The Jamie McLean Band Nourishes Our Souls at Neighborhood Theatre
There’s something inherently special about music and the power it has. Nothing else can move us quite like listening to our favorite band. Music allows humans to experience every emotion under the sun from pure bliss to incredible despair as we cry, laugh, sing to the heavens, and dance our problems away. Last Saturday night, those of us in need of this spiritual fix, only had to look as far as the Neighborhood Theatre. You see, the perfect band to heal our very souls happen to be in town, the Jamie McLean Band.
If you’re not familiar with Jamie and his music, do yourself a favor and check him out. The talented singer/songwriter truly defies genres, running the gamut from rock and roll to Americana and a little of everything in between. On this night he would have us shaking our tailfeathers on the dance floor to the sounds of “Give My Life To Rock and Roll” and dreaming of life in the Mississippi Delta with the blues of “Bring It On Home To Me.” In fact, the blues runs deep through Jamie’s veins as he had the Charlotte Blues Society set up with an information table in the back of the venue.
Jamie is a natural on stage, allowing the music to speak for him. In fact, his last visit to the Queen City was back before the pandemic when he was in town with Marc Broussard, who just happens to be a guest performer on Jamie’s latest album New Orleans Sessions. The audience seemed to be having the best time which is really what it’s all about. One of the highlights of the evening was getting to hear the latest single “Spirit” live and it did not disappoint.
One of the best things about Jamie McLean is the timelessness of the music and its universal appeal. His music speaks to the heart and whether you’re a fan of country, soul, or good old-fashioned rock and roll, there’s something here for everyone. In today’s age of massive arena shows with pyrotechnic displays and more marketing than a giant corporation, it was very nice to see an artist who just loved to sing and play his guitar for the pure and simple joy of making music. It was a blessing to witness and it certainly did brighten my soul. I was singing “Love The One You’re With” all the way back to my car.
