I have seen a Whiskey Myers live show at least once a year, if not more since 2013. It's been in dive bars with 20 other people to seeing their first show at Red Rocks. The point is, I've come to know what to expect from them. Until they announced this run of stripped down shows. This was Whiskey Myers like I have never seen them before outside of the one or two songs Cody Cannon would play during sets.
Aaron Raitiere and Adam Hood kicked off the night playing a writer's round type set. Aaron's storytelling reminded me of stories that I used to hear from the retiree table at my local greasy spoon. Honestly, I loved every minute of it. I hadn't heard of him until last night. He has a new fan. And, Adam Hood really needs no introduction. He's an Alabama legend. If you don't know him, you better get on it.
Whiskey Myers took the stage to a thunderous applause. I refuse to spoil the entire set list out of respect to them. They've kept details quiet about this concept so if you want to know it, go see a show or watch the livestream from The Caverns. However, I'll tell you a few highlights from an unforgettable night.
Cody Cannon opened up with the line of, "Y'all don't be mad if we fuck this up." But, when the harmonica struck on "Broken Window Serenade", the crowd went absolutely nuts. Little did we know that our jaws would soon be on the floor. The acoustic arrangement for the song brought a whole different tone to the song. Almost more fitting for it's story if you ask me. It was dark, well paced and I won't lie. I cried. It was at this moment that I knew we were in for something special.
They also rearranged "Bar, Guitar and a Honky Tonk Crowd". I couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole song. I remember looking at my wife and saying, "They have officially leveled up." This was artistry at it's finest. You didn't hear much from "Firewater" during this set, and honestly I was totally cool with it.
They played several deep cuts from "Whiskey Myers", which was their first self produced album. I've been criticized by my friend group for saying I prefer it over earlier projects. As a fan, I saw this as Whiskey Myers finally showing us who they really are on an album. So, hearing those deep cuts you wouldn't typically hear at a show had me on cloud nine.
Cody Cannon reminded me once again why he's one of my favorite vocalists. Bless his heart, you could tell he wanted to jump off his stool and move around stage like he normally does. Cody Tate and John Jeffers proved song by song that they are two of the baddest men on any form of stringed instrument on this planet. Jeff Hogg doesn't have to be flashy on the drums for you to know that he's one of the smoothest drummers in the business. Jamey Gleaves is a whole vibe on bass, while making it look effortless. Then, there's Tony Kent bringing the energy like he always has.
You heard some crowd favorites, deep cuts and even some covers from bands they love. But more importantly, you saw Whiskey Myers like you have never seen them before. Looking back at the band that I first saw in a fraternity house in Tuscaloosa to the one I saw last night; I can safely say that Whiskey Myers leveled up with this set. They proved they can still command a crowd without electric guitars and moving around the stage. Each song had our attention and each song was followed by the same thunderous applause they walked out to.
I hate ranking their shows that I've been to, because I'm starting to lose count and there's always something that I love from each show. But if I did, this one is right next to Red Rocks. I felt a maturity coming from this show that I haven't seen before and I had so much respect for it. And no, Mr. Cannon. Y'all did not fuck it up. You guys gave us a memorable performance and proved why I'll always go to war for Whiskey Myers.
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