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Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Concert Review: A Night of Blues and Rock Mastery

By Larry Philpot on July 31, 2024

Last night, the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana, was electrified by the soulful blues and rock fusion of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. The venue, known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for a night of musical excellence, and the crowd was not disappointed

File Photo: Kenny Wayne Shepherd performs at the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN, on July 27, 2024. (Photo Credit: Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

The band, led by the eponymous Kenny Wayne Shepherd, has been a staple in the blues-rock scene for over two decades. Shepherd, a self-taught guitarist from Shreveport, Louisiana, has garnered critical acclaim for his revival of the blues genre, infusing it with a modern rock sensibility that has earned him five Grammy nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, and a host of other accolades.

At the heart of the band’s sound is Shepherd’s fiery guitar work, which was on full display as they opened with “Was,” a track that set the tone for the evening with its high-energy riffs and bluesy undertones. The setlist was a journey through the band’s extensive catalog, with standout performances of “Dirt on my Diamonds” and “Sweet and Low,” showcasing their ability to blend gritty blues with catchy rock hooks.

The band’s lead singer, Noah Hunt, deserves special mention. His powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence have been integral to the band’s success since he joined in 1997. Hunt’s voice, rich and emotive, breathed life into songs like “Deja Voodoo” and “BB King,” paying homage to the blues legends that inspired the band’s sound. His extensive experience as a musician and his film and television credits, including the band’s contribution to the animated feature Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, add depth to his already impressive resume.

The rhythm section, consisting of Chris Layton on drums and Kevin McCormick on bass, provided a solid foundation for the band’s sound. Layton, known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, brought a level of expertise and groove that propelled the songs forward, while McCormick’s bass lines were both intricate and powerful.

As the night progressed, the band delved into deeper cuts like “Heat of the Sun” and “You Can’t Love Me,” before bringing the audience to its feet with the anthemic “Diamonds and Gold.”

The highlight of the night, and it’s emotional peak was when Shepherd launched into “While We Cry”, which showcased Shepherd’s guitar virtuosity. This also evoked a comment from an audience member next to me, “Oh, Little Wing!”, while I immediately thought it was Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter”, which merits some discussion.

“While We Cry” stands out with its raw emotional pull, driven by Shepherd’s masterful guitar work. The track unfolds like a narrative without words, where each note and bend tells a story of heartache and resilience. The chord progression is very similar.

Comparatively, “Yellow Ledbetter” carries the weight of Pearl Jam’s grunge-infused blues, with Eddie Vedder’s distinctive vocal style adding a layer of depth to the already rich guitar melody. On the other hand, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Little Wing” is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix’s original masterpiece, yet it stands on its own as a testament to Vaughan’s virtuosity.

A listener in that audience could arrive at only one conclusion: Kenny Wayne Shepherd has cemented his place among the greatest guitarists that have ever lived.

The encore was a fitting end to an unforgettable night, with the band returning to the stage for renditions of “Blue on Black” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child,” a nod to their roots and influences that left the audience spellbound.

Kenny Wayne and his Band delivered a masterclass in blues-rock, proving once again why they are revered in the music community.