No Horns, and No Laur Joamets on Upcoming Sturgill Simpson Tour
Despite plans to take 2017 off from touring after the birth of his second child, Sturgill Simpson decided to book a Summer/Fall tour this year after high-profile Grammy nominations had the whole world asking “Who the Fuck Is Sturgill Simpson?” and liking the answer they found. A viral performance on Saturday Night Live, a Grammy win for Best Country Album, and the nomination for the Grammy’s Album of the Year has Sturgill Simpson as one of the fastest-rising names in music, yet again.
Tickets for his upcoming tour are selling out so fast, they’re showing up for upwards of $400 on the secondary market. Sturgill made his first 2017 post-Grammy appearance at the Okeechobee, and many fans noticed there was no Laur Joamets, and no horns on stage with him. After the rumor mill got stirring in earnest, Sturgill addressed the issue directly on Sunday (3-5) afternoon.
We’ve been trying to keep it under wraps to avoid the inevitable rumor mill but last night’s gig in Okeechobee FL officially marks the beginning of a new chapter.
We’re all very sad to say that after nearly four years Laur Joamets has decided it’s time to move on to pursue greener pastures and a gig with little more wiggle room for him to stretch out. It’s been a pleasure and an honor watching him grow into one of the baddest guitar players on the planet and everyone in the band wishes him the best in his future endeavors. To be completely honest, I realized last night how much I’ve missed playing electric guitar without even knowing it so I guess as they say, “it was time”.
I’m also proud to say that Little Joe recently became the proud owner of a US green card and is working towards officially becoming a “Muhrican”.
Everyone in the band wishes him the absolute best in both his life and career and we cant wait to see what he does with his incredible talents.
It has also been an honor and a priviledge playing with the New Orleans horns boys (Brad Walker, Jon Ramm, Scott Frock) but sadly after touring nearly the entire world, every late night tv program and the Grammy’s I felt it was time to move on from the sonic template of ASGTE and get started on “what’s next”. We all had a wonderful year with them and made some great friends for life. Who knows,..maybe I’ll get an itching for the dirty brass again down the road.
With all that said, gonna be keeping it lean & mean with Miles, Chuck, & Bob this year.
After all,..heavy times calls for heavy music.
See ya on the road!!
March 5, 2017 @ 5:39 pm
This is going to be a blow to his live show. Hope he doesn’t lose miles. That band (kevin included) that he rose to fame with was half the draw of his show. They fed off of each other so well.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:27 pm
Although I’m still going to two shows this year and I know Sturgill is more than capable of carrying lead on his own. Anxious to see what this will change and how it will impact the setlists, particularly the sailor’s guide stuff minus horns.
March 5, 2017 @ 7:10 pm
It will not be a blow. If you’ve seen Sturgill before Joe you know. Don’t get me wrong, Joe is a great player but Sturgill is one of the best I’ve seen in my lifetime. It will not be a setback. Sturgill is constantly changing and staying one step ahead of everyone.
Doubt miles goes because Stu needs him on backup. Kevin wouldn’t of left if he and miles could of gotten along.
March 5, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
I agree. With all due respect to Laur, and he deserves a ton of it, Sturgill Simpson is still the best country guitarist I have ever seen with my own two eyes. Now the spotlight is firmly back on Sturgill and his guitar.
March 5, 2017 @ 9:51 pm
Is that best rhythm guitarist or lead? I would beg to differ if we’re talking about lead players.. Marty Stuart, Pete Anderson, Kenny Vaughan, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brent Mason…..
Those are some big boots to fill.
March 5, 2017 @ 9:54 pm
Lead. And yes, I know those are big boots to fill. Nothing against any of those players. Marty, Pete, and Kenny are Gods in my book. But Sturgill has an attack to his style that those guys just don’t. Nobody does. It’s born from Sturgill’s devout study of bluegrass. He plays the telecaster like a lightning mandolin.
March 5, 2017 @ 10:06 pm
I’m not saying he isn’t good and he definitely has his own style but being a player myself I just wouldn’t put him in the same class. To each his own!
BTW- Thanks for continuing to fight for quality music. Much appreciated
March 6, 2017 @ 4:40 pm
I was thinking more along the lines of Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck on a Tele but everyone’s taste are different; Sturgill’s and Brad Pasiley certainly are.
