The Covid19 pandemic was an awful, hopefully once-in-a-lifetime event. Of all the liberties we lost during that time, going to concerts was not at the top of the list. It was just one of the many parts of normal life that we no longer had access to. When things slowly started to open up, some people, including myself, could not wait to be in a concert venue. I attended two “wear-a-mask” concerts. I enjoyed the shows (Boz Scaggs and Lake Street Dive) but did not enjoy wearing the masks. Totally worth it though, especially since I was fulfilling a long time goal of seeing the amazing Boz Scaggs!
This Fillmore concert, on April 16th, 2024, was the first Fillmore (poster) concert I attended, post-pandemic. I know this show took place about a year after the official end of the pandemic but for my purposes of writing about the posters on my wall, this concert is the next in line. Pretty ironic that it is the same artist as the last poster concert I attended, pre-pandemic – the powerhouse, Brittany Howard.
It was a crazy 5-year period between Brittany Howard’s solo debut and her 2nd album, ‘What Now’. New music during the pandemic was few and far between as no one could get into a proper studio to record anything. For Brittany, like many other musicians, their next offering had to be on hold. The follow up to Howard’s debut record, finally dropped. Again, upon first listen, I was hesitant. However, I learned my lesson last time with Howard. Do not sleep on Brittany Howard!! What you initially think may be odd rhythms and disjointed songs, can suddenly come into focus after repeated listening. I played the album over and over, getting familiar with the new songs and finding my favorites. I felt I was ready for Brittany to lay it on me.
Brittany had come a long way in the past 5 years. Her confidence seems to soar after the critical success of her last record. The early buzz on “What Now” was good also. I must have been excited about going to the show because I arrived early and staked out a tremendous spot right in front of our star! (OH…the photos and videos I took!) I hunkered down and got ready for an up close view of the action.
By this time, I had think I had discovered the ‘engine’ behind Brittany’s new sound and vibe. It is most definitely drummer, Nate Smith. Nate is primarily a jazz drummer, whose style must have inspired Howard’s songwriting. The two meld perfectly. This realization shaped my lens on the whole show. I paid special attention to Nate and watched as the rest of the band fed off his funky beats. Of special interest to me was to keep an eye on bassist, Zac Cockrell. Zac followed Brittany from into her solo career after playing and writing with her for Alabama Shakes. How would Zac’s bass playing handle meshing with Nate on the drums? The answer came quickly: Seamlessly!
It was the first of two sold out shows for Brittany at the Fillmore. The crowd was mixed. A lot of 20-somethings but also a good amount of older folks, like myself. Brittany casts a wide net. Right from the very start, it was apparent that Brittany still owns the stage. She has updated her look and her backup singers seem to have a few more things choreographed. The musicians were the same as 5 years ago. Brittany and the band presented all 12 tracks from the new album. The other songs were taken from her first solo album, “Jamie”. I particularly enjoyed those songs since I had been intensively listening to that album for five years.
Once again the new songs came alive when she sang them to me. Just me. I was right in front, after all. Actually, I was very immersed in the production all night! There was an audible gasp when the first spotlight of the night hit our heroine, right at the drop during the opening song, “Earth Sign” . A perfect, atmospheric song to start the show. Also a Nate Smith showcase, right off the bat. In fact, the back singers, Kartina Law and Shanay Johnson made their presence immediately known also as they set the ethereal mood with their harmonies.
The set went by fast. Brittany stepped out alone for a short talk and heartfelt acoustic set. I noted a cool little choreographed intro by Brittany and her singers to a favorite song of mine, from ‘Jaime’, called “Goat Head”. One of the best examples of drummer Nate Smith’s unique talent and influence is the new song “Red Flags”. His beats form the landscape that Brittany and the backups sing over. The song is built around Nate’s quick snare and cymbal rhythms. Another stand out for me was “Prove It To You” an upbeat banger from ‘What Now’. Brittany can get animated on stage in a way that looks authentic and she lets it fly during the snappy numbers. It’s invigorating to watch.
I was mesmerized the whole evening by Brittany Howard and her band. At the end of each song, the outpouring of appreciation from the Fillmore crowd. I could tell that the band was impressed with the love from the patrons. They kept shooting looks at each other while the audience showed their love of the new music and of Brittany! I get so proud when I am in a crowd whose heartfelt reactions earn the performer’s admiration. The Bay Area loves Brittany Howard. Shoot..The whole country does! Now the kids will too. Check out the animated movie, “Thelma The Unicorn”, Brittany’s acting debut!
