Jackson Dean is “Fearless” at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit
Detroit,Michigan(February 15,2024)-In the heart of Detroit, Saint Andrews Hall became a nucleus for pure, soul-stirring country music Saturday as Jackson Dean’s Head Full Of Noise Tour rolled into the home of Motown. Bringing an intensity to each show that matches his rising star status has quickly earned Dean a reputation for his old school take on the gritty, outlaw style of Country that fans of the genre welcome. With a custom wood-burned guitar strapped over his shoulder, a testament to his off-stage “hobby,” Dean’s music blends traditional country soul with a modern bluesy edge in sharp contrast to todays modern country.With a slew of new songs from his forthcoming album perfectly curated alongside fan favorites and creative covers, the stage was set for a intimate yet explosive performance by the relative newcomer
Kicking off his 75-minute set with “GreenBroke,” Dean instantly transformed the venue into a rodeo of raucous energy. It was if he threw a match into a box of dynamite and stood back to watch the fireworks, all with a smirk that said, “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Following up with the scintillating “Trailer Park,” Dean didn’t just run with the budding momentum, he sprinted like a thief with a newfound love for country gold.
It wasn’t all about the energetic cuts in the setlist though. When Dean slowed it down for out crowd favorites like “Heavens To Betsy”and “Wings,” his range was laid out for all to witness, transitioning seamlessly from the eye-of-the-storm calm to to a seasoned rocker with the ease only seasoned performers possess. When he moved away from his own music to cover 4 Non-Blondes’ “What’s Up,” the crowd didn’t just sing along, they owned the chorus like it was their personal anthem for existential questioning. But let’s talk about when Dean brought the house down with his latest hit “Fearless.” The song turned Saint Andrew’s Hall into the kind of epic party you only see in music videos or tours from some of the biggest artists in the business, country or rock and roll. It was a kind of performance that makes you wonder if Jackson Dean has a back door deal with the country music gods or if he’s just that good. Based on the fans reaction throughout his set, the overwhelming reaction would have most leaning towards the latter.
Dean slowed things down to a more “manageable” pace with the searing “Superstitions,” a track so soaked in emotion you could visually see couples pulling each other closer. It was once again a testament to Dean’s versatility, proving he can dial it back and still find a way to deliver a punch straight to the feels. The overall performance of the cut brought a tender, communal-like moment, reminding everyone of the personal connections that music can forge with an artist or the underlying meaning of the lyrics on a much more personal level.
Throughout the night, Dean teased the crowd with a few select tracks of his upcoming 2024 album. With every new tune, Dean seemed to say, you think this is good, ” just sit back a minute and check this one out”. It’s a bold strategy for an artist to introduce unreleased music in a concert setting, possibly losing the previously built momentum and crowd simultaneously. But Dean exceeded expectations with room to spare. One song in particular,”Daddy Raised,” had fans swaying and nodding in unison, a sure sign that the artist, much older and wiser than his age suggests, has found a formula and style that the genre needs to continue to grow and flourish.
Let’s not forget the man’s hobby turned-signature: wood-burning. Deans custom-burned guitars aren’t just instruments; they’re artworks, showcasing a craftsmanship that parallels his musical attributes. It’s as if he decided that being a multi-instrumentalist and a lyrical savant wasn’t enough, he had to throw skilled artisan into the mix, just because he could!
In a high-energy collaboration, special guests Dee White and Mae Estes joined Dean for a rendition of The Band’s “The Weight,” a moment that felt emblematic of the night’s celebration of musical kinship. Closing out his set with the compelling and as Dean said “Life altering” mega hit “Don’t Come Lookin’,” Dean left the audience yearning for more, only to return with an smoking encore performance of “Sanctuary,” and finally cutting his band loose for the rollicking “Red Light,” sealing the night with a burst of energy that resonated long after the last note faded.
The Head Full Of Noise Tour stop at Saint Andrew’s Hall was more than a concert, it was a gathering that underscored the vibrant heart of country music—past, present, and future. With Jackson Dean at the helm, flanked by the opening talents of Dee White and Mae Estes, the evening was a stirring reminder of the power of storytelling through brilliantly performed music. As Dean looks ahead to his tour with Lainey Wilson and a slew of international dates, it’s clear that 2024 could indeed be his year. Yet, for those fortunate to witness this night, the year of Jackson Dean has already begun, setting an indelible mark on the soul of the Motor City’s country music lovers……..until his next visit!
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