12.28.13 Derek Webb Review

Hello music lovers!  It's been a long time, but I'm ready to get started again.

 

Derek Webb seems disgruntled

Twenty years in the music industry, with successful albums and a well established name as a musical maverick, have not dampened his ability to re-evaluate inconsistencies in his beliefs and to express those tumultuous questions through song. 

I recently had the chance to hear Mr. Webb play a show at the Walnut House, a stop on his Apology Tour. His candid honesty, coupled with his disapproval of Christianity's rapid polarization, create a stage ripe for passionate music with a reflective message.  To this end, Derek did not disappoint: his lilting voice, sometimes tremulous and sometimes exultant, poured over driving and ever inventive acoustic guitar, created an onstage energy that is decidedly rare in the singer-songwriter community (but not surprising for a veteran such as Webb).

Derek opened with the title track of his recently released 8th studio album “I was wrong, I’m sorry, and I love you”, and followed with music such as “Mockingbird” and “Reputation”. In many ways, Derek seemed to hit a segment of each part of his personal development, showcasing songs that spanned the breadth of his career.  The emotional high point of the night came, for me, with the plaintive “Closer Than you Think”.  An unconventional tune that contrasted Derek’s aggressive style, it nonetheless fit well with the themes of humility and re-connection of his Apology Tour.

 

Webb’s refreshing ability to both welcome a room and command it show both his growth as an artist, and his commitment to remaining humble.  The Apology tour hits the mark; Derek Webb is figuring himself out, and we continue to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

If you would like to hear some of Derek's music (which I would recommend) check it out here:

http://noisetrade.com/derekwebb

On a personal note, thanks for sticking with me. I'll get back in the swing of things soon enough...it's been a busy couple months.

Go find something you've never heard before. Trust me...it's rewarding. Then tell your friends about it. And while you're at it, tell them about Live, Loud, and Local!

Until next time,
Peace.