Any musician from any genre will tell you that the key to success is to have your own voice and a story to tell. And while he may be a C&W singer from the Texas/Louisiana side of life, Trace Adkins has as personal a tone with his instrument as tenor saxist Ben Webster, and he swings just as hard.
Teamed with his two guitar front line of Brian Wooten (could I please borrow your Tele for a week?) and Brent Wilson and a rhythm team of drummer John Spittle, bassist Luis Espaillat and keyboardist Brent McCollough, Adkins used his La Brea Tar Pit thick of a voice in a rich assortment of packages during the 80 minute concert. With twin axes swirling out more licks than a Tootsie Roll Pop, Adkins could dig deep on slow boogie pieces like a sultry “I Left Something Turned On At Home” and the swaggering stomper of “Dangerous Man.” His relaxed cadence came off like a truck driver who just picked you up on Highway 10 on tunes right from the VFW as he’d tell family stories as on “Just Fishin’” a reflection of a ramblin’ heart on “There’s A Girl In Texas” and a personal portrait of on “You’re Gonna Miss This.”
With guitar strapped on, pieces such as the honky tonker with humor “Marry For Money “ and bluesy back beater “Big Time” had his voice create a sorghum richness of harmonies with the rest of the band mates, while his tribute to America on “Still A Soldier” featured McCollough’s rich keys to the fist pumping salute to the simple things in life.
The ease with which Adkins could switch from a heartfelt patriot to juke jointing vocalist to a countrified version of Barry White was remarkable, and he makes it easy for the listening crowd to identify with some part of his journey. Even on the part hearty “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” or closing take of Gregg Allman’s “I’m No Angel,” Adkins displays a man who is comfortable in his own skin, and in the forgiveness of his own sins.
Upcoming shows at the Chumash Casino include Big and Rich 08/23, Gladys Knight 09/06, Frankie Valli 10/11, Johnny Mathis 10/18