Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush - Young Fashioned Ways Tour 2025
TempleLive, Fort Smith, Arkansas, May 1, 2025
Kenny Wayne Shepherd was born on June 12, 1977, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Bobby Rush was born on November 10, 1933, in Homer, Louisiana, about 60 miles from Shreveport. As of this writing, Shepherd is 47, and Rush is 91 years old. The intervening 44 years encompass the history of the blues. The two artists came together to record Young Fashioned Ways (Deep Rush Records, 2025) and will share the stage during their respective spring tours. These tours will converge in Fort Smith, Arkansas, at TempleLive in the historic Fort Smith Masonic Temple on May 1, 2025.
This concert features two artists, and its structure reflects that. Mr. Bobby Rush has been performing for over 70 years. At 92, no one could blame a listener for expecting Mr. Rush’s voice to be diminished and his stage presence reduced. However, those expectations were unmet that night. Resplendent in a brightly adorned evening jacket, Rush took command immediately, supported by Shepherd's slashing Elmore James-style slide guitar. The two tore through “Hey Baby (What Are We Gonna Do?)” from their recently released duet recording, Young Fashioned Ways (Deep Rush Records, 2025). Mr. Rush moved gracefully across the stage, light-hearted one moment and lascivious the next. He performed the sultry “G-String” con brio, exuding great satisfaction and a leering wink. The singer accompanied himself on the harmonica as they navigated through the first set of six collaborations.
After a short intermission, Shepherd returned with his band, which included longtime lead singer and guitarist Noah Hunt, performing a vibrant set of Shepherd’s music from the past 30 years. “Déjà Voodoo" and “Shame, Shame, Shame” represented the early work from his first album, Ledbetter Heights (Giant Records, 1995). Shepherd’s mid-career compositions filled the center of the second set, highlighted by Hunt’s rendition of the ZZ Top song “She Loves My Automobile,” originally from that band’s 1979 album, Degüello (Warner Bros.). A highlight of the show was Shepherd's instrumental, “While We Cry,” also from Ledbetter Heights. Shepherd’s “Little Wing” is steeped in Southern gospel and spirituals. The guitarist himself stepped to the microphone to sing “Dirt On My Diamonds” and “I Gotta Woman,” showcasing a fine voice and a great, if introverted, stage presence.
The encore began with Shepherd’s most famous song, a brief and to-the-point rendition of “Blue On Black” from his sophomore effort, Trouble Is (Revolution, 1997), sung with smoldering gusto by Hunt, with Shepherd backing him up. Rush returned to the stage for two of the more raucous songs from Young Fashioned Ways, “Uncle Esau” and “Who Was That?,” tracks that would have felt at home in the 1940s as they do today. Rush performed as if he would do this forever, a talent that is easy to take for granted. Failing to appreciate it will be to our peril, as this gift will not last indefinitely. But how wonderful it is to see the formidable Shepherd supporting Bobby Rush at sunset. I was glad to be there.
Setlist
Set I: “Hey Baby (What Are We Gonna Do?); “Long Way From Home;” “40 Acres (How Long?);” “G-String;” “Make Love To You;” “You So Fines.” Set II: “Woman Like You;” “She Loves My Automobile;” “Dirt On My Diamonds;” “I Got A Woman;” “Watch You Go;” “Déjà Voodoo;” “Shame, Shame, Shame;” “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination;” “The Middle;” “I Want You;” While We Cry;” “I’m A King Bee.” Encore: “Blue On Black;” “Uncle Esau;” “Who Was That?”
Musicians
Bobby Rush: guitar, harmonica, vocals; Kenny Wayne Shepherd: guitar, vocals; Noah Hunt: vocals; rhythm guitar; Kevin McCormick: bass; Joe Krown: Keyboards; Doug Woolverton or Mark Pender: trumpet; Charlie DiPuma or Joe Sublett: saxophones.