March 6, 2017 @ 7:22 am
I usually agree with you on almost anything but, come on, Sturgill the best lead guitarist in country? Really? I knew you loved Sturgill and everything about him, but please try to stay objective sometimes… He sure have some skills and a cool style but he’s far behind a lot of big names…
March 6, 2017 @ 10:30 am
Whose better? Paisley? Thats the only argument I can think of.
March 6, 2017 @ 11:31 am
If that’s all you can think of then your knowledge/awareness of country guitar players is extremely limited.
March 6, 2017 @ 11:35 am
I respectfully disagree. Time will tell …
March 12, 2017 @ 10:13 am
It’s indeed a mighty gutsy statement, and I respect your opinion. He’s great for sure, but as long as Albert Lee walks the earth….
😉
March 6, 2017 @ 7:22 am
Figuring out who’s the best of anything is a tough job isn’t it?
Everyone has their favourite guitar player, the people mentioned are all really good, some maybe a bit speedier than others…. which is often mistaken for being good, (speed/technique is part but not all of what goes into being a good guitar player)
Sturgill is my favourite country guitar picker, the least likely of any of them to play cliches, the most likely to play something new and interesting. And like everything he does in music, his guitar playing is full of energy and intensity.
March 6, 2017 @ 9:52 am
Again, it’s not that he isn’t good. He is a talented guitar player. But I have dedicated most of my life to the guitar and when you see some of the greats play, like those I mentioned, the discipline it took to master the instrument is on full display. Sturgill may get there, only time will tell.
March 6, 2017 @ 11:33 am
Sturgill was already there, and then he pulled back. If you only know Sturgill from his solo era guitar playing, you only know half the story. I was first exposed to Sturgill via Sunday Valley. This is where I witnessed his magic. And hopefully this magic will re-emerge on the upcoming tour.
And this isn’t just about technique. I’m judging my opinion he’s the best country guitar player I’ve ever seen on taste and performance.
March 6, 2017 @ 12:04 pm
And everyone’s taste is different.
I’ve seen his Sunday Valley era videos of him wailing on a Telecaster and he does some pretty cool stuff.
This is more my speed and what I would call 2 of the best country guitar players to ever walk the earth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVMdwpcl3m4
If Sturgill’s Sunday Valley stuff blows your mind, you may want to check out J.D. Simo.
THAT dude’s style, taste, and performance is incredible.
March 7, 2017 @ 4:51 am
Sorry I got this started…. but I agree with mark. Arguing who’s the best at anything with variant styles is totally objective. Then you can get into those players on Tele vs Gibson LP and 20 other arguments. All the names above are great players. I was just giving my opinion who cares.
May 9, 2017 @ 4:42 pm
Here you go:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ly6OqRMXcl8
May 9, 2017 @ 5:09 pm
I was there, and I stand corrected 🙂
March 5, 2017 @ 5:41 pm
I knew the horns wouldn’t last forever. I didn’t think we’d see Sturgill without Laur for a long time, perhaps ever. While it’s sad to hear, it’s to hear that the Sturgill is getting ready for what’s “next” and I can’t wait to hear it.
March 5, 2017 @ 5:44 pm
Thank goodness!! I like that New Orleans Rebirth Brass band sound as much as the next guy….when I’m in New Orleans!!! Time to get back to basics. Guitar, drums, bass and vocals.
March 5, 2017 @ 5:48 pm
Oh, crap. I thought I’d sit this tour out since I saw him 2X last year, but now I have to make room on a crowded schedule
March 5, 2017 @ 5:55 pm
This is disappointing. Laur was easily the most interesting guitar player in country music. It’s a shame that musicians (and people more generally) don’t often realize that constraints (in the case genre) lead to greater creative potential.
