I see so many shows these days that I rarely get the adrenaline rush of anticipation that I did when I was younger. However, this year I felt that familiar buzz as I counted down for one show: Allen Stone. I’m a relative newcomer to his music, discovering him last year when he partnered up with some hopefuls on American Idol. However, in the last year I’ve made up for lost time, making him my number one streamed artist on Spotify according to those end-of-year rankings. While I adore the recordings, I had an inkling that he’d be even better live. It’s hard for an artist to match your expectations when they’re so sky high, but this talented soul artist from Washington nailed it in Sydney last week.
New Zealand’s Louis Baker had a tough job winning me over when I was so keen for the headliner, but he rose to the challenge admirably. What a voice, what a vibe. I was so captivated by his music that I didn’t once wonder how many songs he had left. In fact, as his soulful set drew to a close, I was disappointed. Such was the strength of his originals. While I hung on them, I got just a little nervous when he announced he wanted to play tribute to Prince. That’s hallowed ground, and I’ll judge you harshly if you mess up. Despite my reservations, he wowed me with his performance of “Purple Rain.” It was delicate, restrained, respectful, a masterclass in the “less is more” approach. It was really something special. I entered Louis’ set wishing we were skipping onto the main act, but finished it a real fan. Job done young man.
The crowd were into Louis, but their excitement kicked up a notch when Allen and his band graced the stage. The energy was electric. You could feel the love the audience had for what Allen Stone does, and that set the scene for one of the most fun nights of music I’ve ever had.
Allen certainly doesn’t look like the soul singers of old. A gangly white guy with flowing blond locks, tinted John Lennon-esque glasses, and hipster attire. But he channels the greats of the Stax stable, a little edgier and funkier than the Motown crowd. He feels the music and encourages us to do the same, leading us in hand claps and call and response. He danced with wild abandon to those up-tempo favourites, but showed he’s just as capable of delivering a tender ballad with a solo passage. Without the support of his band mates, you could really appreciate just how stratospheric his voice is.
Allen might be the front man with his name on the posters, but he took great pains to stress how important the band were to the show. That speaks to his endearing, humble character and also just how good those musicians are. Many of these guys have played with Allen for years. They’re tight together, but so talented in their own right. Major props to them.
Allen and band delivered an exceptional set featuring so many of my favourite cuts from his albums and a few choice covers. A little “Killing Me Softly” and “I Can’t Feel My Face” mashed up so well with “Love.” A frenetic take on “Message in a Bottle” was a real delight in the encore. But it was those album tracks that the enthusiastic crowd really lapped up. Those albums didn’t have songs that charted here. In fact, I’ve had to scour the internet to find Australian retailers selling them at all. But this crowd was switched on. They knew this music and clearly relished being in the company of others who understood just how good it was.
Last Wednesday was one of those shows where everything just comes together. I set myself up to be disappointed with lofty expectations, but this gig delivered. I might have been late to the Allen Stone party, but now I’ve attended I’m sure it won’t be my last. It’s only April, but I won’t be surprised if this is my favourite concert of the year.
Image source: Stephen Katulka
