Mat Kearney: Nostalgia Pop, Not Just For Kids

Mat Kearney with Parachute, Judah & the Lion
Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
03.06.15

Just a week and a half after the release of his fifth full-length album Just Kids, Mat Kearney graced the stage of Seattle’s historical Moore Theatre for a phenomenal set that highlighted the breadth of his career offerings. Running on stage and shaking some hands, Kearney opened with the layered synths, beats, and spoken word of the meaningful “Heartbreak Dreamer,” grabbing hearts and never letting go.

There’s something both incredibly practiced and professional and at the same time undeniably authentic about Kearney’s live show, echoing traits found in his music. He’s gone from singer-songwriter to pop to somewhere in between now, with Just Kids showcasing what might be one of the most well-produced and eclectic albums of the year.

In person, Kearney comes off as fun and kind, and with just enough friendly banter. At one point he holds the show to take a “selfie” with the crowd, which if you follow his Instagram has become a nightly habit. Throughout the show he jumps from guitar strumming to the piano to some quirky dance moves. There were appreciable moments throughout, one being a cover of current chart-topper “Uptown Funk” with the guys from Judah & the Lion that took over the stage like a southern dive bar jam session.

During “Runaway” Kearney journeyed into the crowd, climbed atop a piano with a disco ball and broke into a poignant cover of U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.” The tour continues through May, but get your tickets quick because shows are definitely selling out.

Before Kearney took the stage, Virginia-based Parachute came out to play. Though the band has been through some member changes of late and hasn’t released an album since 2013’s Overnight, they came out enthusiastic and raring to go. There were high-fives, fist bumps, crowd wandering and piano climbing. There was also a killer saxophone and a completely worthwhile set list of favorites.

First but not least was the barn-burning, southern-tinged rock music of Nashville’s own 90’s kids, Judah & The Lion. The trio brought their banjo, mandolin, and synchronized dance moves for their first show in Seattle, with lots of energy, lots of banter, and more fun than I’ve had in a long time. With their first full length Kids These Days out last September, the guys have plenty to be excited about. When a band can finesse covers of “We Built This City” and R. Kelly’s “Ignition” into a set full of radical bluegrass, I’m sold.

Mat Kearney Set List:
Heartbreak Dreamer
Moving On
Count On Me
Fire & Rain
Closer to Love
Down
City of Black & White
One Black Sheep
In the Middle
Nothing Left to Lose
Sooner Or Later
Undeniable
Uptown Funk (cover)
Runaway Car
She Got the Honey
Where We Gonna Go from Here
Billion
Hey Mama
Encore:
Just Kids
Ships in the Night