A near sold out show on a Thursday night in West Columbia, South Carolina is a rare thing. A 22 year old armed only with his guitar doing this is even rarer. But, we’re not talking about any 22 year old, we’re talking about Colter Wall, who’s voice recalls the great baritones of country and western music. Think Johnny Cash. In fact, a friend of mine at the show even stated, “It’s a wonder he didn’t wind up in some Johnny Cash cover band roaming around Canada.†Thank the good lord that didn’t happen because Mr. Wall can write a damn fine song and finger pick with the best of them and both of those were on display on this night.
He started the evening off with “Thirteen Silver Dollars†and played through songs from his most recent Dave Cobb produced effort along with some new tunes and even a raucous cover of “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother†by Ray Wylie Hubbard. He had the mostly young crowd in the hip pocket of his tight jeans at the beginning of the set, but as it went on the people got rowdier and talked throughout the set but never loud enough to drown out Wall. He held the room’s attention throughout the hour or so performance then scuttled off stage to his army green school bus.
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.