“This tour here, me and Leon (Bridges), we’ve been kicking around for a few years,” Texan singer-songwriter Charley Crockett said on Tuesday night. “We finally made it happen, y’all, and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had on tour in my whole career.”
Making its final stop Tuesday at the Moody Center, “The Crooner and The Cowboy” Tour brought Charley Crockett and Leon Bridges back to their home state for an evening of eclectic, genre-blending music. The two Texans shared the stage with guest performers Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, giving the audience of over 10,000 an incredible show while honoring their roots through country, blues, soul and some fantastic cowboy boots.
Opting for stripped-back, acoustic arrangements on many songs, Crockett paid homage to his beginnings as a street performer, playing for tips on 6th Street. During his performance of “$10 Cowboy,” Crockett reminisced on his humble roots, singing the original lyrics, “When I was out there on them street corners / Learning to stand behind this guitar / Ten dollars was a whole lot of money,” before adding on, “Austin, Texas, lookout.” The audience erupted, celebrating his musical journey.
Crockett blended acoustic moments like the tender track “Woman in a Bar” with more upbeat country and blues arrangements on “Don’t Tell Me That,” featuring a rockabilly guitar solo. The shifting genres made for a complex, powerful set that Crockett closed out with “Lonesome Drifter,” before giving the audience his love and exiting to a standing ovation.
Hitting the ground running, Leon Bridges took to the stage in a bright white suit, complete with bell bottoms and a distinctive Elvis feel, opening with “There She Goes.”
Bridges’ band, featuring an organ, saxophone and steel guitar, matched his high energy. This allowed Bridges to hold the audience in the palm of his hand, earning their undivided attention as he performed “Coming Home,” the title track to his debut album.
Shifting into an R&B sonic realm with “That’s What I Love” and “Shy,” Bridges showcased silky, smooth vocals blending beautifully with his band. He then added an acoustic guitar, transitioning to country-inspired tracks, including the popular “Texas Sun.”
The highlight of Bridges’ set began with a stunning organ solo, melting into softly strummed guitar for the blues track, “River.” His ability to seamlessly navigate between a myriad of genres proved to be Bridges’ greatest strength of the night.
After a powerful set, Bridges returned for an encore, inviting Crockett to join him in a performance of the classic soul song, “A Change is Gonna Come.” The striking contrast between Bridges’ and Crockett’s unique vocal styles found unity in their shared rhythm and blues roots.
Aside from sonic success, the duet served as a testament to the strength of the Texas music scene, as the origin story of uniquely talented individuals and a rich community of supporters.
Bridges’ beginnings at open mic nights and Crockett’s start on 6th street made for a special homecoming, as the “Crooner and The Cowboy” filled the Moody Center with love and live music.