I won’t miss the horns (still country, just not my thing). But I’m very interested to hear ASGTE songs without them.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:04 pm
I will miss the horns a great deal. Songs like “All Around You” and “The Promise” became transcendent live with sax solos. He picked the perfect song to play at the Grammy’s, considering this departure. That slow build up and crescendo was incredible in that setting. I am glad I saw that group of 8 perform it live in Fargo this past August. It’s something we may never get a chance to see again.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:04 pm
If you’ve ever heard Sunday Valley play you will get that as far as guitar goes, Sturgill has it covered, and then some. Nothing like the smell of shredded Telecaster in the evening.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:09 pm
Going to miss Laur.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:26 pm
Tremendously. What a talent. Seriously bummed about this
March 5, 2017 @ 7:14 pm
Please let us know when you hear what laur is up to next. Thanks
March 5, 2017 @ 7:35 pm
I will. Something tells me it won’t take long for him to find his place, wherever that is.
March 5, 2017 @ 9:23 pm
The same week as the Grammys he was in a little dive in Louisville, KY playing with Patrick Sweeney. Not sure if semi-permanent but it’s definitely somewhere he can spread out and jam.
March 6, 2017 @ 6:03 pm
I saw a video him playing in some place that has $2 Tuesdays w/Derek Hoke. It was pretty nice, understated for him, but that is partly Hoke’s influence.
:off topic: Hoke’s Southern Moon album is a gem.:/off topic:
March 5, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
Expected the horns to go although not until next album but a bit surprised about Laurs leaving.Still life goes on and I look forward to the next chapter.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:46 pm
They had an extremely successful run together, but I’m looking forward to seeing Sturgill in a couple months, regardless.
March 5, 2017 @ 6:46 pm
I was disappointed when Kevin left and I feel the same now that Laur has left. Laur’s playing on their first Conan appearance was a big part of what motivated me to learn more about the band. However, I know the shows will still be great and i can’t wait to see what Laur and Sturgill each do next.
March 5, 2017 @ 7:08 pm
No way you let go of laur without something more going on.
March 5, 2017 @ 7:44 pm
From what I’ve read, Laur is more into blues/rock than he is country. If I’m not mistaken, he never even listened to country before he met Sturgill.
March 5, 2017 @ 8:10 pm
i think thats what made him such an incredible country guitarists, he wasn’t corrupted by the influence of traditional playing
March 6, 2017 @ 9:52 am
Yeah ..thank God guys like Chet , Roy Clark , Vince Gill , Jerry Reed , Brent Mason ,Merle Travis , Marty Stewart , Roy Nichol , Red Volkaert and Albert Lee didn’t ‘corrupt ‘ Mr. Joamets .
.
Fuck ….There isn’t a guitarist on the planet that hasn’t been influenced by these legends …..or could stand to be.
March 6, 2017 @ 10:34 am
Agreed MH, however as I remember in a similar post from Trigger mentioning that a lot of the electric guys in country dont even enjoy the music but they do it because they aren’t cut out to make the metal bands. Not saying that’s the case but the move makes sense.
March 12, 2017 @ 10:23 am
In Trig’s defense, I don’t think he was talking about Albert Lee or Roy Clark or Glen Campbell or Jerry Reed when he made that comment. 🙂
March 5, 2017 @ 8:08 pm
i know sturgill is no slouch on guitar but Laur was one of the best players i’ve heard in a while. He filled the role he was given flawlessly and i hope his future gigs give him room to run. Not surprised by this news
March 5, 2017 @ 8:44 pm
Laur is a fucking god. Whatever band or genre he goes too, hes got at least one fan eagerly waiting.
And as much as i love sailors guide im glad to see the horns go. They were great, but one horn centric album is enough, for a couple years at least. More horns could be cool down the pipe.
March 6, 2017 @ 6:05 pm
Yes to all of this.
March 5, 2017 @ 8:45 pm
There is no doubt in my mind that Sturgill is going to get an abundance out of a smaller line-up. The 4 man band (Stu, Miles, Kevin and Laur tore it up back 2014/15 and gave legs to this whole thing. I have no doubt that a smaller line-up means nothing but getting more out of less. ‘Sunday Valley’ was a treasure trove of talent and raw energy and the ‘High Top Mountain’ record was proof that Stu knows what he’s doing with professional back-up as well.
‘Metamodern Sounds…’ is the most focused record I’ve ever heard and the writing is always great no matter the record/band. It’s Sturgill and what he brings out in musicians that’s important to us fans. As he said in ‘Life of Sin’,
“…and the Boys and me (are) still workin’ on the sound.”
