Alabama Shakes: Worth the wait

Alabama Shakes

AUSTIN - Alabama Shakes took the stage in Austin's Moody Center along with openers Greyhounds on September 25th to a near sold out crowd with patrons from all over Texas.

This concert in truth, was a long time coming for many fans. When COVID first hit the Texas area the band as well as vocalist Brittany Howard had to cancel performances during the pandemic.

Although Howard herself did have solo performances in the aftermath, many fans were left hoping that the group would make a return trip to the lone star state in the following year. Well the day finally came and thousands of fans filled the concert hall in anticipation of the groups return.

Opening act Greyhounds put on a great performance filled with bluesy guitar, solid vocals, groovy keyboards, and a fantastic horn section. While listening to the group we mused that they would fit in so good at Austins legendary Antone's, then we quickly realized that the group is based in Austin.

As the group finished up anticipation grew as techs put brittany Howards iconic Les Paul SG Custom on the stage. When the lights went down and the players took the stage they were greeted to cheers and calls for Howard to sing her heart out, and she did.

One great thing about Alabama Shakes is that they are a perfect mix of substance and style. The stage had a stylish and simple set up including back lights and vines that framed the group perfectly.

The night was filled with what many would call "the hits." Opening with Hang Loose and ending with Always Alright, fans were treated to everything in between.

The set included: I Ain't the Same, I Found You, This Feeling, Hold On, Don't Wanna Fight, Gimme All Your Love, and their latest release, Another Life.

Using Always Alright as the final encore of the night was not only a great choice, but it was the right choice as the song introduced many listeners to the group and their album Sound and Color.

While the group shines and each member brings something to the table, such as tasty and well timed guitar riffs and bass lines that complement and add subtle touches to each song, Howard manages to shine through everything.

A singer/guitarist she commands attention on the stage as she belts our lyrics with every inch of her soul while at the same time remaining humble and so down to earth. As the encores came she recounted her time as a mail carrier and finally getting the call that they were going on tour.

Still so thankful for everything that has happened in her musical career, Howard offered a blessing to what she called the "most music lovin-est" city known as Austin. "That car you want, I hope you get it, that house you want, I hope you get it, that job, I hope you get that too. That person that you love, I hope they love you back."

It would be a lie to say that those words didn't hit us as powerful as her vocals on Gimme All Your Love. In fact we would be lying if we said that we only got misty eyed once during the evenings performance.

Having not gotten the chance to see the group since the COVID cancelations of 2020, this show was well worth waiting for. Honestly, it would be well worth waiting for again.

Alabama Shakes