Ward Davis… man, this dude is good. If you don’t know him, you’re sure as shit going to want to check him out.
His songwriting and performance style is rooted so deeply in preserving the country music greats that have come before him.
Last night, he finally had the opportunity to headline the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. When the show was announced, he was so honored to be asked to headline the original Opry house.
The man is so humble, but with talent like this… he should not be.
When I wake up in the morning I’m not just Ward Davis. I’m The Ward Davis who is headlining @theryman on Aug 20. I still put my pants on one leg at a time. Or do I?
— Ward Davis (@warddavismusic) April 30, 2022
I was stoked to wake up and see clips posted from last night.
I was heartbroken I could not make it back to Music City for the debut, so I am thankful for the fans who let me witness parts of this fantastic performance.
“Another Bad Apple”
The crowd is absolutely electric. You can hear it in the belting of each lyric; they are just as excited as Davis to be there. I am sure listening to the crowd’s rumble of clapping and cheering was also euphoric for Davis.
His talent live left me speechless. He sounds just as good as he does on a studio album. His songwriting is clever, beautiful, and simple. He is just all-around a damn good musician.
“Will The Circle Be Unbroken”
The two standout songs from the night from the videos I watched were “I’m Not The Devil” and “15 Years In a Ten Year Town.”
During “I’m Not The Devil,” Davis accompanies himself on piano, belting out the lyrics. The band is backing him up perfectly to let the lyrics shine.
“Ain’t no excuse, I’m just a man
I slipped and I fell, and it got out of hand
I’m not the devil you think that I am…”
“I’m Not The Devil”
“15 Years In A 10 Year Town” truly gave me chills, but the crowd makes this song. They go absolutely wild at the end, thumping on the backs of the church pew seating.
I am also slightly biased toward this song because it is my all-time favorite from Davis. It gets me every time.
“15 Years In A 10 Year Town”
Congrats on a phenomenal Ryman debut, Ward Davis….you deserve this one so much.
“Threads”
And remember, Charles Wesley Godwin and Josh Meloy opened the show… what a lineup.