Every now and again a new (at least to my ears) artist rises above the rest and captures my attention… ignites my interest… stirs my musical juices. Like the Sheepdogs (click here) and Sister Sparrow (click here) before, Charley Crockett (website) stopped me in my tracks. That was eight years ago!

Every song on his 2016 masterpiece “In the Night” is a unique mix of country, blues, western and soul music and turns heads every time I share it.

“Hey man, who is that? It’s killer.”

No surprise that his buddy, Leon Bridges, rubbed off on him when writing and recording this one. The heavy blues suits CC well… I hope he returns to it down the road.

Since then, Crockett released a half dozen or so records with a more country feel. Good songs, but not like the deep sultry flavor on “In the Night”. Over the years, while I eagerly waited for Crockett to play live in the NYC area… I listed to those special 12 songs on “In the Night” countless times.

Here is a little taste…

On June 6, 2024 in support of his new “$10 Cowboy” album, Charley brought his act to the Capital Theatre in Port Chester, NY (website). Counter to my usual stage left front rail haunt, I sat in the balcony… front row center to really soak it all in.

I can’t remember the last time I had such anticipation for a show. It was a great feeling.

Here is a video and photo I shot…

After a couple of tracks with Charley standing unusual still in front of the mic, I turned to my gal and said, “he looks really nervous.” This was a big headliner tour for him and long way from the trailer park he grew up in on the southern most part of Texas near the border.

A few songs later, Charley paused and said, “I’m really nervous up here playing on this hallowed stage of so many rock legends.”

Soon after he warmed-up and started to wiggle and waggle around like Elvis donning a big grin. When he got to the song “America”, Crockett was in full force.

Watch the video below I shot of the song. I love how he holds his guitar Johnny Cash style.

Here is the setlist.

The more I listen to his latest album “$10 Cowboy”, the more I like it. It has a unique spirit and certainly more western zing than country. It almost sounds like Daniel Lanois produced it.

The title track is super… enjoy!