. Dave sang with all his heart as he worked the Dash Rip Rock crowd.
The vibrant, emotion-fuelled music, combined with a strong, powerful presence and the band’s overall appearance, gripped the crowd. Like most of those in attendance, this was the first time I had witnessed the Travelers on home soil, and I wasn’t disappointed. The power, faith, and love of music echoed throughout the venue as ‘The Ghost of Preacher Casey’ and ‘Long Black Night’, from Dave’s previous albums, sounded as fresh as the day they were born.
The new tracks from the forthcoming album, ‘The New Clear Age’, showed that the singer-songwriter’s talent has continued to evolve. Songs such as ‘Heartbeat of the World’ truly gripped and moved the audience. The vibe and beat throughout the track had people dancing – clear evidence, to my eyes, that Dave had struck a chord with them.
By this point, you could tell by the expression on Dave’s face that he knew he had won the audience over. This was a night he was really going to enjoy – the band sounded great, with every chord, key, and beat landing on time throughout.
Dave entertained the audience with brilliant electric guitar solos on his Telecaster, and the songs grew stronger and more powerful as the show went on.
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- The Band from left to right. Tim , Mike C, Dave Sharp, John, Dave, Matt & Mike W
New tracks such as ‘Rightside’ took on a whole new meaning compared to the Guts & Glory tour of 1998 in the United Kingdom, while ‘Edge of the World’ is destined to explode from everyone’s CD player the moment it’s released.
The highlight of the show, for me, has to be the excellent new song ‘Holy Walkin” – its intense lyrics will carry you into your dreams and keep you there. The spirit of the track lingers within you, and the chorus keeps slipping off your lips for the rest of the night.
The band played tight and needed no leading from Dave throughout the show. I simply can’t wait to see the next show from Dave Sharp & The Hard Travelers, with new tracks like ‘Love Understanding’ and, not to forget, the mind-blowing ‘Sure High’… I can feel the spirit within me coming out…
I’m Holy Walkin’…
Review and Photographs by James Edmond
