In addition to fronting the rock and roll collective that is The Revivalists for almost two decades, David Shaw has recently added to his solo catalog with 2024’s Take a Look Inside. Since last October, Shaw has been touring the US, refining his art with compelling performances for his fans at each show. This past Saturday on March 1st, Shaw delighted a packed Brighton Music Hall with choice selections from his solo albums and a poignant cover from a beloved musical muse. His stop in Boston was a masterclass in modern soul-infused rock, a captivating journey through his solo work showcasing his vocal prowess and deeply personal songwriting.
The energy was palpable from the moment he stepped onto the stage, a tangible connection between the artist and the audience. The opening salvo of “One More Day” immediately set the tone, an electric charge that vibrated through the venue. Shaw’s voice, rich and resonant, filled the space, delivering the song’s hopeful message with a raw, almost urgent intensity. Early highlights included “When You Love Somebody,” a soulful anthem that resonated with the crowd. Shaw’s ability to convey vulnerability and passion in his delivery was striking, drawing listeners into the song’s emotional core. The title track, “Take a Look Inside,” was a compelling exploration of introspection and self-discovery.
The song’s layered instrumentation and Shaw’s nuanced vocals created a captivating sonic landscape, hinting at the depth and complexity of the new album. With “When You Love Somebody”, Shaw divulged plenty of personal insight to personal history, discussing his marital struggles and entering couple therapy, which he alluded to being great for his marriage. He then cited “Take a Look Inside” as a song about “couples therapy for yourself”. These opening numbers demonstrated the breadth of Shaw’s musical palette, seamlessly blending elements of rock, soul, and blues.
A compelling moment arrived before “Stay With Me,” a song that built from a tender, intimate beginning to a soaring, anthemic crescendo. Shaw sat on the subwoofer, inches from his faithful fans against the stage barrier’s rail. The audience was swept up in the emotional current, singing along with every word. Shaw’s stage presence was magnetic, his connection with the crowd genuine and heartfelt. Following this powerful performance, the band seamlessly transitioned into the next song. Shaw paid homage to one of his musical heroes, the late David Bowie, with a whimsical rendition of “Heroes”. The cover of “Heroes” was a revelation, a testament to Shaw’s vocal range and ability to interpret a classic song with his unique style. He imbued the performance with reverence and passion, capturing the song’s timeless message of hope and resilience. It was a deeply moving moment, a shared experience that resonated profoundly with the audience. The respect for Bowie, a massive influence on Shaw, was felt throughout the room. Shaw offered, “We chose to do that song because I believe that the song is about love, and love needs a champion.”
The momentum continued with “Arms of the River”. Unexpectedly, Shaw announced that they were “calling an audible” within the planned setlist to play “Alabama,” which was dedicated to the band’s sound engineer’s mother, Valerie – who also attended the show. Shaw dove deep to explain how lucky he was to have Grammy-winning mixing and Recording Engineer Mack Major at the helm for this tour. Many in the crowd shouted Valerie’s name in celebration. “I Can Hear You” showcased Shaw’s soulful falsetto and the band’s dynamic interplay. “Shaken” then closed out the initial set, a high-energy rocker that left the audience buzzing with anticipation for more. The band’s performance was flawless, a testament to their chemistry with Shaw. The lighting complemented the music perfectly, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
The encore was a triumphant celebration of Shaw’s music, a reward for the enthusiastic crowd that had stayed with him throughout the night. Shaw performed “Come Back Home”, a fan favorite, solo with his acoustic guitar. The audience sang along with the first note. Shaw thanked the audience once more and exclaimed, “You guys have truly been so good to the over the years.” The energy in the room then reached a fever pitch with “Soulfight”, a rousing anthem that showcased Shaw’s raw power and the band’s driving rhythm section. The night culminated with “Got Me Feeling Good,” a joyous and uplifting finale that left the audience with a sense of pure exhilaration.
