It’s easy as a spectator to not comprehend just how much blood, sweat, and tears go into an album. Especially that of a blue-collar, independent artist. So when the time comes for it to be thrust into the world, it’s a big deal.
Such is the case with North Carolina singer-songwriter Keturah Allgood, who delivered a performance of power, passion, and perseverance for her album release show this past Friday at the NashHouse Southern Spoon & Saloon.
The new album, Shine, is set to drop this Friday August 25th via Charlotte Avenue Entertainment. It is Allgood’s first full-length album.
Being a weekend night just outside of the primary Broadway bubble, the place had plenty of eager patrons looking to satiate their bellies and wet their whistles to the backdrop of live music. After all, that’s pretty much the modus operandi when in town.
While delicious plates of brisket and burgers whizzed by and trays of bubbling golden ales found their respective tables, the room was primed for a good time, and Allgood and company brought it all together.
Entertaining the fluctuating crowds, Allgood and her band rifled through the track list of the album, which features a range from soulful acoustic pop-rockers, to slow n’ tender (like the brisket) ballads. Her band lifted her sound and songs to new heights, and consisted of Bradford Carson (electric guitar), Tucker Vaeth (keys), Dave Abado (upright bass), and Wayne Killius (drums). But her booming, soulful vocals and tender (like the brisket) lyrics were the showstoppers.
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your dreams,” she declares on the album’s first single, “Sing Baby Sing,” the song that defines the direction of the album overall. It was this track she gave a heartfelt monologue prior about casting aside anybody else’s doubt, and following your heart and your dreams. This would give her arguably the biggest round of applause throughout the establishment.
The crowd soaked in the vibrant songwriting Allgood shared throughout the night, and likely touched more than a few people under the roof of the NashHouse Spoon and Saloon. From an onlooker’s perspective, it seemed like a successful album release celebration.
Born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Allgood draws on her myriad of life experiences for inspiration, which are exemplified in Shine. The album is not only uplifting and anthemic, but also part of a musical mantra that she shares from her own personal perspective.
Allgood gently taps into the heart and soul of our shared existence, believing that music has the power to bring us together, reminding us that love, kindness and compassion always ‘shine’ through the darkness of these often trying times.
NashHouse Southern Spoon and Saloon got a good taste of the burgeoning Tarheel songstress and her upcoming album, and on Friday August 25th, so will her fans.
