Jackson Dean to Release Live Ryman Album
On rare occasions a worthy artist chooses to record a live album at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. “Live at the Ryman” albums by Patty Griffin, Neil Young, Emmy Lou Harris, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jason Isbell and Levon Helm come to mind.
One of the music world’s fastest rising stars will be adding their name to that list when Jackson Dean releases Jackson Dean / Live at the Ryman this Friday, April 14th on Big Machine Records.
The eight-song set, presented exactly as Dean delivered it during his Ryman debut last October, captures the unbridled energy and savvy stage presence of his live show, with a little extra magic courtesy of the Mother Church.
“The Ryman is hallowed ground; it had been a bucket list item for me to take that stage. It was a blessing not only playing there, but also capturing that moment in a way I can revisit again and again,” says Dean. “I love that I can share that memory and the energy of that crowd with the rest of the world. I hope the folks listening are transported to those pews and can feel the five of us giving it our all— no click, no tracks—just raw noise, running on pure adrenaline.”
A taste of that Jackson Dean, Ryman magic was released last week when then the Wings / Live at the Ryman track from that evening was shared in advance. The ethereal recording with airy yet poignant vocals finds Dean yearning for a freedom that only comes from the skies - and by the end of the 6 minute journey, you’re in, if not already.
Aside from his always astounding vocals, Wings / Live at the Ryman also features Dean’s rock-solid guitar work. At the heart of the song’s arrangement is a prominent, counter-point rhythm guitar part that serves as anchor to the tune. That’s Jackson playing guitar and that giant, six-string voice belongs to his Takamine P3D, the first of three he has acquired to accommodate alternate live-performance tunings.
Also released last week (on CMT) was the epic video for Dean’s current, chart-climbing single, Fearless (The Echo). The cinematic treatment, described by American Songwriter as worthy of the silver screen, is the only suitable approach Dean’s power-packed track. Once again, the crazy-talented 22-year old’s songwriting and vocal performance prove extraordinary.
Jackson Dean and his Taks will be touring steadily for the rest of the year. Check his itinerary here.