To: hix@yahoogroups.com From: Dave Date sent: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 Subject: Show Report: DHTHL @ Club Helsinki, Great Barrington, MA 8/18/2004 I've had the good fortune to see Dan many times over the years, but the recent gig at Club Helsinki ranks near the top. The band was absolutely superb - loose and swinging, very well rehearsed, and chops up the wazoo. The lineup was Dan, Dave Bell (g), Paul Smith (b) Richard Chan (v & m), Susan Rabin and Linda Grove (l). I'd have to say that Dave and Richard are the best string players I've seen with Dan. Their ensemble work and solos were terrific. Club Helsinki is a cozy venue, and we had great seats thanks to my brother Herb (a frequent partner in Dan crime), who reserved them the nanosecond that the gig was announced 2 months ago. The club owner introduced the band while holding his well worn copy of Strikin' it Rich, saying that the main purpose for bringing Dan to the club was to have him sign the album. The band was packed very tightly on a small corner stage, but Dan and the Lickettes still managed to do some dance moves during Milk Shakin Mama, much to the delight of the crowd. Dan was in fine voice and dispensed his usual dry wit, noting that when he saw Great Barrington on his tour itinerary, he "almost peed". Dan showed another side during Song For My Father, which he sang with genuine affection, looking to the sky at one point. I really enjoyed the numbers that I hadn't heard before, like I Will See You In My Dreams, The Blues You Gave To Me, and That Ain't Right. Incredibly, after so many years, Dan has never sounded better IMHO. I can't wait for his upcoming CD "Selected Shorts", which he announced would be available later this year. Set List -------- Canned Music I Will See You In My Dreams The Piano Has Been Drinking The Blues You Gave To Me Song For My Father Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy I Scare Myself Payday Blues Long Comma Viper Exactly Like You That Ain't Right Evening Breeze Milk Shakin' Mama --Encore-- How Can I Miss You I Feel Like Singing All de best, -Dave.