Concert Review: Anderson East is alive in Tennessee once again as he lights up The Ryman
By: Dylan Basden
An Alabama native and prolific singer, songwriter, and producer, Anderson East has finally made his way back onto the road after taking several years to focus on the studio. The Red Clay Strays, Ty Myers, Dustin Lynch, Cassandra Lewis, The Oak Ridge Boys, and The Lone Bellow make up just a small portion of the collaborations he’s been a part of over recent years. East’s last stint at the Mother Church, a two-night run in late 2021, was also his last true headline show in the Music City. A handful of pop-ups and special appearances have dotted the years, but otherwise East has been a scarce presence. In the time since, he has released two studio albums, M.W.N.D. / F.A.M.E., a reimagining of his 2021 release alongside producer Dave Cobb and several guest vocalists, and Worthy, East’s latest album of all new material also produced alongside Cobb.
Fans were understandably a bit pent-up given his time away, but all of that misplaced energy quickly melted away as East and his band hit the stage. Contrasting the tumultuous hustle and bustle of Nashville’s Broadway on a holiday weekend, Anderson East hit the stage with a cool, calm demeanor, layered in classic southern class and charm. A pristine white shirt, dark sports coat, and suede shoes set the tone.
Opening with an extended jam into “Never Meant To Hurt You,” a cut from Worthy, East quickly hops into his soulful side. Soft spoken and intimate, East draws in the theatre’s large crowd, and relinquishes much of the limelight. Flanked by a large band composing of a grand piano, a horn section, backup singers, and your standard four-piece, East is backed by immense talent. Delicate and perfectly mixed, the overwhelming size of the band has no problem allowing room to breathe, each instrument acting as a part of a whole rather than a dominating force.
While well known for his balladry and kindred heart, East is also unafraid to let loose. “Sorry You’re Sick,” a Ted Hawkins cover, has been a staple of East’s sets for many years. The original, an acoustic blues track, stands in stark contrast to the bombastic rockabilly-inspired performance by East and his band. Ditching his guitar in favor of taking on a true frontman persona, East struts the stage, taking full control of the crowd and swinging his mic through the air with reckless abandon. A songwriter at his core, Anderson East has no problem switching gears into a charismatic and energetic performer.
“All On My Mind” starts with East’s signature raspy low-end, complemented by a deep baritone sax and plodding bass. It’s dramatic, baring a gritty resemblance to East’s rock influences. Dynamic as always, East quickly changes gears, bringing a vibrant swell as he leans into the chorus, surrounded by frolicking keys that give break to intricate playing. Anderson East is a vividly talented vocalist, and the range he showcases on stage should really come as no surprise to fans, but his performance here was a stand-out moment in a stand-out show.
Setlist
Never Meant To Hurt You
Anyway
Before It Gets Better
Devil In Me
Sorry You’re Sick (Ted Hawkins cover)
Say I Love You
I’d Do Anything
Fool Myself
Chasing You
All On My Mind
Satisfy Me
Worthy
Reasons
If You Keep Leaving Me
This Too Shall Last
All I’ll Ever Need
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Right Where You Were Meant to Be (solo)
House Is a Building
If I were to find a hair in the soup, it’d be missing out on songs such as “Madelyn,” “King For a Day,” and “Girlfriend,” but that would be nitpicking given the ninety minutes (plus encore) East performed. Truthfully, you’d be grasping at straws trying to find any true complaints with the night, from East’s incredible voice, his true showmanship, and his incredible band this show was top-notch all the way down. Rising alongside fellow neo-soul inspired Alabama artists such as St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Alabama Shakes, East has managed to not only stamp his own legacy in the Yellowhammer state, but across genres. His songwriting has infiltrated cult favorites and radio hits, his live performances, while sparce, continue to amaze, and he has certainly made his home state proud.
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