I have written before on what is the strange alchemy required to describe the perfect gig. What worlds need to align to elevate a good gig to greatness? It obviously starts with the music but then it’s the balance between lights, view point, people you are with, levels of alcohol consumed and a bunch of other unknown intangibles.
Last night was one of those special occasions. This was an artist at the top of his game touring in support of a great album in a not too big venue being seen with some of my nearest and dearest friends. After a couple of beers across the road and a few more in the venue the balance was just right of feeling good but not falling over drunk. The only slight issue for me was the sound, especially Nash’s vocals which were a bit low and muddy in the mix for the first few songs. This was sorted and the true joy of his voice could be really appreciated.
The band were a finely oiled machine and the guitarist was given plenty of space to shine on some memorable solos. The rhythm section kept the groove going especially the drummer who I thought was excellent on the night. And finally props to the guy on keys and pedal steel that provided even more depth to the overall sound.
But it’s the main man himself with that towering voice that really holds you in its trance. With the new album ‘Ozarker’ taking front and centre throughout the set, there’s some old nuggets sprinkled liberally throughout to reinforce the consistent quality of his back catalogue. A special note to a rousing rendition of ‘Rolling On’ and what our group lacked in vocal ability was made up for with enthusiasm.
The new songs sounded great live from set opener ‘Can’t Stop’ through ‘Shadowland’ and the enigmatic ‘Lost in America’ to name a few.
A super show in a sold out venue on a Sunday night and it’s good to see live music is still as vibrant as ever despite the difficult times we live in.
Keep on rockin’ y’all