On Tuesday, Feb 1, 2023, legendary blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales took the stage at 3rd and Linsley in Nashville TN, and proceeded to blow the roof off the packed venue. The occasion was the recent release of his latest album, “Crown,” and the excitement in the air was electric.
Opening the show was bluesman and Nashville native Kevin McKendree. Their music was a perfect match for Gales‘ style, and it was clear that they had won over many new fans by the end of their set. Their set was a testament to the wealth of talent that exists in Nashville’s vibrant music scene, and set the stage for an unforgettable evening of music.
From the moment Gales launched into “You Don’t Know The Blues,” the audience was hooked. The energy in the room detonated, as Gales‘ virtuosic guitar playing and soulful vocals filled every corner of the space. Backed by a tight band, including a powerhouse rhythm section and a keyboard player who added just the right amount of color to the mix, Gales delivered a masterclass in blues-rock that left the crowd breathless.
Throughout the concert, Eric was gracious and engaged with the audience, taking time between songs to thank everyone for their support and express his gratitude for being able to share his music with them. But perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came when Gales shared with the crowd his struggles with addiction and his journey toward recovery. He spoke openly and honestly about the challenges he had faced, and how music had been a lifeline for him throughout his journey. It was clear that this was a deeply personal moment for him, and the audience responded with warmth and encouragement. Gales‘ willingness to share his story was a testament to his strength and resilience and added an extra layer of meaning to his music. By the end of the evening, it was clear that he had not only won over the audience with his incredible talent but had also touched their hearts with his honesty and vulnerability.
One of the highlights of the night was undoubtedly an impassioned performance of “Too Close To The Fire.” This powerful song is a standout track on Gales‘ latest album, “Crown,” and in the live setting, it took on a whole new level of intensity. Gales‘ soulful vocals and searing guitar work combined to create a truly unforgettable moment, as the audience was swept up in the emotion and energy of the music. It was a performance that left a lasting impression and showcased Gales‘ ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level.
In addition to the packed audience of music fans, some notable names from the music industry were also in attendance. Among them was the legendary guitarist Peter Frampton, whose own career spans decades and has been a major influence on countless musicians over the years. Gales paid homage to Frampton by extemporaneously sneaking in a few bars of “Do You Feel Like We Do” into one of his already face-melting guitar solos
The fact that Frampton was there to witness Gales‘ performance is a prove to the esteem in which Gales is held among his peers, and speaks to his status as one of the great guitarists of his generation. It was a thrill for both the audience and the performers to have such an icon in the crowd, and added an extra level of excitement to an already unforgettable evening of music. Throughout the evening, Eric demonstrated why he is considered by many, one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. His playing was alternately soulful and incendiary, with lightning-fast runs and blistering solos that left jaws on the floor. But beyond his technical prowess, his music was imbued with a sense of joy and passion that was infectious. It was palpable that he was having as much fun on stage as the audience was in the crowd.
As the concert drew to a close, Gales thanked the audience for their support and promised to return to Nashville soon. The crowd roared their approval, and it was clear that this was a concert that would be remembered for years to come. With “Crown,” Eric Gales has once again proved himself to be a master of his craft, and a true force to be reckoned with in the world of blues-rock.
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