Dan Auerbach
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Dan Auerbach
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Dan Auerbach
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Patrick Carney
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Robert Finley
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Shannon & The Clams
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
The Black Keys
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Dan Auerbach finished off his 20-date “Easy Eye Sound Revue Tour” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Monday night. The Mother Church was the perfect host as Auerbach filled the historic venue’s pews with fans and its infamous stage with special musical guests throughout the night.
Oakland-based Shannon & The Clams, fronted by female vocalist and bassist Shannon Shaw, opened the show. The group is one of Auerbach’s latest signees to his Easy Eye Sound label. The four-piece band delivered a nostalgic 50s-esque bubblegum pop/surf rock feel. Shaw’s precision on both bass and vocals were noticeable and solid during the entire set.
For the headlining spot, Auerbach was supported throughout the evening with a stage full of impressive talent – The Easy Eye Sound band, Bobby Wood and Gene Chrisman, of the Memphis Boys, Robert Finley, and several surprise guests.
Nashville is home to Auerbach and his record label. His latest solo album, Waiting On A Song, is a self-proclaimed love letter to the Music City in which he has found his place as prolific artist and producer.
The new Dan Auerbach solo album is the first release from Easy Eye Sound, which is also based out of Nashville. Shannon & The Clams’ latest album just came out this month on the label, and Robert Finley’s debut record will also be out on the label later this fall.
Bobby Bare was one of the early guests of the night to join in on the music adventure. He played guitar and sang “This Guitar Is For Sale,” and “Detroit City.” Soon after, bluesman and soul singer Robert Finley graced the audience with his infectious smile and warm voice. Finley, who is blind, received a roaring welcome and several standing ovations throughout the night. At one point he to proclaimed, “I can’t see ya, baby, but I sure can feel ya.”
Auerbach and company flawlessly entertained throughout the night with a setlist of new songs of the latest record, old hits, and legendary covers. The night capped with a three-song encore that had fans ecstatic. After Finley delivered a moving ballad, a drum kit with “The Black Keys” written on the bass was rolled to the stage; Patrick Carney then appeared to perform with his old band mate. Strangely, Carney only delivered that single song and left the stage with the rest of the group. The brief reunion was the first public Black Keys performance in two and a half years. Auerbach then closed out with a solo acoustic number before graciously exiting a successful hometown show.