Article and Photos by: Linda Carlson
Lexington, KY – On the same night that the Kentucky Derby was held in Louisville, a different sort of party was taking place to the east in Lexington, this one celebrating another Kentucky staple – fresh rock music with a lively country vibe.
Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown (TBSD) is a band of young, yet remarkably seasoned, musicians who bring raucous joy to the stage. These guys are out to start a party with music and laughter and banter. The band is Tyler Bryant (lead vocals, guitar), Caleb Crosby (drums, drums, drums), Graham Whitford (guitar) and Diego Navaira (touring bassist).
Bryant and the boys have a rebel spirit, defying traditional music industry standards by creating their own record label (Rattle Shake Records) that allows more creative and logistical control of the band, its music and its direction. But that does not mean they reject the past. Indeed, a deep respect for the past is infused in the fresh music the band creates, including a nod to analog equipment that the band infuse in their songs. There’s an acceptance of the modern, but a respect for the past, the roots.
From start to finish, the performance was unstoppable energy. The vocals, lighting and overall mood were pulsing with enthusiasm. Bryant shared anecdotes with the fans, offering insights into the band’s story from its beginnings, with a special nod to Crosby, who is himself a Kentucky native, wearing a Wildcats tank to shout it out (fans loved it).
There were powerful solos throughout the night, with Whitford giving incredibly soulful performances that pierced the soul. Crosby’s drum solos were entertaining in a more robust way, with Crosby sometimes seated at the drum kit and sometimes standing at the front of the stage leaning into the crowd (after bringing a single drum from the kit with him).
The set included raucous tunes, soulful tunes and a dedicated nod to the blues. Songs from the evening (not in order) included:
- Shake You Down
- On To The Next
- Ride
- Snake Oil
- Sho’ Been Worse
- Shackles
- Ain’t None Watered Down
- That’s Alright
- Tennessee
- Between The Lines
- Born Rockin’
- Coastin’
- Lipstick Wonder Woman
- House Of Fire
- Weak And Weepin’
There was an overall air of appreciation for the fans. Repeatedly, Bryant thanked them for their support. Indeed, as an independent artist with their own label, the band is building a following in their own way, and it works.
The band’s latest album, Electrified, is set to release May 10th, and their first single, “Snake Oil” (link) released just a few weeks ago.
There were a few family extras, with Bryant’s wife Rebecca (of Larkin Poe) and Caleb’s toddler (a product of the pandemic, we were told) in attendance. A family affair.
Opening the evening’s festivities were The Damn Shames, a regional rock band (Bowling Green, KY) with heavy country influences that hit all the right marks. The band is Clayton Crowder (lead vocals / guitar), Trevor Smith (guitar), Andrew Hopper (bass) and Cody Kirby (drums). They are promoting their newly released (May 4, 2024) single, “Fire In The Hole” (link). Check them out!
Visit TBSD’s website (link) for tour dates in your area – this is a show you don’t want to miss. Go with friends or your favorite someone. The more, the merrier.
Check the carousel below for more images from the evening’s performances.