At The Louisiana
Bristol is quickly establishing itself as a home from home for all things Americana. And Wednesday night at The Louie was no different as the city welcomed US Country Star Wade Bowen and his full band, ably supported by Jamie Freeman.
Jamie is pure entertainment. A lovely clean vocal paired with being a very accomplished guitar player are just two of his many talents. What I wasn’t expecting was a beautifully dry sense of humour and fantastic engagement with the crowd.
You couldn’t help but smile and clap along with Jamie’s wonderful rye take on life. Song’s covering the mundane tasks of DIY to taboo subjects such as alcoholism within the family.
No fear here either of tackling heart wrenching subjects such as the Grenfell fire. New single “The Fire” is both poignant and moving.
With the sizeable crowd suitably warmed up it was time for our main event of the evening.
There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room from seeing the full band gear on stage, as if the crowd knew they were in for something special.
Wade is every each what you’d expect from a Texan Country Singer. A Humble, family man who just also happens to be an exceptional performer of his craft.
With a 20 year back catalogue of material to lean on there was a plethora of choice for Wade and the band to pick from. And whilst the show lent heavily on the new album “Solid ground” , as you’d expect. We were also treated to 20 year old gems. Song from collaboration album “Hold my beer Vol1” and many others.
Showing no signs of last years Vocal surgery, Wade put his voice through a full workout with belting renditions of “So Long 6th Street” and “Day of the dead”.
All with the aid of one of the most talented backing bands I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
The Louisiana is one of those unique venues that allows you to get up close and personal with the musicians. And the musicianship on display was simply first class.
It also allowed Wade to interact with the crowd, which made the whole evening feel like Wade had invited us all around for a BBQ and show in his backyard.
By the time “Death, Dying and Deviled Eggs” was up the room was singing along. Even those unfamiliar with Wade couldn’t help but sing along with the chorus.
The band and crowd , both lost in the moment, could have probably carried on long into the early hours if the venue’s music curfew hadn’t kicked in after a marathon hour and a half set already.
Wade Bowen leaves Bristol to continue the European tour safe in the knowledge that people walked away from the Louisiana having seen one of the best value for money shows to ever come to the city.
Safe travels Wade.