Shawn McDonald
In Concert at the Cup ‘O Joy
Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Friday, April 26, 2013
A full band added a new and exciting
dimension to Shawn often-toured solo efforts. With a full and permanent band the sound was more dynamic than previous solo efforts. The band
was tight displaying an occasional riff and change in cadence.
On a number of songs McDonald soloed, singing without the benefit of playing guitar. This change allowed his focus to be on his vocals producing an emotional spike. With greater emotion and focus, his vocals became more soulful and pure.
On a number of songs McDonald soloed, singing without the benefit of playing guitar. This change allowed his focus to be on his vocals producing an emotional spike. With greater emotion and focus, his vocals became more soulful and pure.
The set included:
- “Better Way” with McDonald
soloing on vocals and the band highlighting a rap break in melody.
- “Eyes Forward” with great vocals
and tight accompaniment.
- “Gravity”, here McDonald
shared his story of writing the song in his college apartment, playing and
perfecting the melody in the wee hours of the morning while having his
next door neighbor rapping on the wall and commenting ‘Dude I like that
song’!
- “Burning”, a new tune with
the band giving a rocky, acoustic performance while McDonald sang solo.
This is a song of faith and love with, ‘fire burning within my chest, and
my heart will never rest’.
- “Mystery”, McDonald shared
the story of writing this song while looking for inspiration sitting on a
Pacific beach in Washington state and writing the song inspired by place
and times. This tune displayed great harmony on refrain with good backing
guitar.
- “Captivated” showed how tight
the band has become with a rocking version of this hit.
- “Faithful” gave tight harmony
with a country / folk sound.
- “All I Need”, heartfelt
and solid.
- “Through It All”,
performed for the first time live.
- “Beautiful”, a shining
example of McDonalds ability to perform a song with high emotion.
- “Learning How To Lose”,
co-written by McDonald along with Brian and Tofer Brown is a song not yet
available on McDonald’s LPs.
- “What Are You Waiting For”,
another new song.
- “Rise”, a great live
rendition.
- “Closer”, performed as a slightly rockier version.
The night was highly personable due to the Cup Of Joy’s
seating allowing the audience to be physically close to the performers. In each
of the two sets McDonald and his band entertained as though you might be
sitting at home on your couch with the band performing only for you and your
family. While the Cup is well known for bringing the performer and the audience
close, it is McDonald’s quiet energy and personable closeness which makes his
concerts more memorable than most. Certainly, this was true on this night.
Scott S Mertens
4 Tocks
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