The name Dan Stevens is a familiar one on the local club circuit. With the latest release of his sophomore recording effort, "Broke Down and Hungry", the name Dan Stevens may become familiar on the East Coast club circuit before long. Dan Stevens is a performer that isn’t afraid to do some serious traveling, especially if it means an opportunity to play his soulful Delta acoustic blues music for an appreciative audience. He recently completing a trip to Memphis, Tennessee for the International Blues Challenge, which also included stops in Virginia, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Baltimore along the road to and from his Connecticut home. A quick glance at Stevens’ performing schedule and one begins to realize that "Broke Down and Hungry" is an apt title for such a lifestyle, especially if you’re Stevens’ touring van.

While Dan Stevens’ debut effort "Future Blues" consisted primarily of familiar blues covers by artists like Elmore James and Jimmy Reed, 8 of the 11 tracks on "Broke Down and Hungry" are Stevens’ originals. His authenticity rings true right from the opening notes of "Drivin’ Fool", with Stevens vocals sounding convincing at every turn. His guitar work continues to pay due homage to the delta blues originators, but at the same time, offers a refreshing clarity that wasn’t available some 40 years ago. Stevens also calls on some New England blues veterans for assistance on this record, with bassist Marty Ballou and drummer Marty Richards (Duke Robillard’s rhythm section) helping out on several tracks, and Sugar Ray Norcia (of "Roomful" fame) lending his terrific harmonica work on three numbers. Glenn Hardy also provides some versatile piano work as well.

"Down Home and Hungry" represents a well-crafted presentation of what Dan Stevens’ diversified music is all about. His vocal effort on "Ramblin’" paints an autobiographical picture for those familiar with Stevens’ approach to blues music. "Open Road", driven by Norcia’s harp work, has a true Chicago blues feel to it, while the uptempo "Can’t Make Me Blue" (my personal favorite) is honest and quite difficult to sit still for. The final track, "Light Of This World / Angels Watchin’ Over Me" would probably be welcome in just about any church of worship you could find in these parts. In summary, "Broke Down and Hungry" is a refreshing effort that effectively captures the portrayal of the lonesome life on the road of a blues musician. On this effort, Dan Stevens takes us down that road without us ever having to leave our own living rooms.

There aren’t many musicians out there today that perform more shows per year than Dan Stevens does. Maybe that’s why "Broke Down and Hungry", an accurate portrayal for someone with Stevens’ track record, sounds like the work of a seasoned road veteran. For more information on Dan Stevens, check out his web site at www.danstevens.net.

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