March 6, 2017 @ 8:36 pm
Agreed. Chuck’s bass playing has also brought a much more solid foundation to the band. Love his tone and attack.
March 5, 2017 @ 8:48 pm
So this leaves him with no one from Sunday Valley still left in the band right? and the current drummer is the only guy left from High Top Mountain right? I don’t know a lot about band dynamics, but is it possible that Sturgill hard to work with? From my perspective, I would want to ride with this guy and see where it goes, but he seems to lose someone about every other year. Thoughts Trigger? Also who is the new guitar player? He mentioned three other guys in that press release.
March 6, 2017 @ 6:43 am
The thought has crossed my mind because I long for the days of Dave Cobb producing, Blackdaddy on bass, and Laurs on guitar. Glad I have the albums that caught lightening in a bottle and memories of The Shed on the Metamodern tour.
March 6, 2017 @ 6:07 pm
We were there!! Life-fucking-changing!
Music fan life that is. What a show….
March 6, 2017 @ 9:18 pm
I was at ‘The Shed’ in Maryville Tenn. and drove to Asheville the next night. Asheville was a great night for dynamics and Sturgill’s singing was off the charts. I got to meet him that night and made a dribbling fool of myself because I didn’t know how to tell him how close I felt to him because of Metamodern Sounds…
Anyway they shredded ‘The Shed’ and it was a weekend I will never forget.
I’ve been following Margo Price mostly because of Kevin Black being on Bass and I like her songs a bunch and I hope to re-connect with Little Joe (Laur) as soon as he announces whatever.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:20 am
For myself, I compare the show at The Shed to seeing GnR in 1992 in Dayton, Ohio during the Use Your Illusion tour at the Nutter Center. Some people may think that is crazy, but the crowd at The Shed had an energy I’ve rarely felt at a concert. In addition, the guys were so tight during their set at The Shed, it was as if a 100 piece orchestra was being conducted. Fortunately, there are a few of videos on YouTube. One is a clip of Sturgill talking about how loud the crowd was and another is a version of Medicine Springs that is epic.
March 5, 2017 @ 10:01 pm
Sturgill is more than equipped to take lead in the band; sometimes less is more.
IMO, a subtle pedal steel added to the new lineup would be a sound orgasm.
Lookin forward to Cary and Charlotte.
March 5, 2017 @ 11:02 pm
Exactly my thoughts. Stu is a fucking assassin with a telecaster in his hands, and with a pedal steel playing with him, I think he would sound incredible.
March 6, 2017 @ 10:37 am
See you at the Koka!
March 12, 2017 @ 10:26 am
And me!
March 5, 2017 @ 10:39 pm
Damn. Laurs is incredible and fun to watch (in Youtube format, I’ve never gotten to see Sturgill in concert). It’s nice to see a ridiculous amount of talent that doesn’t have to show off
November 23, 2017 @ 10:28 pm
Please – if you get the chance, see Sturgill live
going to be hard to see him without Luar, but such is life
March 5, 2017 @ 10:52 pm
Good goddamn riddance to the horns. Way over done it to the point of being obnoxious. Horns are OK in small doses but that album was poisoned by it.
Add fiddle and pedal steel!!
March 6, 2017 @ 12:23 am
I regret not seeing him when he came through a few times but I did not have the dollars to hollar. But loved the live stuff on TV. Maybe he will get back to the funkier sound of High Top Mountain again.
OT: But I hope Trig reviews Jessie Colter’s new album.
March 6, 2017 @ 3:52 am
I’d be really interested to see a guy like Dan Donato play with Sturgill. No doubt Sturgill can play plugged in, but the songs need both electric and acoustic.
March 6, 2017 @ 5:18 am
As much as we all love Sturgill, I’m hoping Trigger keeps us posted on Laur’s future projects. Such a great player. I’d love to see what comes next.
March 6, 2017 @ 6:30 am
Patrick Sweany is a find. That guy has an incredible voice and the depth of drunked-out blues that Laur should be able to swim in like a fish. There’s a lot of grimy, vacant space out here in middle America. Looking forward to Sweany getting on it.
