Dubbed the Barefoot &
Pregnant Tour Dana Fuchs made her first Michigan appearance since
her state debut back in 2008. This past Thursday Dana Fuchs would make her return to play Callahan's Music Hall in Auburn Hills. This time she not only brought a full band but also a child within herself that is due in September, hence the name of the
tour.
You would be mistaken if you
thought being pregnant would slow Dana down and it only took the first song of
the night "Almost Home" to prove just that. Dana followed the opening
song with the hard hitting "Bliss Avenue" off her album titled the
same. The ride was just beginning and she already had the full attention of
the near capacity Thursday night crowd at Callahan's Music Hall.
For the next 90+ minutes the crowd was treated to Dana and the band delivering their hard edged blues, rock, and country toned music. Dana is a very passionate singer and has a voice that demands you to pay attention. Dana has often been told she evokes Janis Joplin with her stage presence and vocal style and it's easy to see why when you see her perform. Don't even try to look away because she will pull you in. Dana has lived quite the life and her songs often have biographical truths behind them. Her honesty won the crowd over and she only asked that they give her as much back as she gave them from the stage.
Dana was backed by her full band for this show which included her longtime songwriting partner Jon Diamond on guitar, Craig Dreyer on keyboards, saxophone, and backing vocals, Tony Mason on drums, and fill in bass player Andy Hess who has played with the likes of Gov't Mule and The Black Crowes.
The band was exceptional and guitarist Jon Diamond dished out guitar licks and solos with ease all night long. Craig Dreyer was truly a stand out with all his band duties and also showed off his talent with solos on the keyboards and saxophone, and bassist Andy Hess and drummer Tony Mason accompanied the music and band perfectly. You could not have asked for a better band to back Dana for the evening. The band contributed so much to the atmosphere of the evening.
The band had a set list, but strayed from it often. Besides original songs the band also covered classic artists such as Johnny Cash with "Ring Of Fire" and The Beatles "With A Little Help From My Friends". The later song was a interesting choice due to the fact that Dana is well known for starring and singing some fantastic versions of Beatles songs in the 2007 film "Across The Universe" and the Beatles tune chosen for the night was one that another cast member sang in the film.
Dana interacted with the audience on a personal basis and the audience appreciated the connection. She has a witty sense of humor which made for a night of both music and laughs. At times Dana and the band were rocking hard and at other times they would slow it down for a ballad. One such song was the emotional "So Hard To Move" which was a song about her late brother Don.
Dana gave much love to her band members and gave introductions to each throughout the night. Song after song Dana Fuchs created a story in song and the audience gave back what was given to them. Audience members were eventually drawn out of their chairs and out from behind their tables to gather in front of the stage to dance. Callahan's Music Hall was full of energy and Dana and the band left everyone feeling connected and pleased.
It was obvious Dana Fuchs
pleased her fans and made many new ones. Many had the chance to tell Dana
herself as she and the band mingled with the crowd after their set.
Many here in the Detroit area are looking forward to a return visit from Dana, but for now the quick Dana Fuchs fix can be had by visiting her website at http://danafuchs.com.
Article by: Casey Schwochow
Photos by: Michael Spleet
Video Footage by: Ambervillain Films