Live Review and Photos: Myglobalmind ScreamingDigitalProductions
Thinking about Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s musical journey, one can’t help but notice the amazing talent that appeared when he was just 7 years old, picking up the electric guitar. At 13, he started performing on stage, and by 17, he had a record deal. His first release made waves in the blues scene, all before he turned 18. Over the past three decades, Shepherd’s career in the industry has been pretty impressive, a rich tapestry woven with experience and a deep musical history. Watching this esteemed blues-rock expert perform live is definitely an interesting experience.
The Mark C. Smith Concert Hall in Huntsville recently hosted Kenny Wayne and his band’s performance on the 22nd. Right from the start, they left a lasting impression on everyone there. Shepherd, along with the famous drummer Chris Layton from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, made the evening memorable.
The show kicked off with “Was” and smoothly moved into “Dirt on My Diamonds,” songs from Shepherd’s latest music project. A master at blending traditional blues with stronger rock tunes, Shepherd put together a setlist that really resonated with the audience.
The highlight of the evening for me was the impressive guitar work in “Heat of the Sun.” It unfolded as a fiery masterpiece with stunning guitar skills and soaring melodies. The brass section, including trumpet and saxophone players, also had their moments, adding a layer of musical richness. This collaborative approach made the concert experience more than just Kenny Wayne’s guitar skills, giving credit to the whole ensemble, including the talented pianist, Joe Krown.
Classics like “Blue on Black” and “Voodoo Child” naturally found their way into the setlist, connecting with the audience as timeless pieces from Shepherd’s repertoire. Although the evening was memorable, it ended too quickly.
Special mention goes to the giveaways organized by Kenny’s team for the attendees. Congratulations to those who got lucky. However, there was a small issue with the venue’s lighting, which seemed to shine too brightly on the stage, even drawing a comment from Kenny himself. A humble request was made to adjust the lighting, giving him a clearer view of the audience.
Reflecting on it, the night turned out to be a great celebration of blues music. An often overlooked aspect is the hard work of blues artists who tirelessly tour, a sentiment shared by luminaries like Joe Bonamassa. People like Kenny Wayne Shepherd truly are road warriors, navigating the musical landscape and contributing to the enduring legacy of the genre.
https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/tour
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