Bringing a little Don Williams to Oklahoma.
Sturgill Simpson continues to prove why his live show is a must-see as the Why Not? Tour continues to charge across the country. For this being Sturgill Simpson’s return to the stage after a multi-year hiatus, the way he’s performing would lead fans to believe that he’s been on tour nonstop. He and the band are a well-oiled machine on stage.
Earlier this week, Sturgill Simpson lit the stage on fire before a sold-out crowd in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Throughout the tour thus far, Stu has taken some incredible classics to the stage, covering the hell out of them, such as “Purple Rain” by Prince and “L.A. Woman” by the Doors. Oklahoma City is no exception, and he laid down another stellar cover and tipped his hat to all the Okies in the room.
Although he wasn’t playing in Tulsa, he brought Don Williams’ “Tulsa Time” to the stage. This was the perfect song to bring to the stage, as the funky groove of the melody fits with his jam-session style of shows he’s been doing on the Why Not? Tour.
Written by Danny Flowers, “Tulsa Time” was recorded by Don Williams as the lead single from his 1978 album Expressions.
With the stage set to a moody blue light, the band fire up the bassline melody for the song, and Laur rips some slide licks, before Stu dives into the vocals. Stu puts some soul on his vocals as he mimics Williams’s choppy vocal delivery. He then draws out the notes during the chorus, letting it fly as his band jumps in, helping with the harmonies.
“Livin’ on Tulsa time
Livin’ on Tulsa time
Well, you know I’ve been through it
When I set my watch back to it
Livin’ on Tulsa time.”
I would not be opposed to this one being a permanent fixture on the setlist. It rocks. Period.
Few country artists, if any, are putting on shows of the same caliber as Sturgill Simpson right now. He’s on fire and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Of course, without the original, we couldn’t enjoy this cover. So fire up the original version from Don Williams while you’re here.