We’ve kept a good eye on The Red Clay Strays since they went viral with their hit “Wondering Why.” Now three albums in, with their newest being Live At The Ryman, they’ve emerged as a Meanwhile in Music favorite. But it wasn’t until this past summer, when I had the opportunity to finally see them live, that I fully understood the true force that The Red Clay Strays are. It was this live performance that made me a forever fan of The Red Clay Strays and why their newest release, Live At The Ryman, is a must-listen.
The energy is undeniable. You’ll never fully capture this incredible band’s charisma without actually seeing them in person, but this is as close as you’ll get without buying a ticket.. which I highly recommend. Being able to turn up the volume and visualize Brandon Coleman working the stage with his unparalleled presence is something special. Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), and John Hall (drums) serve as Coleman’s highly talented backdrop, performing with an ease that is energetic, precise, and a hell of a good time.
The Mobile, Alabama outfit have consistently injected elements of religion into their music, a theme that truly shines on certain tracks. These songs capture a special reverential energy, evoking the soulful atmosphere of you’ll find at a church down south. Performing at the Ryman Auditorium, The Mother Church of Country Music, it feels like a natural extension of this spirit, and catching it live over the course of 3 sold out nights just reinforces the idea that The Red Clay Strays’ music is, at its core, a spiritual offering.
– @meanwhile_in_music
