Sturgill Simpson raises bar with First Avenue performance

At some point this evening I might fall right off this fuckin’ stage.

Sturgill Simpson’s 2016 release A Sailor’s Guide to Earth has brought him a lot of new fans. His show at First Avenue in Minneapolis sold out in minutes, and the roots rocker from Kentucky did not disappoint the capacity crowd, playing one of the most amazing performances I’ve seen all year.

With a mash of rebel-country, rock, and New Orleans styled brass, Sturgill Simpson has something for everyone. The uniqueness of the music, along with Simpson’s comforting drawl, made for a concert that both rocked hard and hit home at the heart. The two hour set showcased Simpson’s three albums of material nearly in chronological order while mixing several cover tunes in along the way. Highlights of the night were the upbeat “Railroad of Sin“, the swinging and jammed out “Life Aint Fair & the World is Mean”, and the big single from A Sailor’s Guide to Earth “Brace For Impact (Live A Little)“.

To end the night, Sturgill Simpson and his fantastic band absolutely rocked out “Call To Arms” from A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. By this time First Avenue was steaming and the crowd had gotten more than they bargained for. But the band cranked it into another gear, extending the tune with a huge jam that had the horn section and electric guitars squealing, and the capacity crowd dancing along. When it was over the band put down their instruments and waived good-bye. A mic drop in essence — no encore, no bullshit, their work was done. What a stellar performance.

Sturgill Simpson at First Avenue