Chales Kelley Live Review
A brown oversized suit. An intimate crowd surrounding the stage. A smattering of cowboy boots tapping along. The artist on stage playing 80s music? It could only be Charles Kelley, lead singer of Lady A, performing at The Tabernacle just outside Notting Hill.
Kelley's latest album was something the country legend needed to get off his chest. Before making waves as part of one of country music's most iconic trios, he grew up singing covers of hitmakers Bryan Adams and Phil Collins.
"Songs For A New Moon" felt like an ode to these artists and this one off London gig was an opportunity for him to play those songs for an appreciative crowd. Kelley openly admitted he was nervous, despite opening for John Mayer just recently in Nashville and being the star he is. Those nerves were nowhere in sight as he kicked off with "Driving and Listening To Music", you could tell that the renowned front man was a seasoned professional. Effortlessly gliding round the stage, the Lady A singer loved a bit of air guitar, dancing with his band. Kelley was also quick to promise that the crowd wouldn't be left wanting for some of his more well known Lady A hits, but it didn't actually seem like the fans were there to hear them.
"Run To You" and "Need You Now" were both appreciated by fans, but the core group of listeners at the gig felt like people that really just wanted to vibe with passion for the 80s. And that passion was so clear - Kelley looked so happy on stage, talking glowingly about his wife, his kids, and his sobriety journey. Even if you didn't know every Charles Kelley song, it never felt like it mattered, as you just got to watch a masterful performance on stage.
Top 10 hit "Can't Lose You" got people dancing again and new collaboration with long term friend Maren Morris, "Can't Be Alone tonight" was accompanied by a wonderful story about their friendship, and how Maren Morris opened for Kelley on a show nearly 10 years ago. On a personal note, the number one reason I attended the gig, was to hear one of my favourite songs of all time "The Driver". His most listened to song on Spotify, the song was on Kelley's first solo album, 10 years ago this year, and showcases his unique vocal range to the fullest and it lived up to everything I'd hoped. As he rounded out the night, he left fans with a promise - he would be back in the studio with Lady A soon, and back over here to perform with them as well.
Kelley's latest album was something the country legend needed to get off his chest. Before making waves as part of one of country music's most iconic trios, he grew up singing covers of hitmakers Bryan Adams and Phil Collins.
"Songs For A New Moon" felt like an ode to these artists and this one off London gig was an opportunity for him to play those songs for an appreciative crowd. Kelley openly admitted he was nervous, despite opening for John Mayer just recently in Nashville and being the star he is. Those nerves were nowhere in sight as he kicked off with "Driving and Listening To Music", you could tell that the renowned front man was a seasoned professional. Effortlessly gliding round the stage, the Lady A singer loved a bit of air guitar, dancing with his band. Kelley was also quick to promise that the crowd wouldn't be left wanting for some of his more well known Lady A hits, but it didn't actually seem like the fans were there to hear them.
"Run To You" and "Need You Now" were both appreciated by fans, but the core group of listeners at the gig felt like people that really just wanted to vibe with passion for the 80s. And that passion was so clear - Kelley looked so happy on stage, talking glowingly about his wife, his kids, and his sobriety journey. Even if you didn't know every Charles Kelley song, it never felt like it mattered, as you just got to watch a masterful performance on stage.
Top 10 hit "Can't Lose You" got people dancing again and new collaboration with long term friend Maren Morris, "Can't Be Alone tonight" was accompanied by a wonderful story about their friendship, and how Maren Morris opened for Kelley on a show nearly 10 years ago. On a personal note, the number one reason I attended the gig, was to hear one of my favourite songs of all time "The Driver". His most listened to song on Spotify, the song was on Kelley's first solo album, 10 years ago this year, and showcases his unique vocal range to the fullest and it lived up to everything I'd hoped. As he rounded out the night, he left fans with a promise - he would be back in the studio with Lady A soon, and back over here to perform with them as well.
