Pat Travers @ the HOB 19 June 98

Pat Travers @ HOB 19 June 98

Pat Travers
100% Rock
No Bullshit

House Of Blues
19 June 1998

Pat Travers who's T-shirts proclaim "100% Rock, No Bullshit", proved it by putting on a smoking set of original music and covers. There were a LOT of people there just to see Pat Travers and he did not disappoint. Playing songs from his most recent blues-rock CD's, and pulling from his older songs lists, he worked hard and really put on a show. His shirt was totally soaked in sweat by the time he finished his one hour and five minute set.

Travers used quite of bit of effects on his guitar, but at all times the effects added to the music, rather than take away. I've seen other artists who overuse effects to the point that it reduces the guitar to a mushy mess. Travers uses delay and leslie effects just enough to add character to the songs, but the guitar sound still stays clear and punchy in the mix. Travers got the crowd going early in the set and kept up the energy throughout the set. He did some really rocking tunes, such as "Too Much", and "Ice Queen", slow steamy blues in "The Pain", and tossed out "Stevie" towards the end of his set. He played his killer version of "Whippin Post" which has been getting airplay on 96.5 recently and then finished up with "Snortin Whiskey" and "Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights". This guy can play, and put on a show.

Bottom Line: Pat Travers gets a Spinal Tap 11. (bonus point for the energy of the show)