Simply amazing!! Probably one of the best singer / songwriters of this era. It's truly a privledge to see an artist at the absolute top of their game. A 5 star rating doesn't do justice to how good this show was.
I've seen Shawn Mullins with his band a few times now and they just keep getting better and better. You see one of their shows and think it just couldn't be better and then they come back and top it the next time with some new song or twist on an older tune.
You know it's a special night when you hear people around you saying things like "Oh my God" and "This is Amazing" during the course of the night.
Shawn is one of those artists that actually sounds better live than recorded. I've got a couple of his CD's and enjoy listening to them but the studio recordings just can't capture the full power, passion and emotion he puts into a live performance.
Additionally, he has a phenomenal band. I've seen a lot of bands in a lot of shows and although there are more famous musicians, I can't think of any that are actually better. These guys are are all exceptionally talented. The acoustic solo by Patrick Blanchard on " Cold Black Heart" was truly amazing. Also, Dave Causey tore the house down with several electric guitar solos (on "Santa Fe" in particular). Anyone that thinks they are just in for a mellow, acoustic folk concert are in for a real suprise. These guys rock!
Also wanted to take a moment and say a word about "Callaghan" who opened this evening for Shawn. She's a singer / songwriter from the UK who has been working with Shawn for a year or so and she was really, really good. She played a 30 - 40 minute set and actually captured the full attention of the crowd. One song in particular that she played solo on piano (sorry don't remember the title) pretty much had the entire house wiping tears from their eyes when it was over. Very moving. Definitely worth it to go see her if you get the chance.
Variety Playhouse @
- Atlanta @
, GA @
- 11/26/2011 @
Favorite moment: Santa Fe, Light You Up, Twin Rocks Oregon, Cold Black Heart @
Opening act(s): Callaghan @