“Is there a truck driver here tonight?” it’s not a question you hear often at concerts in Manchester. But when Chris Stapleton pops the question, countless cheers erupt from a sea of cowboy hats. It is emblematic of the current popularity of the American country singer: he has collaborated with everyone from Taylor Swift to Adele, earns more monthly listeners on Spotify than the Eagles, Amy Winehouse or Dolly Parton, and has countless awards to his credit.
The Kentucky man has little desire to make a spectacle of himself. The scene is modest, almost familial, enhanced further by the presence of his wife and collaborator, Morgane Stapleton, by his side as they sing in complete intimacy. Joined by a group of five amazing musicians, opener White Horse – powerful, hard and catchy blues country about to explode on a freeway – immediately attests to the cohesion of their band.
Stapleton’s widespread appeal is immediately understood. Straddles the line between easy listening country, the kind that is out of diners and waffles, and old-school back-porch sipping whiskey songs, combine with modern pop flourishes, a brick of soul, and a pinch of contemporary America. Think I’m In Love With You has an unwavering, infectious groove, with a scratchy bassline that bounces over its almost country-disco beat, while Stapleton’s vocals flow perfectly over it. There’s a ZZ Top sheen to Parachute’s frantic beat, while Whiskey and You is a moment of stripped-back acoustic sweetness, and the big pop hooks of You Should Probably Leave are undeniable. As a singer, Stapleton is quite remarkable. He’s actually a soulful singer who often sounds more like Joe Cocker than a typical out-of-country guy — but his wide range shows he can easily do both. The audience is incredibly lively: the floor section stays on its feet for the duration of the concert, and the closing Tennessee Whiskey, followed by an encore of early Traveler favourites, sends them into a frenzy. Then the surprise army of Manchester cowboys parades through the rain-swept streets.
“Is there a truck driver here tonight?” it’s not a question you hear often at concerts in Manchester. But when Chris Stapleton pops the question, countless cheers break out in a sea of cowboy hats. It is emblematic of the current popularity of the American country singer: he has collaborated with everyone from Taylor Swift to Adele, accumulates more monthly listeners on Spotify than the Eagles, Amy Winehouse or Dolly Parton, and has countless awards to his credit.
The Kentucky native has little desire to make a show of himself. The scene is modest, almost familial, enhanced by the presence of his wife and collaborator, Morgane Stapleton, by his side as they sing in complete intimacy. Brought together by a stunning five-piece band, opener White Horse – a powerful, gritty and catchy country blues that’s about to explode as it cruises down a freeway – immediately tests the group’s cohesion.
We immediately understand Stapleton’s general appeal. Straddling the line between easy listening country, the kind you find in foods and waffle houses, and old fashioned whiskey songs combined with modern pop flowers, a touch of soul and a touch of modern Americana. Think I’m In Love With You has an unwavering, infectious groove, with a punchy bassline that bounces over its almost country-disco beat, while Stapleton’s vocals flow perfectly over it.
There’s a ZZ Top sheen to Parachute’s frantic beat, while Whiskey and You is a moment of stripped-back acoustic sweetness, and the big pop choruses of You Should Probably Leave are undeniable. As a singer, Stapleton is quite remarkable. He’s actually a soul singer who often sounds more like Joe Cocker than a typical country guy – but his wide range shows he can easily do both.
The crowd is incredibly upbeat: the floor section stays on their feet for the entire duration of the concert, and the closing Tennessee Whiskey, followed by a set of early favorites from Traveler, sends them into a frenzy. Then the surprise army of Manchester cowboys moved into the rain covered streets.
