Ryan Bingham brought his own blend of country blues Americana to a sold-out Park West in Chicago for a night to remember.
There’s no better way to welcome the weekend than rounding off the work week with a night of live music to help blow the stresses away. With Park West packed to capacity with nearly any space to move, the excitement and anticipation were growing as the age fans awaited Ryan Bingham arrival onto the stage. When the Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy winner did make an appearance, he didn’t waste any time getting things started as he, accompanied by his ample-sized band, kicked the night off with “Nothin’ Holds Me Back.”
Bingham’s latest album, his sixth studio release, American Love Song, just came out in February so it’s not surprising that the majority of the setlist concentrated on songs from it. They may have been relatively new songs, but that didn’t stop or deter the audience from singing along and being fully engaged throughout the show. Right from the get-go, Bingham encouraged as much foot-stomping and hand-clapping as possible, and you couldn’t help but oblige.
It was an impressive lineup on the stage accompanying Bingham. As the backing vocalists were grooving away towards the rear of the stage, guitarist Jesse Dayton often looked completely lost in the music as he let rip. Richard Bowden added an extra dimension to the sound as well as bringing the energy as he played the fiddle, garnering rapturous applause throughout the night.
From the moment he took to the stage, you can see how Bingham has gathered such a loyal and big following. This was an electric show that held everyone’s attention all night long. Bingham’s ear-to-ear grin was reciprocated throughout the room as people on all levels of the venue strained to catch a glimpse from the crowded audience.
American Love Song is Bingham’s most personal and politically charged album to date which could be heard and felt in the highly charged lyrics without feeling like there was an agenda. He’s not one to be pigeon-holed, blending the lines between the different musical genres. All in all, it led to an extremely fun and enjoyable evening had by all.
In 2018, he performed two nights at Chicago’s City Winery. This time he sold out Park West, with many still begging for spare tickets so that they could attend. Don’t get too used to seeing him in these more intimate surroundings, as surely next time around his shows will be in even bigger venues to accommodate the ever-growing fanbase.
There are a few dates left on this current tour, so get yourself along. You’ll be sure to have a fun night.
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