David Shaw, front man for The Revivalists on a December solo tour played the World Café Live in Philadelphia to a packed (safety measures in place) crowd of adoring fans on Wednesday 12/15/21. and of course, did not disappoint.
The appetizer of the night was the opening band The Ries Brothers from Tampa, Fl. with their own brand of funkadelic-hard-rock-blues-reggae style of music. This duo was incredible with brother Charlie playing drums, keyboard, bass, and vocals from his command post-stage left. To his right shirtless brother, Kevin is a multi-talented musician and lead guitarist.
Having toured nationally twice and opening for the legendary Chicago, these brothers have the talent to pursue any dream they have. Check out their video “Don’t Want To Be Late”
While I was changing lenses during this intriguing 45-minute set, Kevin was going off on a solo that sounded like Jimmy Page was playing the Royal Albert Hall. There were hints of Hendrix, The Beatles, Doors, Aerosmith the Stones, and a little Hip Hop, I just froze enjoying the vibe this band eludes. Charlie’s vocals are buttery smooth and easy on the ears, almost dreamy sounding but the boy can rap as well. Keep an eye on these brothers, they are going places.
Fronting the Revivalists for over 14 years we were excited to see David Shaw perform the new album in front of a live audience, we were all glad to see a live show and felt a degree of safety having to prove vaccination status and masks on the way into the show.
David Shaw’s new album has rock, country, and soul influences was released May 2021 on Yokoko Records.
David didn’t slow down during the shutdown but instead continued to release weekly live streaming concerts and gel with this fabulous band he has created and now, unleashed, bringing it all live.
We had a mixed crowd varying in ages, enthusiastic and sporting apparel from Cowboy boots to AC/DC T’s, posters that hoped to be signed, and flowers to chuck up on stage to show their appreciation.
As the house lights dimmed David Shaw took the stage with confidence and charisma and a stage presence only a seasoned musician can command. He played his debut album released in May along with hits like “Shaken”, “Shivers”, “Got me feeling Good”, “Heavy Soul” and “Promised Land”. Watching David perform is very relaxing and invigorating at the same time, he has an easy way about his musical performance and rich lyrics. Who can’t resist slapping your knee and tapping your foot to “Shaken” which is a kick-ass song.
Shaw is also involved with the Revivalists in the creation of a charity called Rev Causes who support
Mental illness, Uptown Arts, Everytown For Gun Safety, Songs for Kids, and more. He also donated proceeds from shows for local foundations in need.
David proves that vocally he can get crooning and low and then let it rip on “Bad Side” as the band carries the melody. The songs flowed as the custom-tailored setlist kept the momentum going as David feeds off the crowd’s energy.
Who knows what the future holds concerning live music as we knew it, lets soak it all up now.
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