Dave Pahanish
Live Acoustic
self-released
Drawing influence from the likes of James Taylor, Neil Young and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pittsburgh-based Dave Pahanish is one of the best-kept secrets in the US folk scene. Live Acoustic is actually Pahanish’s third release, after his earlier independent albums Shine and Anywhere, and it collates material from those records into a truly captivating live performance.
Pahanish proves himself to be a storyteller of real resonance and economy, with songs like the poignant “Sweet Memories” and the affectionate “Michael” drawing vivid pictures of the characters his lyrics describe. His roots are unashamedly blue collar on material like “Working Man” and “Golden Years,” but the density of the subject matter is often offset by Pahanish’s amusing insights into the songs and career, including an anecdote about an argument with his wife, which precedes the beautiful “Thank God For Momma.”
Despite the quality of songs like show-closer “Providence,” it seems Pahanish is destined to remain under the radar of national attention. But the passion and honesty that permeates Live Acoustic shows it’s not for the glamour or fame that Pahanish writes and performs. It’s for the music.
Dave Pahanish: http://www.davepahanish.com
