Dan Davidson 's reputation as a performer continues to grow after every show he puts on. Whether it's a big stage, or a small one, the Edmonton indie country star goes all out, all night, and inspires word of mouth love well after his set ends.
On Wednesday night in Toronto, Davidson hit the stage in the back room at Rivoli on Queen Street West to celebrate the release of his new EP, Juliet and did exactly what we expected him to do with his brand new songs and some old favourites.
Surrounded by a full band of five, Dan Davidson was front and centre throughout the night, deservedly in the spotlight with all eyes on him. If you've never seen a live show at Rivoli, be assured that six dudes are a lot to have on the stage at one time. And with a performer like Dan moving about with a ton of energy, the band had to step back and get out of the way on more than a couple of occasions. But all of that movement serves to entertain, and the cheers and smiles and singing along from the winter-worn Toronto audience proved once again that it works.
And when you add that energy to the new songs from Juliet and smashes like Found, Barn Burner, Say We Did, hot covers, and a sing-along inducing medley of classics, there was no denying that this was not a typical Wednesday night for most people in attendance.
Note: We have the songs from the medley in the setlist below, but we wanted to look at them quickly here with the band names attached. 1) The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy. 2) I'm In A Hurry by Alabama. 3) Summer Of '69 by Bryan Adams. 4) Your Love by The Outfield. 5) Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. 6) Paradise City by Guns N' Roses. That's a helluva list, and we loved it.
We've seen Dan a few times in recent years. And whether he's been opening for Brett Kissel across the country, playing in Toronto at Canadian Music Week, or sitting down with us in the back of a barbershop, he's on point.
Related: Laugh When You Lie - Dan Davidson, Live in Toronto
When you have the chance to see him and his band live on stage, playing their songs, their favourite covers, and mixing country music and rock and roll, take it. Buy the ticket, wear shoes you can dance in, and be ready to sing... a lot!
Dan Davidson, Juliet EP Release Party Setlist (Toronto)
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Dan Davidson's new seven-song EP, Juliet is another excellent collection and representation of what we enjoy in his music.
With levels of irreverence, a tongue often planted firmly in his cheek, and a joke just around the corner, Davidson's songwriting continues to be catchy and fun. But it's also sweet. The theme of love washes over this record from start to finish. And whether it is silly or it's stripped down and sincere on Slow Dance, a listen will show you love in a series of country music songs.
And while we do love Slow Dance as a ballad, Dan Davidson does Dan Davidson things on this EP that we really, really enjoy.
Heaven In The Headlights, Can't Help Myself, Let's Go There, Cinderella, These Are My People, and Church keep us in the same groove that his gold single, Found and firestarter, Barn Burner. These are bangers. They will make fans sing along at live shows and at home in the kitchen. They'll have your toes tapping, your head bobbing, and put a smile on your face.
If we had to ask Dan Davidson to do anything in his career, it would be to keep that up.
Fans have already responded to the album, putting it at #1 on iTunes, streaming, downloading, and calling radio stations to make requests. And with a new single, Can't Help Myself, officially released, we have a feeling we'll be hearing more of it, and more requests will be flowing into country radio stations across Canada.
We don't know what's next for Dan Davidson. But we know this, Juliet is a fantastic follow up to 2017's Songs For Georgia, and we're happy that he put it together to share it with the world.
If you like any of the Dan Davidson music you've heard in the past, press play on Juliet and let it ride. Enjoy!
Dan Davidson, Juliet Tracklist
