The Stag Inn in All Saints Street last night played host to American singer/songwriter Arkansas Dave. This was Dave’s third visit to the Stag in just about a year and once again he held an audience spellbound with his music and Southern states charm. With a stripped down band featuring keyboards, drums and Dave on guitar, he ran through tracks from his debt album together with covers from Neil Young and Tom Petty and new songs that are likely to appear on his next album. For about an hour and a half he had the enthusiastic crowd clapping and toe-tapping to songs like On My Way and Bad at Being Good and listening attentively to tracks such as Chocolate Jesus, Squeaky Clean and The Wheel.
The new songs sounded very strong and I am sure will make the new album a treat. Before the gig I was able to have an informal chat with Dave and his band mates Aaron (keys), Mikey (drums) and manager Richard Hannan. I can say we had a fun couple of beers. They were nice people. Following on from that I interviewed Dave in a more formal way and the interview and some photos feature below.
He’s due back in September and I would suggest that y’all get along to the Stag to see him. Well done to Nicole and Nick for making this connection and bringing such a first rate international musician to Hastings.
