Review: Anderson East and Dylan LeBlanc Play Sold-Out Tractor Tavern Show

You can always count on the Tractor for some good folk/Americana shows. Opener Dylan LeBlanc has received widely positive reviews for his first couple of records and it only keeps getting better. With the release of his third, titled “Cautionary Tale” (which features Alabama Shakes powerhouse Brittany Howard), he’s stepped even further into the Americana world.

I really enjoyed his sound, and the fact that a cello and violin were on stage automatically won me over. I could listen to his music for hours without getting tired of it or even moving, just simply enjoying the melodies along with his soft voice. He already has started his year on a strong note, and it will get even bigger while opening for Alabama Shakes in April.

After creating a name for himself in his current city of Nashville, main event Anderson East has built a reputation that is ready to take on the rest of the US. His first major label album released in January, Delilah, is a cross between progressive soul and rock, and his voice is often compared to James Brown.

His strong vocal range and music kept the attention of all of us that were lucky enough to be at the sold-out show tonight. People were lining up early looking for tickets, but not many were fortunate enough to find some. As I was snapping some shots of him, I looked over to the side stage, and surprisingly noticed our very own Grammy-nominated Brandi Carlile standing by. It makes me so happy when I see artists supporting each other and I respect it tremendously. I wanted to believe she would jump on stage but didn’t want to overwhelm myself so early on in the show.

In a very Seattle moment towards the end of the night, she jumped on stage and they sang “Bring it on Home to Me” together, which was amazing. Both artists on the bill were really good, and I’m surely seeing them again if they come through town again.