By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review)of MJBragg Photography
As I headed up the mountain once again to The Barn at Paint Fork, snaking through curvy scenic roads, I was unsure of what this evenings show may be like. Tonight’s headliner being, Larry Fleet, is someone I honestly had not heard of until this booking. Intentionally I held off from listening to any of his music to have an honest response to him and his performance. The lines at the gate upon arrival should’ve been enough of an indication of how the night would go with fans eager to take their spots.
Noah Guthrie
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Let’s back track a moment and mention Noah Guthrie, the evenings opening act. Now some of you may be familiar with this name and rightfully so as he gained national notoriety as a popular contestant on America’s Got Talent season 13 as well as being cast on the TV show Glee. Noah is a guy I’m familiar with as he’s from my hometown area and I have seen him play multiple times. Guthrie’s performances are always solid whether it be with a full band or just an acoustic set like this evening. Winning over the crowd with originals such as his 2020 single “High Enough” Noah’s vocals resonated through the valley the venue sits in. Throwing in a few covers like “Whipping Post” by the Allman Brothers Band, Guthrie had audience members, including Larry’s mom, singing along. Having a new album titled “Blue Walls” slated to release late summer and upcoming dates with other notables like Whiskey Myers, Noah Guthrie is definitely an artist to keep your ears open too.
Larry Fleet
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With the band playing some intro music Larry Fleet made his way on to the stage met with fans lining the rail in excitement. Any doubts I had about this guy were immediately washed away the minute he sang his first notes. I felt a little embarrassed as I was seemingly the only one there who did not know the words to any of his songs. I found it a bit distracting to do my job of taking photos as I kept pausing taking moments to listen and watch as Larry commanded attention with his astounding vocal presence. The band backing Fleet provided just as much energy to the performance as they ran through a dynamic range of music.
Throughout the night Larry gave the crowd a string of his fan favorites like “Lied About Love,” “Working Man” and “Mix’em With Whiskey.” One song, “Where I Find God,” had such an impact fans begged for it to be played again. Fleet and band honored those wishes coming back to it later in the set. All these songs have millions of digital streams showcasing the reason a multitude of people made there way to the back roads of western North Carolina to see him live. Larry had the crowd dancing around the adorning bonfires all night.
Fleet also provided some informational moments between songs that gave more insight to him as an artist. I quickly learned that he’s been around a lot longer than I had thought. Spending time in Nashville songwriting and doing demo vocal work he’s put in a lot of hard work to get where he’s at and continuing to grow. His dedication is obviously paying off and led him to ties with artists Jake Owen, Chris Young, Eric Paslay and more.
If anyone else is here reading this who hasn’t heard this guy, do yourselves a favor and look him up. You won’t be disappointed. I look forward to the next I have the opportunity to see Larry Fleet perform. Meanwhile I’ll be increasing those steaming numbers as he’s now added to my playlists.
Do not alter photosCopyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography *Photos use with permission only
Larry Fleet
Noah Guthrie
