By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Charlotte, NC (9-7-21) – Having collaborated on a song together in 2020 it only makes sense that Brent Cobb and Nikki Lane would embark on a tour together. Starting in Chicago the tour has taken them from the Midwest to up north and now coming to a close here in the south. Tonight’s show brings the duo to the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC with only 2 stops left before this Soapbox Derby derails. Eager fans, like myself, filled into the old converted movie theatre and took their places patiently waiting for show time.
Andrew Combs
The show opener took the stage solo with just his voice and a guitar. With a soft but powerful voice Andrew Combs gathered the crowds attention with his storytelling over a blend of delicate music accompaniment. His unique style has taken him all across the country and to the UK sharing stages with some of today’s biggest names like Chris Stapleton and Eric Church. His musical releases have also drawn comparisons to artists such as Guy Clark. Hailing from Texas Andrew now lives in Nashville where not only does he continue to craft his musical skills but also his artistic side with paintings that can be found on his website and at shows. Comb’s latest album, “Ideal Man” was released in September of 2019. Having heard his set tonight I look forward to hearing more new music as well.
Brent Cobb
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The last show I worked before the Covid pandemic shut things down was a Brent Cobb acoustic show in Asheville, NC back on March 12, 2020. The next day live music was unfortunately put on hold. Fast Forward to October of 2020 and Brent released an album titled “Keep’em On They Toes.” As Brent kicked off his set with the title track of the same name I was more than excited to hear the new tunes live. Throughout the set Cobb mixed in a blend of old and new favorites from previous releases to his latest album. The natural country twang of his voice combined with his songwriting takes you back to a time simpler time where life’s just about living. The music itself is a dynamic range of ups and downs from funky soul and rock with “Sucker For A Good Time” to soft and emotional with “Shine On Rainy Day.” Now some may still be wondering who Brent Cobb is but many of his fans are also fans of artists such as Whiskey Myers and Travis Tritt, both of whom have recorded his songs. If you’re not listening to music you’re missing out.
Nikki Lane
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As the little firecracker better known as Nikki Lane took to the stage she actually caught me off guard. Starting her set stripped down with nothing but her and a guitar she took on the crowd by herself. I like to draw comparisons to Nikki as a modern day Dolly Parton but with a little more feistiness. The stripped down songs showed a more, in my opinion, honest and deep side to her performance. Of course that didn’t last long as the band joined in by the 3rd song and Lane was mouthing off all kinds of country analogies and poking fun at the boys in the band. Me being from Roebuck, SC I only live 10mins down the road from her hometown of Woodruff, SC so I completely understood a lot of what she was saying. As Nikki and the band played through songs such as “Muddy Waters” and “Highway Queen” those in attendance clapped and sang along. As night filled with great music drew to a close Brent Cobb joined Nikki to sing “Soapbox,” a song they wrote together, before thanking fans of their continued support.
The Soapbox Derby only has 2 shows left but both artists have dates listed through late this year. Be sure to check out their sites for updated info.
An added nice surprise of the night was having fellow musician Marcus King in attendance watching the show as well. Marcus is also from the Spartanburg/Greenville area of South Carolina.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
