In just over a year, Leon Bridges has gone from an unknown new artist about to release his debut album to a headlining artist selling out venue after venue along the way. The Ft. Worth, TX retro soul artist first played in Atlanta early last year around the time of the release of his debut album Coming Home, selling out the small and intimate Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. From there his music started spreading like wild fire, being featured in multiple commercials and across the airwaves.
Leon Bridges
Last October he returned to Atlanta, playing the midsize venue at Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points, selling that show out months in advance. Last week, Bridges and his talented band came back for more, this time selling out the much larger Tabernacle in downtown.
Leon Bridges at The Tabernacle
It just goes to show you that there’s something to be said for discovering new artists early, as those lucky enough to see him at Eddie’s were treated to an intimate performance that Leon Bridges probably won’t be returning to anytime soon. Not that anyone is complaining that were able to snag tickets to the show at the beautiful Tabernacle.
Brittni Jessie, part of Leon Bridges band
No, what we got to see is an artist coming into his own, an artist that’s grown completely comfortable on stage, and able to thrill audiences big or small. The band even did a few covers including Sade’s “Smooth Operator”, led by backup singer Brittni Jessie. Leon really let loose on the Tabernacle stage, dancing to all around the stage, getting the Tabernacle all off their feet and dancing together like it’s 1960.
Son Little at the Tabernacle
Son Little opened up the night, bringing his futuristic soul from his debut, self titled album that he released in 2015 via Anti-. He got the crowd going with his bluesy, soulful voice, mixed in with a slight hip hop edge, providing the perfect complement to Leon and his band.
Son Little
More photos from a great evening of Soul Music:
All photos by Mike Gerry
