Hailing from Waco, Texas, U.S., Wade Bowen’s earliest musical success came with the band West 84, which introduced the Texan to songwriting and performing life. By 2001 the band had changed direction leaving Bowen, who had graduated from college with a degree in public relations, with an important decision whether he would continue to pursue music. That decision was made clear with the release of his debut album “Try Not to Listen”, which made waves across Waco, Texas upon release in 2002. Spawning the regional hit “Try Not to Listen”, Bowen supported the record by playing anywhere up to 250 concerts, strengthening the singer’s live performance skills.
Showcasing his energetic, emotive and crowd-pleasing live show, Bowen issued the live album “The Blue Light Live” in September 2004, marking the singer’s first exposure outside of Texas. The full-length “Lost Hotel” subsequently arrived in February 2006 on Sustain Records spawning the single/music video “God Bless This Town”. The singer-songwriter’s breakthrough came two years later in September 2008 with his third studio album “If We Ever Make It Home”. The record was his first to land on any national chart, peaking at No. 29 on the U.S. Country, and was led by the singles “Daddy and the Devil” and “Trouble”.
The concert CD “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” followed in April 2010, peaking at No. 41 on the U.S. Country Music Chart, after which Bowen signed with BNA Records who issued his fourth full-length “The Given” in May 2012. Far surpassing the success of its predecessors, “The Given” landed at No. 9 on the U.S Country Chart, and No. 44 on the Billboard 200. The popular singles “Saturday Night” and “To Live Is to Fly” were subsequently released in time for Bowen to embark on a relentless national tour. In 2013 Bowen issued the single “Songs About Trucks”, before issuing his self-titled, fourth album in October 2014. Once again peaking at No. 9 on the U.S. Country Charts, the record spawned the single “When I Woke Up Today”, and was followed by the split album “Hold My Beer, Vol. 1” alongside Randy Rogers.
Last night's show with Sean McConnell was phenomenal!
Sean's music has a touch of Country, splashes of Rock-n-Roll & Blues, and sprinkling of Christian mixed in. A very refreshing voice and attitude.
He is not afraid to introduce new material, and chooses just the right tracks to enhance his show, and give us a good glimpse into his next recordings. His playlist includes a good variety from old favorites like Lie Baby Lie and Reckless Lover to new gems (Bottom Of The Sea) from his latest record, and even brings a respectful cover of Nirvana's Entertain Us.
He captivates the audience with his amazing vocal range hitting and holding notes that you might not expect from his small stature and recorded material.
Sean and his talented band also knows how to work the audience, engaging and including them , encouraging help with some choruses and popular verses, especially Reckless Lover.
As mentioned, Sean McConnell offers a fresh and talented voice and his band is incredibly talented and their love for music and performing shines through!
Floore Country Store is a perfect venue for Sean, offering a moderate sized crowd which keeps the show intimate enough for first timers and groupies alike.
Incredible performance!
5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Texan musician Wade Bowen simply lives and breaths his home State through his music. He has been releasing albums since 2002 yet his reputation exploded following the successful 'If We Ever Make It Home' album selling well in 2008. Since then he has been slowly ascending the charts and the stages at an equal speed yet his down to earth approach to music and charming personality keeps the tours intimate no matter how many people he is entertaining.
He has not achieved commercial singles so there is freedom when it comes to choosing a setlist yet the majority of it is composed of tracks lifted from 'The Given' and 'If We Ever Make it Home'. Wade builds rapport almost instantly and the good feelings last all evening as the crowds sing, applaud and sway with very little prompt. He says his earnest thank yous before his live band begins the introductions to a finale of 'Turn On The Lights' which is a fitting end to an enjoyable show.