Charley is the real deal
by Kewi on 2024-06-01Massey Hall - TorontoUnbelievable. Hard to find a better showman than the Son of Davy. Charley and Massey Hall were simply meant for one another.
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Hailed as a "must-see live performer" by Rolling Stone, and a "force to be reckoned with" by CMT, Charley Crockett crafts his singular "Gulf & Western" sound -- described as "very 21st century and very vintage" by NPR Music -- by synthesizing country, blues, soul, Cajun, R&B and other pieces of American Roots music. And when his voice comes out of your speakers, there is no confusing him for any other artist. As the Wall Street Journal writes, "Mr. Crockett's unique vocal style is one third Ernest Tubb honky-tonk with clipped-word diction, one third Bill Withers low-key, soulful crooning, and one third jazzy French Quarter second-line swagger."
With his latest album $10 Cowboy, Crockett didn't set out to make a themed record. He had released a concept album in 2022, the critically acclaimed The Man From Waco, propelling Crockett to new heights and establishing him as one of the leaders of a sparkling revival of traditional country and folk music.
For the follow up album, Crockett wrote freely, over a two-month period, as he wound his way across the United States on the back of a tour bus. The resulting songs--raw, personal, vivid portraits of a country in transition--ended up being connected after all.
"This material is written at truck stops, it's written at casinos, it's written in the alleys behind the venues, it's written in my truck parked up on South Congress in Austin," explains Crockett. "A ramblin' man like me, a genuine transient, is in a pretty damn good position to have something to say about America."
The album begins with the title track, a personal song that also offers a provocative idea about America. "A $10 Cowboy is a country singer who made himself on a street corner in America," Crockett says. "But the cowboy way, the cowboy mindset, that applies to anyone who doesn't feel free, who feels fenced in and bound to something."
As the album unfolds, you begin to understand that a $10 Cowboy is anyone who has hustled to get by, who didn't fit in, who has slept on other people's couches, or the street, who has fallen down, gotten up, and ventured from home chasing a paying gig, or a new start.
The album was recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, produced by Crockett and his long-time collaborator Billy Horton. It was recorded live to tape, with anywhere from 6-12 musicians on each track, giving the songs the feel of a live performance. It's a sound Crockett has been after for years. "The reason I cut it on tape is, when you get the right folks in the room, great players rise to the occasion. When that red light is on and the tape is rolling, you get the magic of a performance."
Crockett released his last full-length album The Man From Waco - which Rolling Stone named the #2 best Country album of the year - in 2022, and the momentum he built continued into 2023. Crockett made his NPR Tiny Desk debut, was a guest on The Daily Show, and appeared on the June 2023 cover of Texas Monthly. Crockett performed at both nights of Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in April 2023, and made his Bonnaroo debut last summer. Crockett also released The Man From Waco Redux, a companion to The Man From Waco featuring alternate versions of five songs, and Live from the Ryman, which documented Crockett's sold out November 2022 debut at the Mother Church of Country Music.
Unbelievable. Hard to find a better showman than the Son of Davy. Charley and Massey Hall were simply meant for one another.
Non-stop performance, talent and showmanship. CC is a true gem!
It was fantastic musical evening at the Burton Cummings Theatre, beginning with opening act Noelle Hoffman. Didn't realize she had a Manitoba connection which was great. Perfect opener for the main event, Charlie Crockett. Great stage presence, fantastic voice and very tight band. Played almost all of the new album $10 Cowboy which is very good along with a few previous popular tunes. Charlie interacted with the crowd enough and was particularly appreciative of the great venue he was playing. He played a pretty long set list in my opinion. We were in first balcony and the sound was great for Crockett, a little muffled for Noelle. The set was simple but effective. Depending on lighting, it gave off a 60's, 70's retro vibe. Kudos to management/ownership at the Burt. The have done a number of physical improvements which enhances the overall concert experience. Can't wait for the next show
Second time seeing him and his band. Fantastic performance - musicianship, vocals, and performance great all around.
Amazing show, he’s even better live!! Noeline Hofmann opened and was also incredible!
Charlie Crockett - a unique creative musician. Enjoyed immensely! Now the festival standing room only, mosh pit style was another thing of which I will never subject myself & friends to again!!
Charlie was awesome. Started off mellow with the new album and picked up.the tempo near the end with his other well known songs. But it was more of a sitting room , listen to the lyrics and stories kind of show, instead of a get up and dance event. So i would have appreciated chairs. I left early because of that. Charlie was personable and his band was hot. Played all the songs I wanted to hear. Big props for opener Noeline hofman who fantastic. she definitely has a future in the business.
Great songwriter, singer and band leader. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the show.
Charley was excellent in terms of showmanship, his music and connection to the audience. Without question, I’m sure his next performance in Edmonton, AB will be held at our largest venue: Rogers Place. I’d definitely go to see him again!
The show was fantastic. Little disappointed there was no seating. I’d been to the venue before and there was seating then. I’m older and have a bad back, so it was a struggle. Charley and his band were terrific.