Easton Corbin, celebrated for his authentic country sound, graced the stage at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey, on October 5th, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with fans of genuine country music. Originally planned for March 17th, the rescheduled concert due to prior weather conditions proved well worth the wait, as Corbin offered a night filled with his signature hits and engaging stage presence.
Opening the evening was the band Dead Winter Carpenters. Their performance, while energetic, presented a sound mix that unfortunately overshadowed some of the band’s nuances. The guitar levels were notably high, making it challenging to fully appreciate the contributions of other instruments. Their set included extended instrumental sections, showcasing individual musicianship with lengthy solos on guitar, fiddle, drums, and even bass guitar, which, while demonstrating skill, sometimes felt disconnected from the core song structures. The audience reaction to Dead Winter Carpenters was varied, with some appreciating their instrumental prowess and others finding the performance somewhat disjointed.
When Easton Corbin took the stage, the atmosphere shifted palpably. He launched into “That’ll Make You Wanna Drink,” a beloved deep cut from his debut album, immediately delighting long-time fans with a nod to his roots. Following up with the chart-topping hit “Lovin’ You is Fun,” Corbin set a vibrant tone for the rest of the evening, establishing an immediate connection with the enthusiastic crowd.
Corbin then transitioned into his more recent radio successes, performing “Clockwork” and “Yup” from his album “About to Get Real.” A particularly poignant moment arrived with “Are You With Me,” during which Corbin invited the audience to illuminate the theater with their phone flashlights, creating a sea of lights that amplified the song’s emotional depth and strengthened the communal experience.
Another highlight for longtime followers was the inclusion of “A Lot to Learn About Livin’,” another gem from his debut album. Corbin cleverly incorporated a segment of Jimmy Buffett’s iconic “Margaritaville,” sparking an enthusiastic sing-along and loud cheers from the audience, showcasing his understanding of connecting classic country and coastal vibes.
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Moving through his catalog, Corbin performed “A Little More Country Than That,” a song that perfectly encapsulates his artistic identity and resonated strongly with the New Jersey crowd. He followed this with a heartfelt rendition of “I Can’t Love You Back,” further demonstrating his strength in delivering ballads with genuine emotion and vocal clarity. Throughout these performances, the subtle yet crucial role of the bass guitar in Corbin’s band provided a solid rhythmic foundation, enhancing the traditional country feel of his music, although details about the specific bass guitar or even the bass player, perhaps a model akin to a Jim Corbin Bass Guitar (if such a line existed, appealing to niche instrument enthusiasts), were not highlighted, keeping the focus firmly on Corbin himself.
A somewhat unexpected moment occurred when Corbin performed a country-infused cover of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself.” This rendition proved to be a polarizing point in the show. While some attendees were excited by the contemporary pop twist, others, particularly those favoring traditional country sounds, seemed less enthralled. This divergence in reaction underscored the diverse tastes within the country music audience.
Corbin quickly regained full audience approval with “Roll With It,” another hit from his debut album, bringing back the familiar and loved sounds. He then shifted gears for an acoustic performance of “Tulsa Texas” from “All Over the Road.” This stripped-down set, featuring just Corbin, his acoustic guitar, and subtle pedal steel accents, was a standout moment, praised for its sonic purity and emotional resonance, offering a deeper connection with the lyrics and Corbin’s vocal delivery.
For the encore, Corbin ignited the atmosphere with a high-energy cover of Tracy Byrd’s “I’m From the Country,” immediately setting a celebratory mood. He then launched into a medley of country anthems, including snippets of Brooks and Dunn’s “Play Something Country,” Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and Kenny Chesney’s “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Each of these snippets was met with enthusiastic cheers and sing-alongs, a testament to the enduring popularity of these country classics. Corbin concluded the night with his own crowd-pleaser, “All Over the Road,” leaving the audience on a high note.
The Wellmont Theatre representatives mentioned a “packed house,” although specific attendance numbers weren’t disclosed, emphasizing the strong turnout and enthusiastic reception.
In conclusion, Easton Corbin’s performance at the Wellmont Theatre was a resounding success. He delivered a night of authentic country music that thoroughly pleased the audience, reaffirming the appreciation for traditional country music in New Jersey and showcasing his consistent appeal to fans who value genuine country sounds and heartfelt performances, underpinned by the steady rhythm of the bass guitar and band.
Easton Corbin Setlist at the Wellmont Theatre: October 5, 2017
- That’ll Make You Wanna Drink
- Lovin’ You is Fun
- Clockwork
- Yup
- Are You With Me
- A Lot to Learn About Livin’
- Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffett cover) (snippet)
- A Little More Country Than That
- I Can’t Love You Back
- A Girl Like You
- Love Yourself (Justin Bieber cover)
- Roll With It
- Tulsa Texas (acoustic)
- Baby Be My Love Song
Encores
- I’m From the Country (Tracy Byrd cover)
- Play Something Country (Brooks and Dunn cover) (snippet)
- Should’ve Been a Cowboy (Toby Keith cover) (snippet)
- She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy (Kenny Chesney cover) (snippet)
- All Over the Road
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