Melissa Etheridge Returns to Paramount Hudson Valley with a Big Sound

In less than a year since making an impressive solo performance at Paramount Hudson Valley, Melissa Etheridge returned on April 29 with her full band for another appearance at the historic theater.

EtheridgeIt was a night filled with some of her popular tunes and several off of her 2016 release, Memphis Rock and Soul, including her take on venerable blues/rock staples from the likes of Albert King, The Staples Singers, and Isaac Hayes among others. The room felt electric from the moment Etheridge stepped on stage with one of her several Ovation guitars in hand, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd even before striking the first notes of “Angels Would Fall.”

Last year Etheridge made a solo appearance at the Paramount, at times creating a one-person band set against a backdrop of a dozen or so guitars including a new bass she picked up at Division Street Guitars (right around the corner from the theater). This time with a full band the musicianship on stage from everyone was excellent, with plenty of warm-hearted anecdotes to fill the time between songs.

Her show felt like a tribute of sorts to the Memphis blues and rock and roll songwriting, often citing Stax Records artists as inspiration while introducing the songs off of her latest release. Combined with her showmanship, Etheridge’s rich tenor  vocals validate the authenticity of her take on those songs and the style.

Although she didn’t pick up a guitar at the local guitar store around the corner from the Paramount as she did last year, Etheridge expressed a bit of gratitude and appreciation for the venue and the city of Peekskill.

With Etheridge’s trend of releasing a new album every few years, it’s likely just a matter of time before she is welcomed back to the Paramount with open arms.

Setlist: Angels Would Fall, Similar Features, Any Other Way, I Want To Come Over, Fearless Love, I Want To Be In Love, Respect Yourself (People Stand Up), Hold On I’m Coming, Born Under A Bad Sign, Chrome Plated Heart, Come To My Window, Bring Me Some Water, I’m The Only One->Rock Me Baby->I’m The Only One

Encore: Like The Way I Do

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