With her gutsy vocals and dreads all twisted and twined just like the guy she is supporting on the night, Dallas Frasca packs a powerful bluesy punch. Winner of JJJ`s ‘Light Your Fuse’ comp, she has gone on to support the likes of Xavier Rudd and main man Ash Grunwald, also quoting pro surfer Kelly Slater`s taste in her music.

Playing out tracks from her solo debut EP ‘Acoustic Slide Groove’ to a responsive crowd that mostly had never really heard her, things were looking good. It was a case of just trying not to be affected by her stage presence, commanding vocals and hollering, foot stomping antics. 

Some of us punters were not only affected, but amused by the way that she took control of the podium and almost abused the spotlight. Her’s was a comical but talented endeavour to win us over and pave the way for some similar stomping and hollering by Ash (albeit without the grand physical drive or even the standing). 

Dallas is attributed as a solo project, but tonight we see her backup men, one on guitar and the other, big Benny, on drums. Benny fits the blokey mould, sweaty sheep shearers singlet, but down to earth and a good drummer at that. Somewhere towards the end of the set, as I arrived at the last half hour of it, Dallas plays what sounds like a rootsy introduction to Black Betty. Maybe it was the slide guitar playing tricks on my ears, because usually, this reporter aint a roots and all listener.

We see Ash casually walking around five minutes or so before he`s due to come on. I recognize him from his pictures and, of course, the african forehead and hanging dreadlocks. He meets and greets the front of crowd, humbly smiling before he takes the stage and warms up the sound system for several minutes, playing what I assumed to be a track.

‘Stop taking life so serious’ was such a fun track to play at this stage of the night, as it provided a joyous kind of bopping that also gave me a personal revelation.
Ash`s sincerity and grace told us “thanks for being so patient” before the stomp box pulsated throughout the room and made us shudder with glee. Lyrics such as “call on the phone, I`m gonna take the drop today” had me interested in the way Ash performs like a professional but also as a laid back roots performer.

The dose of humour he throws into the mix makes minor complications flow and later he asks us for a request. Some put forth several cover requests before he settles on one he wants to do. “It`s good to take requests, especially when you`re launching a new album” he jokes sipping a Coopers. Amusement again when he casually asks for someone to bring him another beer from the bar.

After getting out his other guitar, the Gibson Gretch, Ash sings ‘money and fancy clothes’ with the mild assumption that he aint no materialistic man. Benny from Dallas Frasca is introduced as he comes on to drum – a friend of four years, Benny knows his songs well as they give each other knowing looks. With a charming smile and effortless groove, Ash plays on like a locomotion, speedily strumming away to ‘Just Be Yourself’ which was decided upon after some crowd input.

‘I don`t want nobody else’ swept over everyone as the crowd clapped in unison to this song. An epic followed, before a very accepting and grateful roar went up.
Ash slipped off the stage as chilled out as he had arrived, leaving his two guitars (including his sleek National Resonator) and effects pedals lined up side by side along with a few empty beer bottles.

Later, he hangs by the bar, like one of the punters, and chats to a few people before wandering out back to the kitchen.  That was the last I saw of Ash for the night but something tells me I will see him live once again because I certainly want to.