The actor-turned-musician is currently on the road in support of his first full-length album
Taking the stage at Tally Ho in Leesburg, VA on Sunday night (June 16th), Charles Esten opened with the title track of his debut album. “Love Ain’t Pretty” is a thoughtful ode to decades-long partnerships and all that couples go through to stay together.
Esten played through several numbers from the album at the top of the 100-minute set. It’s obvious he’s proud of his first LP. As well he should be. For Esten, the album is a new high point in an unlikely music career for the Nashville actor. After working with music super-producer T Bone Burnett and other talents in Nashville, Esten embraced his popularity as a country star, performing on tour and the Grand Ole Opry.
For Father’s Day, Esten and his four-piece band played his song “Feet of Clay” together for the first time. The song speaks eloquently to the highs and lows of the father-child relationship.
Also present during Esten’s set were plenty of numbers from his “Every Single Friday” project that saw him digitally release over 50 individual songs during a year.
Esten had fun with the intimate crowd throughout the night. “Maybe I’m Alright” saw him dance and give out hugs throughout the audience. And at the end of the night, he playfully wore the tiny cowboy hat from a young girl who was experiencing her first concert.
Esten closed with “Down the Road,” a rocker that left the audience wanting more. It was a crescendo to a fantastic night of music from someone who has developed a deep catalog in a short amount of time.
