Review and Live Photos: Josh Trotter
With over three decades and eighteen albums of experience the powerhouse blues musician, Eric Gales sold out the Nashville venue 3rd & Lindsley. February 28th Eric found himself on the stage of a packed house that included fans from multiple states, local musicians, and even the guitar legend, Peter Frampton. The fans lined up outside waiting to be let in for a night of storytelling and heartfelt blues music. Opening for Eric was Yates McKendree, a Nashville native. Accompanied by three-lifetime friends and even his dad on keys! The 21-year-old blues man set the tone with his guitar solos and 60’s blues vibes. The crowd cheered as the band transitioned from each tune building up as the night went on.
Gales took the stage as the crowd looked on from their seats. Starting the set off with an intro to Eric Gales that most of us don’t know. A man that struggled with addiction, once homeless and with nowhere to go, pawning gear to help just stay alive. Now six years sober a new man was there to tell the story of how he came out of it. With his wife on his side and looking over his shoulder (for an outside perspective), Eric has now been able to tell his story to millions.
Gale’s newest album “Crown” released in early 2022, tells stories about his life, battling addiction, and his spiritual awakening. The Grammy-nominated artist had the crowd laughing and holding on to every word. Playing most of the songs off of his latest album, you could hear just how much music and his wife meant to the forty-eight-year-old Memphis blues man. Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Crown’s tracks ring out life’s experiences and blues guitar licks one after another.
The sold-out show was truly a blues revival for the soul. Everyone there learned and felt a little bit more about what it means to live the blues. The right-handed guitar player plays an upside-down Stratocaster left-handed setup for a right-handed player. Which is how he learned how to play. Never second-guessing to try any other way.
Eric is on tour with fellow blues musician Buddy Guy with hopes to come back to Nashville to play on The Ryman stage. Nashville has not heard the last of Eric Gales and anticipates having him back and looks forward to seeing him soon. If you are a musician, a lover of music, or have just ever felt down and out, I recommend checking out Eric and his talented band. You will not regret it. It is one I will remember forever.
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