Young gun guitarist Quinn Sullivan announced from the stage on June 16, 2024 at the City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee that this was his first major headlining gig in his own name in Music City - and that it was a "really big moment" for him.
Quinn Sullivan and band take the stage in Music City.
Unfortunately for the talented singer/songwriter and six stringer - the timing might have worked against him just a bit as it was a Sunday night and Father's Day - so the crowd was not as deep as he probably would have liked.
Still, that didn't stop him from serving up a hot set of originals and covers on a steamy night at the start of a late spring heat wave in Davidson County.
Quinn was in town to support his latest record Salvation. The title track is a testament to his ability to blend the past with the present as the single subtly blends swirling tones of a B3 organ with the expressive cries of a wah-wah pedal that is both old-school yet modern. Lyrically the tune explores the transformative power of love. He opened his headlining set at the City Winery with that sizzling number followed by a flavorful "Strawberry Rain" and another new song the dynamic "Dark Love". Both featured fine, fluid fret work from the guitarist.
We have been following this gifted guitarist for more than half his life now.
Quinn's solid set featured lots of lavish leads. Highpoints included "Better In Love" where the guitar punctuated the prose of the piece while "Leave No Love Behind" had a bit of a Spanish flavor. Quinn has roots in the blues, so a number of his compositions touched upon the timeless topic of relationships. Yet, he brings a contemporary perhaps even pop flair to his muse.
Throughout the show Quinn played five different guitars for an array of textures and tones, while "She's Gone" and "Once Upon A Lie" among others revealed Sullivan's evolving, expressive vocal style. He also paid tribute to some of his influences with covers of "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad" (Derek and the Dominos) and "Eyesight to the Blind" (Sonny Boy Williamson). Quinn and his talented team concluded the night with "In a World Without You" showcasing more hot licks from Sullivan.
Sullivan - the guitarist and songwriter hailing from New Bedford, Massachusetts - is a young man now 24 years of age. But, he has had an axe in his hand for more than two decades after starting lessons at three. Within a few years he was performing with blues greats B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Sullivan dropped his first album at twelve. Now, Quinn has matured into a masterful player who is living up to all of that early promise and tutelage from those giants in the genre.
Sullivan delivered Salvation in June of 2024 to high marks and praise from the global music media.
What sets Sullivan apart from all of his contemporary blues rivals is his songcraft and ability to write punchy and cohesive radio friendly fare that is all finely accentuated by his formidable chops and not overshadowed by them.
Simply check out the uplifting and euphoric anthem "All Around The World" from 2021 to learn just what he is capable of. While this one was curiously left off the setlist in Nashville - it is these type of tracks that should find Quinn conquering this city's larger venues (think Ryman, Opry House and the soon to come online Pinnacle) in the not too distant future.
JB Strauss armed with an acoustic kicked off the night with what he described as a geographical journey. Strauss was raised in Georgia so a number of JB's tales took us to his home state. Since this gig was in Nashville it made sense to play "Worth a Whiskey" or wine he suggested since he was performing at the City Winery.
JB Strauss presented an authentic take on songs of the south at the City Winery.
We found out that this engaging artist recently released his first full length studio album Saints of the South which features the moody redemption song - "Ocmulgee Moon" and "Abilene" a catchy country song with a class rock feel - both played during his opening slot in Music City.
The City Winery in Nashville regularly hosts an array of artists such as Quinn Sullivan and JB Strauss. In addition to concerts, patrons can enjoy fine food paired with drinks before and during a show. Please visit their website for upcoming events including themed brunches and wine tastings.
A great song from his last album not played in Nashville!
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