Ward Davis brings real country to Spartanburg, SC

By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography

Josh Morningstar – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Spartanburg, SC (April 4th, 2019) – Through the crowd of a full house at Ground Zero walks a denim jacket and ball cap approaching the stage…with nothing but a beer and a guitar Josh Morningstar takes to warming up the crowd. Performing a set of acoustic music as the opener for tonight’s Ward Davis show Josh entertained the crowd with a story tellers type set. Opening song “Must Be The Whiskey,” was an instant sing along as fans were familiar with the tune from Cody Jinks who Josh co-wrote the song with. Morningstar continued on with the comedic tune “The Girl With The Revolver Tattoo On Her Arm Shot Me Down Again” before taking moments to speak of influences like Billy Don Burns and Hank Williams Sr. who he respectfully pinned the songs “Going Out In My Boots” and “Ramblin’ Man Chapter 33” about. Josh is currently touring in support of his latest album “The Plea.”

The Piedmont Boys – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Next up came the hometown favorites The Piedmont Boys. Tonight’s show isn’t the first time they’ve shared the stage with Ward as they won a contest to play at the Tumbleweed Music Festival In 2017. The group has also shared the stage with the likes of Cody Jinks and Hank Williams Jr. and John Michael Montgomery amongst others.

With a loyal fan base filling the room for their early set the “Boys” took to doing what they do best…playing some Honky Tonk.

With songs like “White Line Mercy,” “Buckaroo” and “Sweetwater” the locals in attendance begin to dance and sing along.

Mid set the group broke out into a bluegrass jam. Starting with Matt Parks on fiddle each member had a chance to show off their skills before Greg Payne led the band into the hugely popular “Rice, Beans” with an acapella intro. Rounded out with Stuart McConnell (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Tony Pilot (Drums) and Mike Johnson (Bass/Vocals) the band paid tribute to the late Waylon Jennings covering “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.”

Taking a moment to mention the upcoming album due out in August The Piedmont Boys played a brand new track titled “I’m Drunk Again” with a well reception from long time fans and new as well.

The “Boys” finished their set strong with fab favorites “Hell Daniel” and the comical “Pussy Cat” leaving the crowd primed and ready tonight’s headliner.

Josh Morningstar & Ward Davis – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

For those who follow Ward Davis and have seen him often, as many in attendance tonight have, it came as a surprise to see him walk out and start the show by sitting down with a four song run at the piano. Beginning the set with “Jerry Lee” pinned by Josh Morningstar the opener joined Ward on stage for a duet performance following up with “Nobody’s Looking,” “15 Years In A 10 Year Town” and “Live A Lie” before grabbing his guitar to kick it up a bit. Going in to the upbeat Ray Scott song “Papa and Mama” Ward threw in some other covers by notable legends like Waylon Jennings “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” and “Time To Move On” by Tom Petty doing a great job of entertaining his Spartanburg following.

Throughout the night Ward and band were on fire and you could see genuine fun amongst the 5 guys playing real country music on stage. There were plenty of lighthearted joking moments that had the band and crowd in laughter as Davis also noted his continued appreciation for the packed room of attendees who continue to show support for him.

Ward Davis – Copyright: Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Ward made mention of Greg Jones who’s was working mercy for him tonight as before playing the songs “More Goodbye” and “Could Just Be Fool” whom he co-wrote the songs with. A favorite of the night for me was “Get To Work Whiskey” with its traditional country sound and catchy vocal melody.

Back to the piano to close the night Ward played the popular song “I’m Not The Devil” recorded by Cody Jinks that he helped write as well as the first single “Good and Drunk” from his latest EP release “Asunder.” Closing out the night with one of the best renditions of the classic Ronnie Milsap song “Stranger In My House” before being called back to the stage by and extended round of fervent cheering.

For the encore guitarist Clint Park took to the piano while joining Ward for a stripped down version of Mark Chesnutt’s hit song “I’ll Think Of Something” before mingling with the crowd for photos and autographs.

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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Ward Davis

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