Blues guitarist Dan Patlansky recently released his latest offering Movin’ On last Friday, March 1st via Virgin Music Group. The South African-born slinger has been a mainstay in the blues scene for over a decade and has ten studio albums. I have always seen the name around but recently grabbed an opportunity to interview the musician. Therefore, I was eager to listen to this new release.
Patlansky joins a list of blues gunslingers from the genre’s Wild West, including Joe Bonamassa, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Laurence Jones to namedrop but a few. Patlansky has built a strong fanbase with his style of electric blues. ‘Movin On’ is a follow-up to the hugely successful Shelter of Bones, released in 2022. The album was voted that year’s Blues Rock Album of the Year, and Patlanksy now returns with his eleventh effort. He collaborated writing duties with longtime friends, Andy Maritz and Greg Van Kerkhof. This combination brings warmth and sincerity to a collection of personal songs.
I don’t confess to being a blues aficionado, as long-term readers would contest. However, I do have a keen ear for talent and feel Dan Patlansky has it in abundance.
‘Movin’ On’ is a nostalgic journey through a musician’s life as he paints a vivid picture through his influences on his sleeve. The album begins with “Red Velvet Suit”, a song that honours the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan. The track showcases the guitarist’s style, blending fast-paced rock’n’roll with soulful vocals and a warm vibe that welcomes the listener in.
Next up is the reflective lead single ‘Who I Am’ which reminds me of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers with luscious vocal melodies over stinging blues leads and evocative lyrics. The writing combination of Patlansky, Maritz and Van Kerkhoff manages to create easy-listening tracks full of reminiscences and thought-provoking lyrics about life. One such example can be found in ‘Humbled’, a song that increases the tempo with sizzling solo work. Patlansky has certainly explored his childhood heroes with a sterling display on guitar, reflecting times of anguish, as well as times of joy. The guitarist adjusts to different tones and influences to deliver a balanced album.
This could be pointed to the addition of a great backup band with which he has formed a strong chemistry. The album takes a step back from the livelier blues with more serious-sounding ballads like ‘Movin’ On’ and ‘Welcome In’. In contrast, the album sparkles with the livelier blues stuff. The shuffle blues in ‘On My Way’ is a laid-back track suited to a concert setlist. Finally, the album completes its circle of life with an opportunity for Patlansky to dazzle with his intricate solo skills on the eight-minute ‘ Baby’s Packin’ Heat’ and the blistering four-minute instrumental ‘Lift Off’.
Overall, Dan Patlansky is Moving on with a tribute to the blues legends with a delightful album of classic blues tunes.
Rating: 8/10
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