Chris Stapleton straps in for an all Canadian Road Show stop at CTC

Award winning singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton brought his All American Road Show tour to the Canadian Tire Centre last night. It was there that Chris, alongside his wife and special guest Lindi Ortega were greeted by a packed house.

Everything you may have heard about a Chris Stapleton show is all true! It was one of the greatest performances I think I’ve ever heard. His voice is like velvet but with a grit, like sandpaper. Rustic and sexy and oh so seductive. You’d never think that this Grizzly Adams shy, humble man, with salt and pepper hair and a long beard; dressed in nothing but his blue button up dress shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots and white cowboy hat, was going to pick up a guitar, open his mouth, and begin to play sounds that would leave you breathless. He can hit notes that don’t just make you you don’t just hear it, You feel it!

Chris Stapleton has written or co written over 150 songs and at least 6 number 1 hits.  Including Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer”, Darius Rucker “Come Back Song”,  Adele’s single “If it Hadn’t Been for Love”,  Jason Aldean’s “Too Fast”,  Josh Turner’s “Your Man”,  Trace Adkins “Swing” and Thomas Rhett “Crash and Burn”.

Stapleton released his debut album Traveller in 2015 since then it has sold 1.7 million copies and won 7 awards including Best Country Album at the Grammy Awards in 2016 and iHeartRadio Music Award for Country Album of the Year in 2017.

His wife is singer/songwriter Morgane Hayes, who co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s 2006 single “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” The two of them together are magic. You can feel the love and respect and the passion, from the way they look into each other, and the way they sing TO each other.

The way he introduces the band is something I hope catches on with other artists. The intro to “Tennessee Whiskey” had already begun when he started introducing everyone, and everything who joined him on stage for each performance. I say everything because at each show, on the right side of the stage is a lonely bass. Larger than life, but it is not played. It just sits on the side of the stage, a member of the group and is but another key piece that plays to the spirituality Chris brings to his live performances.

Following the band intro Chris continued with “Tennessee Whiskey”, the crowd was on there feet. The standing ovation, normally reserved for the end of the concert, continued through to the end of the song. This is when his shy, humble side showed. Ottawa truly had Chris Stapleton at a loss for words.

Chris Stapleton’s hit “Fire Away” is one of the most powerful songs about mental illness I have ever heard and felt. It is not about wanting to end life, it is about ending the pain and suffering, not just for yourself, but for the people you love, that suffer with you. Just keep telling yourself: this too shall pass and don’t be afraid to ask for help. This message is one that hits so many people. For those we love who suffer he had the audience turn on their cell phones and together sing the last chorus. One of those moments in a show that you just know you’re never going to forget.

At most shows artists perform 16 songs. Most Chris Stapleton shows get 16 to 18.  In Ottawa Chris graced the crowd with 24 of his songs, including the entire Traveller album. During his encore he realized all but 2 had been sung. So he gave us a treat and finished it off to the delight and cheers of everyone.

Chris truly gave Ottawa a once in a lifetime opportunity and did not disappoint. From an intimate setting to the soft songs he sang, Chris left myself speechless as I’m sure he did many others.

We’re already looking for the next visit.

To find out more about Chris Stapleton and see when he’ll be passing through your area visit http://www.chrisstapleton.com/