March 6, 2017 @ 1:25 pm
Love Sweany..seen him numerous times….he’s a wonderful guitar player and great bluesy songwriter….super pleasant in person as well. For those uniformed….Dan Auerbach played in Sweanys band before he formed The Black Keys! When you listen to Sweany you hear it….Dan learned the ropes from him for sure. He’s not a country artist in any way, rock n roll, blues and a little soul but really, really good.
March 6, 2017 @ 7:10 am
Glad to know the horns are gone.
Back to basics!
March 6, 2017 @ 8:01 am
By no means did I hate the horns, but I’m not sorry to them go. For one, I thought they were intrusive on the more country songs done live. I’m intrigued about what Sturgill and the boys come up with after they “work on the sound” some. I’ve never seen Sturgill go off on the guitar for any great length of time, as the first time I saw him was in 2013 and Laur was with him then.
March 6, 2017 @ 8:19 am
I pray that the day never comes that Miles leaves the band. His drumming/harmonizing is irreplaceable.
March 7, 2017 @ 8:33 am
I couldn’t agree more. Miles is a magical hihat rhythmic player. His open/broken hat style is a signature of all three albums. I would hate to see that change. Like I said above, considering he is backup I doubt he goes anywhere. Moving to the front of the line was a bit symbolic when Kevin left too. I don’t think those stories are a huge secret anymore (Kevin is very open about it to anyone that will listen). I think Miles is the #2 man.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:03 pm
Miles has been listed as “band leader” a few times here and there in Sturgill media.
March 6, 2017 @ 10:29 am
This should be music to the ears (pun intended) for all of the ASGTE “haters”. Im usung that term loosly of course. The horns were the main argument when saying it wast country, or country enough. Now “whats next” is a bad ass teaser and I hope its a mix between SV- to the wind and onto heaven and SS- MMSICM. Now thinking about it, High Top Mountain stuff. That’s HEAVY stuff. Can’t wait for July 8th!
March 6, 2017 @ 11:39 am
A Sunday Valley styled album would be fucking amazing! Come to think of it, he could just rerecord To Wind and on to Heaven song for song and I’d be happy as shit.
March 6, 2017 @ 4:39 pm
I hope for a re-release without re-recording or re-mixing.
March 6, 2017 @ 10:54 am
Interesting. Any reports from Okeechobee re: setlist or sound? I am guessing that this means that a lot of the ASGTE horn parts are going to be played on the organ now, and not sure how I feel about that. Looking forward to seeing Sturgill play some more electric guitar, although I hope the absence of a more dedicated steel / slide guy isn’t felt too bad.
This will also give Chuck more room to breathe, and I think he is highly underrated and is a great bass player. Just watching some of the older Sturgill videos with his prior bassist makes that clear.
March 6, 2017 @ 10:56 am
….makes it clear that Chuck was a big upgrade and brings a lot to the band, that is.
March 6, 2017 @ 11:27 am
Haven’t seen a lot of definitive video yet, but I expect a more raw, stripped-down, and dirty sound coming from Sturgill, and he won’t be afraid to take a solo and rip it apart. The things about the horns—and I made this observation in my review of “A Sailor’s Guide’ is that on many of the songs, they’re not essential. They’re not taking, long, definitive solos except in a few songs. They’re an addition, window dressing. I don;t think they’ll have any problems filling in the gaps.
March 6, 2017 @ 12:06 pm
Great points. Will be interesting to see on the upcoming tour!
March 6, 2017 @ 12:08 pm
Thats what I will enjoy, the head bobbing and shaking of ripping it, like when the Punch Brother/Chris Thile would rip the mandolin and Noam Pikelny with the banjo. Cutting the rug to the horns wore my ass out.
March 27, 2017 @ 6:00 pm
The video that I have seen from Okeechobee is a bit concerning, but will be interesting to see more. The video of Tirtles that is on YouTube was way heavy on the organ, and same with the Welcome to Earth video that is out there. Like, Adams Family heavy on some spots. Also, I think the pedal steel / Laur’s slide playing is going to be missed. My bet is that he will add a lead player in the coming weeks, but who knows.
March 6, 2017 @ 12:44 pm
This news is a little bit shocking to me.
After see the tour in October. Especially the audience reaction and the way they embraced it and the new sound.
He had all that momentum he built with all the TV appearances and the grammys with the band.
It is a strange choice to go forward like this.
