Words and Photos:
Josh Trotter
Whiskey Myers, the Texas-based Southern rock band, brought their electrifying energy to the stage at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on a recent stop on their 2023 tour. The sold-out crowd was treated to a night of high-octane music that showcased the band’s undeniable talent and commitment to their craft. Opening for them was Drayton Farley and Matt Koziol. Farley an Alabama native, and fits the lineup with his old-school vocals and Americana vibes. HE closed out his set with his biggest hit “Pitchin’ Fits” with over ten million streams on Spotify alone. Koziol who opened the show told us stories between songs keeping the crowd hanging on to every note. Matt, also a folk and americana artist but has a bit of an outlaw country feel, played his big hits including “Work All Day” and “Runs in the Family”.
From the moment the lights went down and Whiskey Myers took the stage, it was clear that this was going to be a special night. The opening notes of “Die Rockin'” filled the air, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause. Lead singer Cody Cannon’s raspy vocals were as powerful as ever, and the rest of the band – guitarists John Jeffers and Cody Tate, bassist Jamey Gleaves, and drummer Jeff Hogg – were firing on all cylinders.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old favorites and new hits, with tracks from the band’s latest album, “Tornillo,” getting a particularly enthusiastic response. The hauntingly beautiful “Bury My Bones” and the hard-hitting “Stone” were both highlights of the night, showcasing the band’s ability to write powerful and emotive songs that speak to their fans on a deep level.
One of the things that set Whiskey Myers apart from other Southern rock bands is their willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres. This was on full display during the show, with the band seamlessly blending rock, blues, country, and even a touch of gospel into their music. The result was a sound that was uniquely their own – a perfect representation of the melting pot of cultures and influences that make up the American South.
Of course, no Whiskey Myers show would be complete without a healthy dose of guitar solos, and the band did not disappoint in this regard. Jeffers and Tate both shredded their way through blistering solos, often trading licks back and forth in a display of virtuosity that left the audience in awe.
Throughout the show, Cannon’s banter with the crowd was both hilarious and heartfelt, with the singer expressing his gratitude for the fans who have supported the band from the beginning. The audience responded in kind, with countless “we love you” and “y’all are the best” shouts ringing out between songs.
As the show came to a close it was clear that Whiskey Myers had given their all to the performance. The band members hugged and high-fived each other as they left the stage, basking in the glow of the audience’s applause.
In the end, the show was a testament to the enduring power of Southern rock and the talent and dedication of one of the genre’s finest bands. For those lucky enough to have been in attendance, it was a night that won’t soon be forgotten.
