Tony Daunt & The Dauntless – Wine Cellar June 30, 2017

 

Things were hopping at St Kevin’s Arcade last night. The Wine Cellar put on a triple bill headlined by Tony Daunt & The Dauntless who were there to celebrate the release of their new album, The Gypsy.

First up was a solo performance by Kendall Elise. Kendall sings backing vocals on Tony’s album, and she also has her own EP titled I Didn’t Stand A Chance.  One of the tracks from that EP, Heart Full Of Dirt, was a finalist for APRA’s Best Country Music Song at the Golden Guitar Awards in Gore.

Accompanied just by her own guitar playing, Kendall proved that you don’t need a full band to hold an audience’s attention.  Her big voice and excellent songs were all she needed.

Next up was rockabilly revivalists Boom Boom Deluxe who specialize in mixing classic 50’s rockabilly tunes like Eddie Cochran’s Somethin’ Else and Little Junior Parker’s Mystery Train with revved up versions of unlikely rockabilly contenders such as Soft Cell’s Tainted Love and Motorhead’s Ace Of Spades. Highlights were double bass player Hettie La Bombe’s take on These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ and Jolene.

The quartet did feature one original tune, which sounded just fine, so perhaps they will be expanding their audience to folks who are interested in hearing more than a covers band.

At age 50, Tony Daunt has been around awhile. You may have caught his previous band, Swampland or his time with Bernie Griffen & The Grifters.

The Gypsy is Tony’s first album under his own name, although he is backed by his band, The Dauntless…Kevin Place (pedal steel), Chris Kemp (drums), Balazs Sebesteny (double bass), Sarah Jay (backing vocals) and, tonight, new guitarist, teenager Louie Mortlock.

Daunt’s music can best be described as dark country, with echoes of Chris Isaak mixed with Nick Cave. The group opened with the album’s title track, a slow, brooding tune with twangy electric guitar…David Lynch would be impressed.

Tony then thanked his mentor Bernie Griffen who was in the audience and also thanked his mum before playing Momma.

There was another tribute a few songs later…Tony paid homage to Chris Knox with a version of Toy Love’s Pull Down The Shades…then it was back to The Gypsy with Lonesome Highway.

Unfortunately, I had to depart at this point to catch another act next door at Whammy! I’ll certainly be looking forward to catching Tony Daunt & The Dauntless again.

Marty Duda

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