Interesting to see how it goes and what reaction is too it.
At least he will prolly scare all the hipsters away now. LOL
The show this summer will be interesting, that’s for sure.
I am curious more about the decision making and what his real train of thought is.
However, Sturgill seems pretty professional and it has always been the bands and musicians he’s hired to make albums and tour. Even with the great chemistry last line-up has had, I think it is all part of the business.
March 6, 2017 @ 1:49 pm
I just wish he was touring up in Canada again….maybe next year.
March 6, 2017 @ 6:03 pm
Weird…he seems like he’d be such a pleasant fellow to work for…
March 6, 2017 @ 6:08 pm
The top three most overrated entertainers in Country Music history:
5. Webb Pierce
4. George Strait
3. Garth Brooks
2. Sturgill Simpson
1. Johnny Cash
March 6, 2017 @ 6:09 pm
I meant 5.
March 6, 2017 @ 8:40 pm
Seens your math is about on par with your ability to consume and properly analyze country music. : )
March 6, 2017 @ 9:37 pm
And with your ability to spell?
March 6, 2017 @ 10:04 pm
Who do you like? Just curious. Name me some of your favorites.
March 7, 2017 @ 7:07 am
I like pretty much all traditional Country Music. I even like people who are overrated.
I just can’t for the life of me, understand why this website is so ejaculatory over Sturgill Simpson.
If this was 1975, he’d be some loser in a bar that nobody ever heard of.
March 7, 2017 @ 8:32 am
You just like to troll, if you don’t like reading about it Phobe, don’t. About as bad as the liberal trollers on the internet.
March 7, 2017 @ 11:06 am
Sour grapes much? Maybe because he’s one of the few more traditional sounding artists who has busted through the glass ceiling of the Nashville establishment. It seems like you just look for something to bitch about for attention. You aren’t wanted on this site, so fuck off somewhere.
March 7, 2017 @ 11:35 am
Hahaha Kenny P, get em.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:12 pm
Yes. I love attention, and I appreciate you giving it to me.
I would also like to thank you for acknowledging, and accepting both my premises; that you are ejaculatory for Sturgill Simpson, and that if this were 1975 he’d be a nobody.
You see, my comment about not understanding your ejaculatory exuberance for Sturgill Simpson, was a rhetorical one. I made it to express my disdain for the reason why he’s popular, something you confirmed with your response to me.
The reason he is popular, is not because he is great. It’s simply because there is a rising popularity among young urban dwellers to cling to any and everything they consider to be edgy, or different, or “outlaw”.
His fans are so confused, they’re now willing to call anything he does “country”.
March 8, 2017 @ 7:06 am
I personally love his writing Phobe, and his more traditional sound. Color me “lost” for wanting more in my country music lyrical vocab than coolers and wallet chains. BTW, did you even mention one artist you like? Or just wanted to dodge a question you couldnt answer?
March 7, 2017 @ 12:07 pm
Saving Country Music is not “ejaculatory” over Sturgill Simpson. If you believe otherwise, just go read my review of “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.” I might be Sturgill’s biggest champion, but I’m also his harshest critic. And the reason I cover him so often is because I have covered him from the very beginning, and right now he is the guy reshaping the paradigm in country music, and it would be irresponsible to ignore it. At some point the Sturgill Simpson news will stop coming, and months will go by without any coverage. Then everyone will complain about how all I talk about is Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:17 pm
There’s always gonna be someone that comes on here strictly for the purpose to moan and bitch, and they’ll moan and bitch about anything. What do you expect from a guy who goes by “The Phobe?”
March 7, 2017 @ 12:24 pm
Just because nobody has heard of them doesn’t make them a loser. Fuck outta here with that nonsense. Even if he did end up a bar musician he’d be happy because he’s making his music the way he wants to, whether you like him or not. He’s one of the big names right now. This site didn’t make him big, he did. And he did it by staying true to himself. You must be a fun individual to be around, by the way.
March 7, 2017 @ 12:33 pm
I mean…you’re acting like he fucked your wife or something.
March 6, 2017 @ 7:53 pm
Seen Sturgill in St. Louis about 3 years ago when he oppened for Dwight Yoakum, on the same day that his guitar player (before Laurs) had quit. And that is what hooked me on Sturgill, his ablities on the guitar and his music. I dont know about him being the best, but I guarantee he is quite capable.
