Another stellar performance by the man from Cale, AR last night at the Acoustic Cafe show at the Corner Cafe in El Dorado. This well-known regional performer known by the moniker, "Worthless Dave"...proved once again that he is anything but worthless! Perhaps priceless would be the more accurate appelation to ascribe to this artist, seeing as how he has earned the appreciation & respect of music lovers in this area, and beyond.
How does one describe the music Dave Almond produces? Is it country, blues, folk, or americana? In my mind, it's just great music...plain, pure, and simple! Certainly, one can recognize elements from these styles in his repetoire, but the glue that holds it all together seems to be unique to this individual performer. I've seen people struggle to define this intangible ingredient by using terms like "feel", or "soul", and it's highly possible they're correct in that assumption, for Dave seems to put his heart totally & completely into his musical stylings. But whatever you call it...it's definitely there, and apparent to the listeners.
About as humble and unassuming performer as I've ever seen...he almost seems surprised sometimes that audiences react so positively to his onstage performances. Personally, that makes him even more credible as a worthy musician in my mind. It speaks of the fact that his music is created from an honest source of inspiration, and that there's nothing synthetic about it. Other performers have recognized this, and have paid him the highest compliment by requesting permission to cover his songs...always being careful to maintain the integrity of the composition.
Another interesting observation is the simple fact that anytime a Dave Almond song is performed, whether by himself or other musicians, there are always people in the crowd who sing along word for word, verse by verse! This, in itself, is a compliment of major proportions to any artist, and one that does not go unnoticed.
I've seen Dave perform many times, in many different configurations and accompanied by many other fine musicians. But in my mind, Dave Almond on a stage, by himself, with just his guitar and that ten gallon hat...is simply the best!
Great performance last night as always, Dave...and we certainly look forward to the next!
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