A little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. No, it wasn’t Karoke night Wednesday at The Wedge bar in Austintown, but a tour stop by country star Trent Tomlinson — and he certainly knows how to prompt a sing-a-long. Whether guitar in hand, shots with fans, or jumping on top of the stage speakers, his presence merges the heartbreak of country with the harshness of rock. With radio hits “Hey Batter” and “Drunker Than Me,” fans have come to appreciate the humor and honesty in Tomlinson’s lyrics. He reciprocates that appreciation with a humbling acoustic version of “Biggest Fan.” And a country concert would not be complete without songs of broken relationships and drinking with “Just Might Have Her Radio On,” “I Was Gonna Leave Tomorrow Anyways,” and “The Bottle.”
Tomlinson showed off his musical range and talent (and naked chest) with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire,” Ray Charles’ “Georgia,” Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison,” Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” The Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle.” (former Crowes’ guitarist heads up Tomlinson’s band), and an unexpected and perfect performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain” which was, by FAR, the highlight of the evening.