March 6, 2017 @ 10:51 pm
For me, and I feel that some people have expressed this, is that it’s not so much about Sturgill’s ability as it is Laurs’ creativity. On ASGTE, especially Metamodern, the guitar solos are what put those records over the tope in terms or creavity. Laurs has an ability to make notes that seem like they shouldn’t fit, fit perfectly within the music. Paisley has this same ability but in a different sense. Even more than that. Laurs interpretation on country guitar TONE was extremely unique. The combination of creativity in terms of styling, and tone are nearly impossible to match. If I were Sturgill (which I am clearly not and would never see fit to offer advice on his carreer) I would bring Laurs in for studio work, he can replicate and manipulate all he wants live. Just my opinion though
March 7, 2017 @ 8:11 am
My wife played me several videos from the show on Sat.
I have no idea where she is getting them from.
Maybe Facebook, IDK. I’ve looked can’t find.
It was OK what I saw..
I saw welcome to earth Polywog, aint no flowers, and a couple others.
Was decent. However the lack of the horn parts hit me pretty good.
I wish the fuck I knew where they were so I could post the links.
I’ve never seen Sturgill play slide.
I think his biggest loss is going to be Laurs’ slide playing.
March 28, 2017 @ 6:55 am
Hey Trigg. Laur is credited as the electric guitar player on Bill Scorzari’s new record ‘Through These Waves’. Worth checking out.
April 6, 2017 @ 2:34 pm
It looks like Laur is with Drivn N Cryin now according to their FBI post a few days back.
May 7, 2017 @ 6:27 pm
Is Laur w/Drivin’ and Cryin’?
May 8, 2017 @ 7:32 am
Saw SS last night in Memphis. Disappointed….. sturgill plays lots of notes,and he impressed my non-guitar-playing friend. But just not the same. Laur and SS play well off each other. Too too bad this had to happen. SS is still a fave. Hope he finds his way.
May 8, 2017 @ 8:33 am
Sturgill’s strengths are great stage presence, incredible songwriting, connnection with the audience. It was a great show and the audience loved it. I may have been the only one that misssed the sturgill/laur connection. So take this with a grain of salt. Love ya sturgill!
July 8, 2017 @ 8:06 am
Saw Sturgil in Charlotte last night. Good show, but I doubt it was his best. His guitar pedal crapped out on him three times and he had to stop three songs halfway through. He didn’t bother finishing them after getting his guitar back up and running. Happened on one of my favorites – Welcome to Earth. Really disappointed he didn’t finish it after the mishap. There’s no doubt the man can play guitar, but it did not seem to have the same full effect I was expecting after listening to Sailor’s Guide to Earth. To top the night off, he didn’t bother to come back for an encore.
May 8, 2017 @ 9:48 am
And loved the addition of the keyboard player. Stay strong!
May 9, 2017 @ 4:47 pm
A sample of SA show this past Saturday. My wife and I missed the horns.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ly6OqRMXcl8
July 16, 2017 @ 9:10 am
We just saw Sturgill (Atlanta) and Dwight Yoakam (Athens, GA) on back-to-back nights. Sturgill put on a good show, Dwight absolutely burned the place down. I am a huge fan of Sturgill, but I think Laur left a little bigger hole than I expected. That said, I think it has more to do with the polish and professionalism that comes from 30 extra years of experience and a deeper repertoire. I like my favorite Sturgill songs better than my favorite Dwight songs, but being completely honest, there was no comparison between the shows.
Still would travel to see both!
Tyler Childers tonight. Report at 11. 😀
September 16, 2017 @ 11:24 pm
Saw Sturgill in Boston tonight. He was clearly sick or having some problems with his voice. Apologized to the crowd for only getting “Hamburger Helper tonight.” Man needs to take better care of himself (he was sick the first time I saw him as well, which means I’ve only seen him in good health once).
Didn’t really feel the absence of the horns but was really surprised how much more I enjoyed Sturgill’s playing when Laur was in the band. Might have been his absence or it could have been the sickness, but it really felt like Sturgill was overcompensating for something. The good news is how much more Chuck’s playing stands out. He’s a killer on that thing.