The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays
Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell
Brent Cobb
Brent Cobb
What a night in Nashville’s Bridgestone arena; The Red Clay Strays brought their soulful, powerful southern rock music to the country music capital and delivered an awe-inspiring performance to a crowd of adoring fans. Supported by Brent Cobb and Sierra Ferrell, the band stopped in Music City on their Grateful tour performing songs from across their three studio albums, featuring a guest performance from country singer Zach Top. Brent Cobb kicked off the show with his music saturated with bluegrass influences alongside modern country-rock sounds, with the crowd notably loving his song “Diggin’ Holes” off his 2016 album Shine on Rainy Day. Sierra Ferrell then took the stage, showcasing her incredible talents as a versatile singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. Ferrell has held a unique position in the world of country music since her early releases in 2018 by melding together several sounds and genres such as blues, gypsy jazz, and appalachian folk alongside traditional country and rock influences— what she deems “heavy petal music”. Two-stepping around the stage, playing instruments including the accordion and the violin, and covering Dolly Parton’s “Here I Am”, Ferrell’s performance was nothing short of whimsical and eccentric while packing depth and profoundness with every song.
The Red Clay Strays came out with guns blazing opening with their song “Demons In Your Choir”—with roaring vocals from singer Brandon Coleman accompanied with incredible support from a small female choir, chilling organ from Sevans Henderson, and powerful guitar from Drew Nix and Zach Rishel, the band had Nashville buzzing from their first song. The band brought out Zach Top early in the night, playing “Don’t Wanna Know”—a song they played together at Madison Square Garden earlier this year and teased releasing a rendition of together. The Red Clay Strays are a marvel to witness live because every song packs a punch, whether it be the vocal prowess showcased by Coleman, the extraordinary music from the rest of the band containing gospel, old country, and Americana influences that leave you with chills, or the beautiful lyricism depicting themes ranging from struggle and inner turmoil to love for one another and religious faith. Notable songs of the night included “If I Didn’t Know You” preluded by a striking piano solo, “Do Me Wrong” with insane vocalizations from the band's backup singers, a vulnerable and touching performance of “Do Today”, and of course crowd favorite “Wondering Why” with the audience singing along to every word. We anxiously await this brilliant band’s return to Nashville and can’t wait to see what they do next.
- Lillie Hollabaugh
Photos Courtesy of Lillie Hollabaugh (For Bell Music Magazine)
