Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country took everyone at the Ardmore Music Hall last night on a wild, genre-hopping musical journey. The nasal-voiced guitarist picked delicate leads and psychedelic squeals and when all else was done Donato just flat-out wailed on his guitar showing a musical dexterity and range that was utterly inspirational. The show marked Donato’s second trip to Ardmore, PA in four months, having participated in the star-studded Unlimited Devotion back in June.
With his hometown of Nashville’s propensity to breed musicians of the finest caliber, Donato went from busking solo to fronting a full-on band of fellow far-ranging players with an enviable ease. Colorful nicknames like Nathan “Sugar Leg” Aronowitz on keyboards, rhythm guitar, and vocals, Will “Mustang” McGee on pulsing electric/upright bass, and steady, whip-cracking Will Clark on drums and percussion shouldn’t distract from their impressive ability to match their frontman’s range admirably.
For two solid sets, Donato played every song, whether it was one of his own originals, or far-ranging covers from the likes of Johnny Cash all the way to Irving Berlin, with the same intensity and seemingly effortless ease. Bluegrass odes to trains, country classics like Jimmy Gilmer‘s “Sugar Shack”, and head-banging psychedelic 20-minute jams that would hit the spot for even the most discerning improv rock fans came one after the other. What little onstage banter there was came in the form of some “Aw shucks’” acknowledgments of the massive cheers that came after each tune and a most welcome announcement of the length of the setbreak, something we wish more bands would adopt.
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA – 10/19/23 – Preview
The sometimes flaw of “Jack of all trades…” players is that, as the saying goes, they’re “…master of none.” There’s no denying Donato’s level of excellent fretwork across the board, along with a unique songwriting voice inspired by centuries of American music traditions. So, while that saying might not always be true, it doesn’t really matter. It’s not that Donato and company are trying to reinvent the wheel, musically speaking. It’s more like he and his band want to be able to pass along their message, in every language. On that level, they are clearly succeeding.
That message seems to be one of passion, love, appreciation, and the power of diversity. That message might not necessarily be radical or remotely novel. It might not change the world but it’s an important one nonetheless.
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By example, whether Donato realizes it or not, the rocking efforts by he and his band to play a lot of different songs in a lot of different ways show more than just musical dexterity. It reminds lucky attendees and listeners around the world of an important, “Cosmic”, even, truth. Our choices, our messages, everything we say and how we say it, all add up and they matter.
Setting out, as Donato and his crew do night after night, to spread love and joy in a way that can resonate with the maximum number of people possible is a wonderful thing. Catch this band as soon as you can because with a little luck they’re gonna quickly find their way into a whole lot of playlists, hearts, and minds. Besides seeing a kick-ass musical display and the street creds you’ll get as one of the early adopters you might just find yourself learning a little about what’s truly important in life.
Setlist: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country | 10/10/23 | Ardmore Music Hall | Ardmore, PA
Set One: Roses In A Garden, Broadside Ballad > Hangman’s Reel, ‘Til The Daylight, Doggone Cowboy > GRITS, Lose Your Mind > Waymore’s Blues > Mystery Train, Hi-Country
Set Two: Luck Of The Draw > Sugar Leg Rag, Sugar Shack, Chore, Weathervane > Blue Skies > Weathervane, Ten Foot Rope, Double Exposure
Encore: Down Bedford
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