It was a fairly gloomy night in Minneapolis on Friday, there was a slight chill to air beneath the cloudy skies. The line for the sold-out Sierra Ferrell show branched out along 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis. Folks donned in cowboy hats and boots strutted down the urban sidewalks to join the ever growing line outside of the legendary music club First Avenue. Three years ago a number of us could have been here as well, albeit on a smaller scale. Ferrell was slated to perform at The Entry back in 2021 just as the country’s stages began to reawaken from its pandemic isolation. However, the demand was too great and that concert was moved to the larger Fine Line that is situated just a few blocks north on the same avenue that the club’s moniker is taken from. Back then I fully expected Ferrell to be headlining the mainroom shortly thereafter and that time has come.
The warm-up act was Cat Clyde and the warmth was quickly felt as the singer-songwriter from Stratford, Ontario spread waves of light and love upon the audience that was quickly growing in size. Clyde’s knack for storytelling was evident and the audience hung onto the words sung along with the guitar notes that cascaded across the venue.
A few songs into the 40 minute set we were told of the love affair that Clyde has with the moon. Often going out most nights to bask in its glow and enjoy the nature that is shimmering in the moonlight. As “The Gloom” progressed through the stanzas we were taken out of the gloom and into the night as this ode to the moon brought a calmness with a bit of mystery. The way that Clyde draws out the word moon in the phrase “I fell in love with the moon” is one that recalls a wolf howling under the moonlight.
As Clyde’s setlist was nearing the conclusion an exclamation of thanks was shared as Clyde said, “I appreciate you all very much. It’s been a beautiful evening and I’m grateful to be here”. There was an affectionate roar of applause from the audience as the opening set had come to an end.
Clyde’s latest album, Down Rounder, is a vibrant and lush recording offering a rich sound. It was fascinating to hear those songs after they were presented in a stripped down fashion with just the singer-songwriter and a guitar as they were on Friday night.
There is a warm familiarity to these songs when they are being recreated in unison by a batch of talented musicians. It’s intriguing to hear these songs live as they take on a life of their own as the slight deviations bring added charm to her songs. Predominantly it’s the way Ferrell modifies the melodies while giving them a jovial and playful alteration. The utilization of an electric guitar certainly brought some rockier edge to some of the songs which was well suited for the festive atmosphere. This change-up especially stood out with the guitar solo as handled by Oliver Craven in “Far Away Across the Sea”. People were belting out the lyrics together and staring at their friends or lovers while they sang along. People moved across the floor to grab a drink at the bar but it was more of a shuffle as they danced their way through the packed room. The venue was heating up like a honkey-tonk on Broadway in Nashville on a summer night. Couples with hands clasped danced while others were simply twirling in circles in the dark corner as the fabric of their dresses flung out. They had no view of the stage but despite this they were having a delightful evening as the music was still able to reach them and they were compelled to move to the groove.
Throughout her 95 minute set, Ferrell shared lighthearted commentary that brought the kinship up a notch with the attendees in the room. All the warm bodies that were packed into the mainroom did induce a steamy environment which led her to state,“Glad I decided not to wear pants, it’s warm in here”. While seeking out some audience participation for the song “At the End of the Rainbow”, she belted out a line from a 1983 by Dio, “like a rainbow in the dark!” After losing balance she quipped that she is “graceful like a sack of potatoes.” Lastly, on a more serious note she talked of walking up in the morning with more gratitude, to be filled with confidence and spending more time with family and friends. These were her opening remarks before performing “American Dreaming” which serves as an excellent opening track to the new album. Indeed, we all should take heed and follow Ferrell’s advice and shoot for the moon. Perhaps it’s just circumstance that there have been so many lunar nods to this evening but calling this the “Shoot for the Moon” tour has been quite fitting. Many were left spellbound by Ferrell’s display of her musical aptitude and the craft that she has honed in on over the years. Ferrell harnesses the aura of old-time genres with a blend of something fresh yet timeless. I once again find myself eagerly awaiting the next chance to catch her charismatic persona live. Despite the relatively new album, Trail of Flowers, I am excited to see what she’ll come up with next and what stage she will grace upon her return. From the train-hopping and busking days across various cities throughout the country to hitting the locals spots such as Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Fine Line and now First Avenue, her ascent continues to climb. Perhaps the Palace in Saint Paul awaits this budding queen of Americana when she passes through these parts once again. Regardless where it is, I plan to be counted among the masses in her ever growing fan base.
Perhaps it’s just circumstance that there have been so many lunar nods to this evening but calling this the “Shoot for the Moon” tour has been quite fitting. Many were left spellbound by Ferrell’s display of her musical aptitude and the craft that she has honed in on over the years. Ferrell harnesses the aura of old-time genres with a blend of something fresh yet timeless. I once again find myself eagerly awaiting the next chance to catch her charismatic persona live. Despite the relatively new album, I am excited to see what she’ll come up with next and what stage she will grace upon her return. From the train-hopping and busking days across various cities throughout the country to hitting the locals spots such as Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Fine Line and now First Avenue, her ascent continues to climb. Perhaps the Palace in Saint Paul awaits this budding queen of Americana when she passes through these parts once again. Regardless where it is, I plan to be counted among the masses in her ever growing fan base.
