Alabama Shakes Bring Soul, Sweat, and Salvation to a Spellbound Night at The BayCare Sound
Photographer: Christian Santana
A humid Florida evening turned transcendent as Lamont Landers set the tone before Alabama Shakes. From the ambient hum of cicadas to incense curling into the night air, the stagecraft blurred ritualistically.
Alabama Shakes
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Alabama Shakes ✰
The double-whammy of southern soul-rock/R&B delivered by opener Lamont Landers supporting a transformative experience by frontwoman Brittany Howard’s band Alabama Shakes was a night at the ~2 year old venue, Clearwater, Florida’s The BayCare Sound, not to be missed.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd gave an expectant cheer, the amphitheater filled with the sounds of northern Alabama cicadas and crickets, this piped in chirping and droning intended to match the mood of the South in the late springtime. The gulf breeze was luckily still blowing this time of year which kept the oppressive humidity at bay. A few short minutes passed and from the photo pit, off to the side of the stage I saw a flame flicker and light some incense which completed the vibe aimed at being curated; now it’s finally time for Alabama Shakes to take stage.
This touring run isn’t attached to an album release or anniversary, as last year’s commemoration of 10 years since the band’s Grammy Award-winning Sound & Color was. This one was for the die-hards that show up to see their favorite artist anytime they come through town. The fans were treated to a wide swath of tracks from the band’s discography, ranging from 2009’s Boys & Girls all the way to the present day, including an as yet unreleased track, “Time.”
As the band tore through fan favorites, the energy flowed and on multiple occasions in between songs Brittany Howard took a moment to express her gratitude to the fans for giving back to her what Alabama Shakes was giving us; good vibes and positivity, hopefulness for humankind, and most of all, love.
The final track of the main set had the crowd roar belting “Give me all your love” at the top of their lungs right along with the band. Alabama Shakes truly gave Clearwater all they got.
Article by: Christian Santana
Plug In. Tune Out.
Alabama Shakes carry an aesthetic that is like sunlit Southern soul. Very warm, worn-in, and unapologetically raw. Their sound fuses blues, rock, and gospel into something gritty yet uplifting. Driven by Brittany Howard’s powerhouse, raspy vocals. The imagery leans earthy and human. Dusty roads, resilience, and quiet triumph. Their music is the feeling of finding strength through struggle.