The Troubadour West Hollywood, CA
Contact: Lea Concialdi @ Champagne House Media / [email protected]
Players: Andy Platts, lead vocal, keys; Shawn Lee, guitar, backing vocal; Paul Housden, bass, backing vocals; Adrian Meehan, drums; Alex Young, flute, tenor sax; Tristan Hurd, trumpet; Nick Crane, trombone
Material: Kicking of their U.S. tour by sharing selections from West End Coast (2015), AM Waves (2018), Canyons (2020), and their latest album, Ticket to Shangri-La (released in December 2023), Young Gun Silver Fox did not disappoint. Easing into their performance with a rhythmic keyboard intro, and smooth Doobie Brothers-meet-Fleetwood Mac stylings, the group played for over 90 minutes for a sold-out crowd at the legendary Troubadour, delivering an incredibly tight band sound and endless grooves for the packed house of passionate aficionados.
Musicianship: Fabulous vocal unison, smooth voicings, and a stellar horn section kicked things off with new track “Still Got it Goin’ On” before elegant vocals unfolded on the upbeat bop, “Kids.” “West Side Jet” (another new one) brought a Jamiroquai-feeling start with a great Shawn Lee (producer-composer-multi-instrumentalist) guitar solo, who also added palpable, grungy sound in his solo on “Midnight in Richmond.” “Long Distance Love Affair” delivered an incredible bass feel and lovely falsetto from Adam Platts (of Mama’s Gun), along with a more ethereal solo from Lee. The group transitioned to a fuller sound before kicking into full-on disco mode with “Rolling Back.” Their songwriting brings a tasty flow, seamlessly blending words and melody.
Performance: Seemingly enjoying every moment, the group had a beautifully polished sound and delivery, using syncopated decoration, gorgeous harmonic blends, and perfect funk-feeling bass and drum lines (including a molasses pull on the pocket on “Winners”). Not taking things too seriously, they included catchy refrains and were quick to jump into shameless clapping and sing-along moments with their audience, adding to the energetic atmosphere of the room.
Summary: Shifting between elements of R&B, funk, disco, old-school rock, and sprinklings of smooth jazz, this band is badass. They bring a powerful blend of fresh and comfortably familiar sound and a fantastic combination of classic sound and youthful exuberance. Young Gun Silver Fox is all about the groove. Period. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie, along with a stank face to give a nod to the incredible solos. Funky, vibey, mood-making deliciousness.
Photo by Leah Concialdi
