Important fact about me: until a few months ago, I proudly claimed to love every genre except country music. Then Luke Combs ruined that opinion in spectacular fashion. (SEE: MY REVIEW) One concert later, I found myself voluntarily driving to Burgettstown, Pennsylvania to see another country heavyweight, Chris Stapleton. If Combs opened the door, Stapleton kicked it off the hinges.
Stapleton is now a STAPLE (shameless pun intended) in my rotation. At minimum, equaling Combs’ musical prowess and showmanship, Stapleton delivered a set that was nothing short of amazing.
He owned the night from the second he strolled on stage. He grabbed the audience by the reins and never let go as he strummed and sang the opening notes of “Bad As I Used To Be” from the F1 film soundtrack.
Stapleton acknowledged the crowd early, but unapologetically noted that tonight, he planned on packing in as much music as possible. Minimal banter. Minimal pandering. Maximum music. Old school country. I don’t think I’m alone in having zero issue with this approach.
The long haired, thick bearded, cowboy hat-sporting star resembles the traditional country mold of Waylon Jennings versus some of the modern country singers, who look more like a boy band dropout who opted for farm life. The same can be said for his signature rasp and soulful grit. This guy doesn’t just sing country; he IS country.
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The Kentucky-born, Nashville-seasoned performer’s voice is somehow even better live than on record. I know that’s a cliché in concert reviews, but clichés exist for a reason.
From “Parachute” to “White Horse” I couldn’t stop dancing and singing. I’m not one to toot my own horn, but I’m a FUN concert companion; unafraid to make a fool of myself. Trust me on this one. When I sing and dance, I SING AND DANCE!
If I had to pinpoint a favorite part of his performances, it has to be the way he interacted with his wife, Morgane, on stage. Their performance of “Think I’m In Love With You” and cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, John Fogerty’s tune, “Joy of My Life” was so cute that I was fighting tears. They kept each other grounded onstage. Their love for each other that is exuded on stage is the kind that I want in my life. Whether rehearsed or completely spontaneous, the way they looked at one another onstage made everything else disappear. It felt less like watching two performers and more like watching two people genuinely enjoy making music together. (Maybe I’m a softie, but that’s cute, right?)
Mid-set, armed with a guitar and giving his band a break, Stapleton played stripped-down versions of “What Are You Listening To?,” “Drunkard’s Prayer,” and “I was Wrong.”
Other set highlights include songs further down the setlist such as “You Should Probably Leave” and “Starting Over.”
Of course, before the encore came “Tennessee Whiskey,” the song Stapleton has arguably made his own. Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you know and love this song! (Admit it, country haters! You, too, were singing right along with me!) The performance lives up the high standard and hype created by the studio version.
A one-song encore, “Outlaw State of Mind” from his 2015 album, ‘Traveller,’ was more than enough to send the audience home satisfied.
I would be remiss not to mention the opener, Allen Stone. The “hippie with soul,” who combines elements of funk and acoustic funk has little in common with Stapleton’s music, but EVERYTHING in common relative to both having a voice of gold. What Stone trails Stapleton in vocal notoriety, he makes up for in showmanship. An unlikely pairing? Perhaps! But Stone is just what the Pennsylvania crowd needed to get their voices (and dancing feet) warmed up before Stapleton made his entrance. Mr. Stone reemerged midway through Stapleton’s set to lend his voice to Al Green’s “I’m a Ram.” The two voices blending was a treat for the ears.
A few months ago, I would’ve told you country music wasn’t for me. Two concerts later, I’m leaving with a new hat, another artist added to my regular rotation, and absolutely no regrets. Consider me converted.
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