reviews
Paul, in my opinion and in the opinion of many more who would know, is a master practitioner of the Blues harmonica!
I call him the human horn section because of his muscular delivery and killer vibrato which is absolutely evident on the excellent new Karski/Daly CD.
If you are a fan of well played blues harmonica you need to see this man in action to witness his masterful prowess on an instrument that is difficult to conquer.
Paul Daly is a perfect example of someone that has!
Not only a virtuoso harp player Paul is also a top vocalist.
Whenever the opportunity arises catch Paul in performance you will not be disappointed!
Howie Smallman (a fan)
Through 1972 and ’73 in Perth, I had a power trio by the name of Train. Our resident gig was the Court Hotel owned at the time by the horse racing legends, the Daly family…specifically the ebullient George Daly who ran the entertainment. Saturday afternoons were the weeks highlight with a packed room of early 20s Boomers, the beer flowing, all over the floor in my case! Outside in the small courtyard we would often see the matriarch Mrs Daly with her enormous beehive hairdo, an imposing figure at the best of times. Accompanying Mrs Daly were several young kids playing as kids do and seemingly oblivious to the loud music within. One of those kids was Paul Walter Daly. The music had not gone over HIS head. Several decades later this boy would emerge as a leading light in electric blues on the Perth scene, specialising in sweat laden blues harmonica. Having personally not lived in Perth for many years I missed Paul’s development and the bands he fronted.
I have just received Paul’s latest recording project, the “Karski Daly Blues Band”. This is a fine album of covers presented in a modernised Chicago blues style, the ghost of the Butterfield Band strolls strong in my ears. The harmonica is the albums highlight throughout as to be expected by anyone who is familiar with the work of Mr Daly. Quality vocals are shared between Daly and Lez Karski who also presents strongly with no frills authentic and melodic lead guitar. The rhythm section is perfection in the style. Production is neat and stands up to any similar product from anywhere in the world.
As the album notes state, this band is decidedly dance-driven and it is noticeable that, unlike so many blues acts, there is not a single “slow blues” track.
Recommended for blues nuts and classic rock lovers in general. Standout tracks for me… “Driving Wheel”, “I Aint Got You” and “Gimme What You Got”!
PAUL DALY & THE HEAVY HITTERS
As an announcer on radio and significant involvement in the Perth Blues fraternity for the past 20 years, I feel I have a fair knowledge of what is happening in the industry at this present moment. A band that stands out for me is Paul Daly and the Heavy Hitters, the pedigree of the players is without question. Drummer Ace Follington with credits as far back as the early 70’s having played with The Hippos, Bondi Cigars, Dave Hole, Jeff St John, Chain and started his career with the Beat ‘N Tracks has a wealth of knowledge and skills honed over many decades. Russel Smith (Lead Guitar) and Roy Daniels (Bass) collectively have played with most of the aforementioned artists but also include bands such as Saab, Fatty Lumpkin, Air Force, Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, Dingoes, Combat, Co. Caine, Mighty Kong and Russel played with Ross Wilson and Ross Hannaford after the dismantling of Daddy Cool. Russel left the Eastern states came to Perth and in 1983 joined up with Goanna. Ace met Roy in Esperance and joined up with Lez Karski (Hippos) and have basically been brothers in arms ever since. Paul Daly is the front man, unique vocals and awesome raw but very effective harp player, playing through his Soldana Hotrod 50 Guitar Amp (Limited Edition) and Paul Butterfield Pistol Grip Mike he produces a gutsy, earthy Blues sound. Paul grew up in Perth surrounded by some of the best players of the time as his grandmother owned the Court Hotel. He witnessed Paul Felton in the early days, has played with the Elks and Shinkickers before setting up Paul Daly and the Fundamentals, has played 4 Bindoon Festivals and supported Wilson Pickett and recorded on the Harp of the West a number of years back. Paul Daly and the Heavy Hitters have released one EP (No Black, No White, Just the Blues) and plan to release an album later this year. Paul is travelling to Germany in June and with this sort of CV to his name should have no trouble securing some overseas gigs. Playing regularly at Hilton Park Bowling Club, this is a band of quality that is well worth checking out. 5 Stars.
Steve Pike, Announcer
Spoonful of Blues, 92.1 RTRFM