The new dad played two sold-out shows at the venue
I owe Gary LeVox an apology.
A couple of years ago, Buddy and I saw the Rascal Flatts frontman headline the Troubadour in LA. About halfway through his gig, he brought out a dude with tattoos where his hair would be. A funky-looking complete unknown. I took a bathroom break.
And missed an early performance from Teddy Swims. I’ll never make that mistake again.
Atoning for my sin, I insisted on covering Swims during his two-night run of sold-out shows at the Anthem in DC on Thursday (July 17th). His soulful voice curled around every groove and pushed every note out with a velvety smoothness that has become Swims’ signature tone.
He opened with the pyro-infused “Not Your Man,” emerging on a ramped platform that wrapped around the back of the stage, against a projection of a lux red curtain, and raised oval screen. He followed that immediately with “Hammer to the Heart.”
“Devil in a Dress” had the crowd singing along, enjoying every note as they lingered somewhere between country, rock, and old-school soul. A new song, “Free Drugs,” was an airy departure and explored the more pop-tinged Nooks of Swims’ voice.
Early in the night, Swims let the crowd know he was looking out for them. He asked the packed room to watch their neighbors and to signal security if there was a problem. And it wasn’t cursory. He genuinely cares for the well-being of his fans. “Wave us down and we’ll get to you,” he said. Major kudos for the class act.
Consciousness among artists of the toll rocking out has reached an all-time high. This is both as a lasting effect from the AstroWorld tragedy of a few years ago, and as a result of sweltering temperatures and new record highs. The Steve Miller Band canceled their annual tour citing the climate.
Continuing on, the jumpy “911” preceded “Need You More,” both are love songs of a type. One about being there for your partner, the other a ballad professing a need for a partner’s love. The contrast worked very well.
At some point in the night, Swims revealed a Washington Commanders jersey under his long overcoat. Wearing a hat that said “Best Dad Ever,” Swims played a song he wrote for his three-week-old son, called “Small Hands.” Just him and his guitarist, it was the most moving moment of the night, even bringing tears to his own eyes.
“Black and White” earned the loudest ovation of the night, taking the Anthem to church with its message of love and unity. And of course, close to the end of the night, “Lose Control” nearly lit the place on fire with its power.
Teddy Swims is a once-in-a-generation artist. Down-to-earth, instantly recognizable sound, and a stage presence that immediately disarms. I suspect he’ll be playing stadiums once the rest of the world discovers him. So Teddy Swims, I’m sorry for choosing my bladder over you at the Troubadour. You’ll be glad to know I held it this time.
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