Eric Sardinas
August 3, 2002
Moondog's -Blawnox, PAMoondog's is
the type of establishment that you'll miss should you blink, yet it offers a
stage for blues artists and a clearly familiar crowd of repeat customers
that appreciate the music (and the beer).
Eric Sardinas hit the small club for two sets
of material showcasing his 1999 debut, Treat Me Right, as well as his latest
release Devil's Train. He approached the stage looking somewhat
intriguing with little light shown on his face and a black cowboy hat
keeping his brow in the shadows. Surrounded by the countless headshots
of blues greats that had come before him, Sardinas seemed right at home as
he began to illustrate his 'monumental' slide guitar and explosive energy.
Joined by bassist Paul Loranger and drummer
Mike Dupke. Sardinas poured out his soul on favorites like "Murdering Blues"
and "I Can't Be Satisfied" from his debut album, leaving many wondering what
he's doing playing clubs.
While he may draw influences from the likes
of blues legends like Charlie Patton, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James, there
is no question that Sardinas offers a modern twist that rocks!
Unfortunately, due to lack of external
advertising, it was not a packed house that Saturday night, but it was an
appreciative one, as everyone made their cheers be heard. In fact, nobody
even seemed to mind the technically difficulties affecting the amplification
of his vocals early on. The majority of the crowd even made sure this
was not the last they'd hear from Sardinas, as they flocked meet the band
and purchase their latest album as soon as they broke from the first set.
Disappointingly, a combination of bronchitis
and a room filled with smoke led this impressed (but sick) reviewer to leave
before the night was through, but there is no question that Eric Sardinas
and his band will never have a hard time finding an audience after this
initial visit to the city of Pittsburgh.
For more information about Eric Sardinas and
his most recent album Devil's Train visit his official Web site at
www.ericsardinas.com,
and be sure to sign up for his mailing list so that you can catch him in a
town near you. |
