Dean Hall - Fireworks at 3rd & Lindsley

By Vonna Rose Harrison - AngryCountry.com Staff Writer

To say there was a small explosion in Nashville doesn’t even come remotely close to the spectacular fireworks Dean Hall displayed to the crowd at 3rd and Lindsley. With a fire and tenacity beyond compare, Dean delivered a mind blowing assault with slashing guitar and gritty hard edged vocals. From crowd favorite, “Fat Bottomed Girl” to the classic Jimi Hendrix tune, “All Along the Watchtower”, he never slowed from his warp-speed pace.
With intense backing from Noah Hungate on drums, Boyd LeFan on bass, Howard Laravea on keyboard, and Max “on Sax” Abrams, these guys created an unbelievable night of bluesy soul. Dean tore down the walls with fan favorites “Kicked By A Mule” and “Ice House Blues”. Standing on tables and slinging his axe with a wicked force, Hall’s talent is indescribable with mere words. He continuously thrills the audience by playing guitar with a wide range of items, this night included beer bottles, the bald head of a fan and the posterior of another.

When Hall began singing the Allman Brothers “Whippin’ Post” the wall-to-wall crowd went wild as his energy level increased to an indescribable level. He turned over the show to Howard, a member of Gretchen Wilson’s 3/4 Ton band who let go with a house shaking rendition of Joe Cocker’s “Feeling Alright”. It was amazing to witness the blur of frenetic hands pounding without mercy on the keyboard coupled with an equally remarkable voice.

As if the night couldn’t get any better, Dean brought Max to the forefront and poked a little fun at him regarding an old girlfriend before Max let loose with a superior display of earth shattering sax.

Donning a fans cowboy hat, Dean sang one of this writer’s favorites, “If You Play Another Country Song (I’m Gonna Have to Kick Your Ass)” as well as the always amusing “My Baby’s A Pig”. He then finished off his show with the oft requested “Kicked by a Mule” which was met with thunderous approval from all and left me, once again, in awe of the power and ferocity of his performance.

What I love about Dean Hall is his willingness to share the spotlight with his friends and fellow musicians which he does frequently. This is one of many reasons he fits into the Muzik Mafia family so perfectly as he unselfishly spreads the love. So, take my advice; this is a man you do not want to miss in this lifetime. You can check out Dean Hall on CMT's MuzikMafia TV, and on tour with Gretchen Wilson this year. Additionally, head over to www.deanhall.com and discover more about the superbly talented Guitar God of the Muzik Mafia and prepare to be Kicked by that Mule!

Authors Note: Upon arriving a bit early for Dean Hall’s show, I was treated to the rip snortin’ honky-tonk sounds of Stacie Collins. With tunes like “It Ain’t Love” and “Baby Sister” Stacie delivers an in-your-face, boot stompin’, passionate performance. Exuding confidence and contagious enthusiasm while singing and wailing away on the harp, Collins shows those plastic gals what real music is supposed to sound like! For more information on Stacie Collins, check out www.staciecollins.com.