by Jon Bauer
Last night at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, Teddy Swims delivered a powerful and soulful performance that showcased his raw talent and an incredible connection with his audience. It was a show that, while a little rough around the edges, was brimming with authenticity and extreme gratitude from the soulful performer.
Swims, who performed in socks and no shoes, showed his roots as a musical theater kid from Georgia who found his talent through church chorus and the encouragement of his teachers. This background was evident in his still-forming stage presence, which felt both unpolished and deeply genuine. He engaged the crowd in frequent, heartfelt discussions about his personal journey, including a new baby and the heartache that fuels his music, and highlighting his journey with his new addition to his family with “Little Hands.”
The audience, captivated by his sincerity, responded with chants of “Teddy!” and passed up signs for him to sign, a show of their unwavering support.
Visually, the concert had some unique elements, though not all landed with equal success. A slideshow of album covers featuring Teddy as a teddy bear was a “kinda cringe” moment, but it was quickly overshadowed by his musical prowess. The live arrangements were notably different from his albums, offering fresh takes on familiar songs. A standout moment was an interactive bit where the audience used an old electronic jukebox to select a song. The combination of “a number and a letter” resulted in him performing a stunning cover of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody,” complete with a graphic of a spinning vinyl on the screen, a clever and engaging way to connect with the crowd.
The night concluded with his hit “Lose Control” and “Bed On Fire,” leaving no doubt that Swims’ music speaks to a wide swath of people. He is an artist still in the process of becoming, but his immense talent and heartfelt connection with his fans are already undeniable.
Opening the show was Irish singer/songwriter Cian Ducrot, who played an acoustic set that was fun and playful – a highlight was him finding two people in the crowd that had recently been heartbroken, and singing a song directly to them.
Leave a reply