Concert Review: Sean Rowe @ The Cock ‘n Bull, 2/9/23

GALWAY – A clattering of knives. The buzz of conversation. For the most part, Thursday, Feb. 9^th, was a night like every other in your typical restaurant setting. The main difference, however, would be the person entertaining The Cock ‘n Bull and its patrons. Taking the stage promptly at 7:30 was Nippertown-area’s Sean Rowe. A commanding figure through-and-through, Rowe dazzled his audience song after song that night, playing for almost two hours straight with a vocal register that went from being able to crush coal to reaching soaring highs that would rival most crooners of yesteryear.

Beginning the night with “Madman,” Rowe dove right into a performance worth remembering. It wasn’t long before the singer-songwriter showed his more contemplative side with a version of “Married to the Lord,” a song off his newest record, The Darkness Dressed in Colored Lights. This time around, it was performed in a lower key than the recording, which, if anything, seemed to sit in a better register. Part of the fantastic aspect of this genre is how the songs are able to take different shapes easily while performing them on the road, melting and transforming in a crucible that contains audience reactions and the songwriter’s feelings and abilities on any given night or day.

A perfect example of this is how Rowe played several new songs during his concert, giving audiences a glimpse into what will one day undoubtedly be on a future record of his. My favorite song that fit this bill was “Burn, Baby, Burn.” It’s fantastically rhythmic in its vocal part, supportive in its guitar part, and a showcase of his ability to nail high notes. It’s no surprise to this concertgoer how well-versed Mr. Rowe is in delivering a performance.

Take, for example, “To Leave Something Behind.” The song that more-or-less put Sean Rowe on the international map, his performance of it on Thursday demonstrates everything that makes him worth listening to: dynamic guitar playing; crooning vocals one minute, and pleading sounding the next; an enigmatic presence that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. Every time you think this man’s voice will crack, it just doesn’t! Other masterclass examples that night was Rowe’s performance of “Tornado Head,” once again off his latest record, as well as “Squid Tattoo.”

It’s no surprise that Sean Rowe is able to deliver covers in just a compelling manner as his own material. Sprinkling in songs from artists as diverse as Springsteen, with his version of “The River,” to his jaw-dropping, show-stopping take on Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” to the unpredictable, but oh-so-tasteful take on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Rowe brought forth a finesse and panache to the stage few are able to achieve. Sometimes he’d incorporate harmonica into his music, and other times he left it alone. It didn’t matter, it was all captivating. As the restaurant closed down, Rowe kept on playing, making sure his audience got its money’s worth, which they certainly did, and then some.

As he ended the night with “Birds,” Rowe thanked the crowd, and proceeded to meet with various people in attendance. Being so inspired by his songwriting, I made my way back to speak with him for a bit before I turned to leave. The conversation we had, while brief, displayed to me how much he cares way beyond the music. He wants to take people along for a ride with him, and is invested in those he plays for. A great night of music delivered by a person with a great personality! Check him out if you ever get the chance!