Written by: Laurie Brown
How many times can you say “AMAZING”? Ask anyone who filled the Diesel Lounge in Chesterfield, Michigan on Saturday night what a riveting performance was given by country artist Jason Michael Carroll and his band, and they’ll answer, “infinite.”
With his distinct baritone vocals and masterfully crafted songs, singer-songwriter Jason Michael Carroll, often abbreviated JMC, captivated the room. He opened the show with his upbeat, enthusiastic song “I Can Sleep When I am Dead” to create an energy in the crowd. The singer from Youngsville, North Carolina followed with “Blown Away,” a beautiful ballad inspired by his wife. He delivered a smoldering performance of “God only Knows,” a country-rock song from his latest album What Color Is Your Sky which is clearly about getting a second chance.
JMC belted out his 2008 #11 hit “Where I’m From” before “Meet Me in the Barn” from his third album. The innuendo laden “Til the Speakers Blow” came next and had the ladies swooning. He then went on to sing the heartbreaking “Let Me Go” and followed with a fan favorite and frequently requested power-ballad called “Stray” which showcases JMC’s beautiful vocal range. The crowd remained engaged during “Love Like July,” a passionate song about rebellious love, and then, in a turn of mood and message, his US Country weekly #5 top hit “Alyssa Lies”. Tears were streaming down the faces of many in the crowd during this powerful and poignant song with a substantial message about child abuse.
He then went on to sing “Does He Know” and “Urgency” two tracks from his current album before his solo acoustic rendition of the recently written and unreleased “Same Shirt”. JMC gave a heart-rendering performance, leaving the crowd wanting more.
Electric guitar player, Richie Scholl, performed one of his own songs, “Last Song”, and was well-received by the crowd. A fan then requested the unreleased song, “A Case of the Beers”, written from an idea by Andrew Dickson, his drummer. The band joked about remembering how to play the song about beer drinking, but once they did, the crowd responded by buying the band members beers!
Accompanied by keyboard player Blake Padilla, JMC gave a beautiful and heartwarming cover of Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I do) I do it for You”, which led into his #6 top hit “Livin’ Our Love Song” to close out the brilliant show. The final song was dedicated to Brittany Coppedge, a friend of JMC’s who passed away far too young. To learn more about Brittany, visit www.brittanysbattle.org
Jason Michael Carroll has indeed mastered his craft as an awe-inspiring showman, passionate singer/songwriter, and top country hit maker. His songs allow listeners to connect with his luminous storytelling and performances peppered with jokes. JMC’s colossal baritone voice leaves the crowd wondering when they will be able to see him perform again.
Jason Michael Carroll is currently on tour supporting his latest 15 track studio album, What Color Is Your Sky released May 4, 2015. You can find out more about JMC and upcoming tour dates through his official website www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com/ , the Jason Michael Carroll Facebook page or follow him on twitter @JMCOfficial
Jason Michael Carroll (singer-songwriter, lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Andrew Dickson (drums), Richie Scholl (electric guitar and BGV), Blake Padilla (keyboard and BGV) and Seth Keesee (bass guitar and BGV).
Complete Set List
“I Can Sleep When I’m Dead
“Blown Away”
“God Only Knows”
“Where I’m From”
“Meet Me In The Barn”
“Till the Speakers Blow”
“Let Me Go”
“Stray”
“Love Like July”
“Alyssa Lies”
“Does He Know”
“Same Shirt (solo acoustic)”
“Urgency”
“Last Song (Richie Scholl solo)”
“A Case of Beers”
“(Everything I do) I do it for You (Bryan Adams cover)”
“Livin’ Our Love Song”
Photos By: Karie Okerstrom
