Daniel Goodman Gig Review

Sometimes you listen to an album and love it but when you see the artist live they are a grave disappointment, not living up to expectations. I fell in love with the music of Daniel Goodman after hearing his self-released album and was really looking forward to seeing him perform live at The Beehive. It was Daniel’s second appearance at the pub, having gone down a storm on his first visit at the end of 2008. I, like Daniel’s other fans, was not to be disappointed. The evening was filled with deep meaningful music that begged to be listened to. Daniel’s songs are like poems set to music, each one captivating and enthralling. His voice gravely and strangely seductive seduces the listener making them want to hear more. Daniel performed all bar one song off of his acclaimed debut album Such a Fine Day and Other Days as well as slipping into the mix a couple of covers by artists such as the great Richard Thompson. Daniel’s opening set consisted of twelve songs. Although numbers were not great at the start of the evening by quarter to twelve when the gig ended the pub was packed full of people clamouring to hear him sing. Daniel played his trusty guitar throughout the evening as well as the harmonica. It was a very acoustic evening! Daniel performed a rousing version of his blues infused song The Super Superficial Man. Lively and entertaining the song went down well with regulars at the pub. Other songs performed by Daniel included Such a Fine Day, the title track from his album, Free to Love, The Lady and The Ship and Nightwatch. It was interesting to hear Daniel’s songs live; it gave them a new dimension. They seemed to come alive when performed unplugged in a public house setting. There was high praise for Daniel and his music from listeners at the gig. Most commented on his style of music and his extraordinary talents as a singer/songwriter. Daniel has gained a devout fan base in Swindon. Other songs performed on the night included a heart rendering performance of Keep a Place for Me. This is a really sentimental song that tugs at the heart strings. Daniel said that he doesn’t often play the song live as people say it is too sad. Personally it is my favourite off the album and with the current climate – soldiers fighting all over the world, I think it is very fitting. Daniel sang a song entitled Steps, not on his album. A great song with superb lyrics. He rounded off the evening with Miner’s Tale. This is another song he doesn’t perform live that often but his Swindon fans requested it so he willingly obliged. All in all a wonderful evening of top quality music performed by a delightful man who is busy trying to make a name for himself in the world of music.