Sturgill Simpson sold out the Tivoli in record time. Who is he? What is his name again? What does his music sound like? Many were asking these questions; by the time these curiosity seekers found out and wanted to go to this AC Entertainment production ….. It was SOLD OUT!
A lot more people knew Sturgill, singer/songwriter who released his newest project a couple of month ago, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," to be an intrusion of the many genre of music he loves, so it goes everywhere from Motown to R&B but from the beginning to the end of the songs … it’s still traditional outlaw country with a great chemistry of rock, blues and swag. When I researched his bios, I was not surprised who directed his writing and singing influences noted …..
Simpson himself counts Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Keith Whitley, and Marty Robbins as much bigger influences on his sound as then again there’s Waylon Jennings too. His opening gigs for such artists as Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, the late Merle Haggard, and the Zac Brown Band just played into his circle of influences even more. He was a natural to fill the opening for these country icons. I spent some time in my days as a young field geologist in the coal field of Eastern Kentucky, knowing the good hard-working people there, knowing that Sturgill and his family are from Jackson Ky. I have no doubt his singing from his heart and mind, nothing counterfeit in his approach and style. His voice (singing) is native to where he grew up and the influences of the music he loves.
All is noted by his previous record albums, he is an American country music and roots rock singer-songwriter. He has released two albums independently, High Top Mountain in 2013 and Metamodern Sounds in Country Music in 2014. The latter album was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, was listed 18th on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2014," and was also named among NPR's 50 Favorite Albums of 2014. His third studio album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, was released on April 15, 2016, by Atlantic Records. *wikipedia
The Tivoli’s doors opened early to accommodate the anticipation of a full house. The lobby filled up quickly with the beverage lines getting a lot of attention but many took their seats early. The stage was ready, no opening performers, no introduction … Sturgill’s seven-member band with keyboard, steel guitar, brass, lead and bass guitarist, drummer. His band mates are Laur Joamets – electric & slide guitar, Chuck Bartels – bass guitar, Jeff Crow – keyboards, Miles Miller – drums, percussion, backing vocals. This event Sturgill brought a powerful brass trio. This iPhone video of “Call To Arms” is a glance of what a house full of Sturgill’s fans enjoyed.
One more thought, while many of us crowded the Tivoli on a Wednesday night to experience Sturgill’s performance, across town on the Southside Track 29 sold out its venue with another AC Entertainment production of a band called Shinedown. This is a remarkably strong statement that the Chattanooga Live Music scene is very viable and in favor with Chattanoogans and our visiting Tri-State friends.
-----
Mark A Herndon, certified professional geologist and professional photographer grew up in Chattanooga area, graduated from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. He is the Entertainment and Chattanooga cityscape landscape /event photographer affiliated with Chattanoogan.com and contributor to magazines, venues and various festivals including Riverbend Festival, Nightfall Music Series, Road To Nightfall, Riverfront Nights, Southern Brewery Festival, Roof Top Hop, Wine Over Water, Tivoli Theatre Foundation, AC Entertainment, benefits and events. Media affiliation with www.chattanoogan.com
Check out more at www.facebook.com/chattanoogalivemusic Email at MAHerndon@chattanoogaLiveMusic.com