Concert Review: Dale Watson - Phoenix, Arizona, April 22, 2008
Published April 27, 2008
Often, there’s a disconnect between the artist’s recorded material and the live performance. Not so here. Watson’s golden baritone rumbled out of his microphone as clear as any recording and the band of Gene Kurtz on bass, Don Don Pawlak on pedal steel guitar, Don Raby on the fiddle and Herb Belofsky on drums backed their band leader with an intensity and tightness that only comes from many years together in the back of the tour van.
Watson and the band continue crossing the country through April then heading back to their home base of Texas for a month-long series of dates around the state. From there, a smattering of shows throughout the summer culminates in August with an appearance at Seattle’s fast rising arts and music festival, Bumbershot, Aug. 31.
Watson’s shows don’t have the raucous feel of a Hank III show nor do they have the punk rock attitude that runs through many of the roots country acts on the road today. What they do have is a man with a golden voice singing honest songs about a place we all know about in such a way, with an open dance floor, you can slide your arm around the small of your darlin’s back, pull ‘em in close and tight and do a slow dance across time. Do yourself a favor, head over to Watson’s website and find a date near you.
Benjamin Cossel is currently a photojournalist freelancing for his local newspaper, The Galion Inquirer, as well as the Associated Press.
- Concert Review: Dale Watson - Phoenix, Arizona, April 22, 2008
- Published: April 27, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Country and Americana, Music: Live Concerts
- Writer: Benjamin Cossel
- Benjamin Cossel's BC Writer page
- Benjamin Cossel's personal site
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Watson is the real deal. i saw a tv show a few years ago about country music...wish i could remember exactly what it was. but anyway...what with all of the faux country going on, with fancy hats and pale music...here is Dale Watson, lugging equipment from a van into a small club. you kind of felt sorry for him, except you could just tell that he really loved the music.
Dale Watson?? Fantastic!! We love him over here in the UK - a REAL country singer!! Come on back Dale, any old time you like!!
we love you dale--can't wait till you come back home to austin!!!!!!!!
Words can't describe how mamy people around The USA and the UK LOVE Dale!! He is a loving, caring and a Very Appreciative Man!! This also goes to his band members. Once you hear Dale sing, you will never forget his voice, it is one of a kind that no one could ever duplicate!! Anyone that has met Dale, will say the very same about him!!
There are so many that haven't heard Dale yet and By God, they do not know that this Man would Hit The Top of The Charts, once they heard him sing!!
Dale, you are a Sweetheart and I Hope The Very Best for You!! Take Care and God Bless You and Your Band Members!!!
Always a Dale Watson Fan and Special Friend! XO
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Great article! I'm a huge Dale fan and appreciate the kind words!