Anderson East Ignites a Fire at Mercury Lounge

Hot off the release of his album Delilah, on producer Dave Cobb’s first release on his new imprint, Anderson East’s performance at the Mercury Lounge in July was full of vim and vigor. Though to be honest, East’s normal performance mode is already so fiery the set show is framed by his friend and guitarist Scotty Murray’s wild preaching.

East was in New York City from Nashville for his, at least, fourth time this year in the build up to Delilah and at this headlining tour stop, Icelandic band Kaleo opened for him. Kaleo don’t perform the typical moody or ethereal music that often comes from the island nation; their music is more folksy and Americana-esque which served as a perfect warm up for the rowdy performance that was to come. Kaleo’s actual set ended up shorter than what was written on the setlist in front of them but I was left curious enough to check them out again (the song “All the Pretty Girls” is a particular standout).

When it was finally time for East, after the ebullient Murray’s sermon, he really stoked a fire and kept the sold-out crowd in his warm embrace for his entire set. His backing band included a keyboard player, a drummer, two backup-singers and two horn players. East demonstrated great rapport with them all as he approached them often during his performance. He also got particularly close to his microphone stand at one point and occasionally came to the edge of the stage to sing closer to his fans. While I’m still waiting to see him perform slower cuts like “Lying in your Arms”, I know those would only cool down the mood unnecessarily. East’s distinct, barrel-aged voice is wholly memorable and fits perfectly with his soulful, rooted Americana. And the crowd lit up as they danced along to each taut tune, including a cover of Muscle Shoals artist George Jackson’s “Find ‘Em, Fool ‘Em and Forget ‘Em” that East so rightly does it could be his own. Given the whole of Delilah is a strong album, it is hard to pick a live favorite, but “Quit You” and “Satisfy Me” received some of the greatest responses particularly as the latter was near the end of his set. East’s raspy edge brings attention to his cries for needing “more, more, more” to satisfy him while the guitar licks and organ add to the throes he is feeling. Of course, the audience was left wanting “more” as well but it doesn’t seem like it will be long before East is back around again. Anderson East is on tour throughout the summer supporting artists like Brandi Carlile and The Lone Bellow. Check out tour dates below photos of his show at Mercury Lounge below.

Kaleo: