The Teskey Brothers had me swimming through an “Ocean of Emotions” during the final night of their US tour at the Moore Theater in Seattle. The tour celebrates their album, The Winding Way, which was released earlier this year.
Soulful singer Abraham Alexander opened the show, and let me tell you, he was playing like the rent was due. The urgency he had combined with a genuine passion for his craft created an unforgettable opening for the night. I didn’t expect to be crying three songs into the set, but Abraham’s commanding tone and dynamic inflections made my chest swell with emotions, which were only then amplified by the tremendous beauty of the historic Moore Theater surrounding me.
Once it was time for the Teskey Brothers to hit the stage, the already enthusiastic crowd welcomed them with a thunderous applause that would only subside during the softer moments throughout the set. It was evident that the seats were filled with folks who were enamored by them and their songs and were thrilled to be there to celebrate the final stop of their US tour.
The Teskey Brothers at the Moore Theater in Seattle, WA poster art by Katie Benn
After spending nine weeks on the road, you may think that the efforts might succumb to the feelings of farewell. However, the electricity of the vivacious crowd was reflected in the offerings from the band. Straight out of the gate, you could tell they had played these songs numerous times with each other because the instruments spoke for themselves while staying tightly in the pocket.
Josh Teskey can sing from the bottom of his chest all the way up to the tippy top of his head. His range is astounding and the control with which his vocals effortlessly run from the gravel to the heavens is nothing short of impressive, if not awe inspiring. His younger brother, Sam will occasionally lend his vocals to the harmonies but allows his guitar to play around melodically with the same attention-grabbing finesse that Josh does vocally.
Watch The Teskey Brothers Live at Red Rocks
I’m thrilled I got to discover their latest album, The Winding Way, and then immediately see the songs performed live because it painted the full picture on first impact. Highlights from the album include the forlorn, yet hopeful “I’m Leaving,” the romantic “Take My Heart,” the whirlwind of “London Bridge,” the comforting, “Carry Me Home,” and the ultimate jam “What Will Be.” Both on the record and live, these songs stood out to me.
Personally, I feel that when comparing this album to some of their previous works, this album is best heard in a live performance. Although the recording captures the raw and honest nature of the performance in a beautiful manner, the way that the record is mixed softens the overall dynamics. When you experience it live and in person, it becomes something of a spiritual nature, and it can be life changing if you are willing to open your ears and soul up to it.
It was so fitting to see their penultimate performance on their US tour because I feel like it amplified the meaning behind their album. The Winding Way is a guiding light through life, whether it be navigating relationships, overcoming struggles, or simply moving on to the next chapter; It represents a path, and The Teskey Brothers grab you by the hand and lead the way.
Although there were many highlights, one of the more beautiful moments of the night, for me, was when The Teskey Brothers asked Abraham Alexander to come on to the stage to sing alongside Josh. They covered “Drown in My Own Tears” by Ray Charles, who himself has graced the stage of the Moore Theater all the way back in September of 1961. Of course, Charles has a deeper connection to Seattle, having moved to the city as a teenager in 1948.
Even though he only lived here for two years, Ray Charles cut his first record here, getting his start in the music industry. So, the fact that they performed a beautiful and powerful rendition of an iconic song of his on the stage of a historic venue made this native Seattleite swell up with pride and a feeling of sheer bliss. The moment brought tears to my eyes and put the cherry on top of an already flawless performance.
The very end of the night, Seattle sent The Teskey Brothers off with a standing ovation while chanting the chorus to their hit song, “Hold On,” as the band and crew gathered on stage to take their final bow. With how full my heart felt leaving the Moore Theater, I can confidently say that this was one of the best performances I have seen all year. I’m truly happy to add this record into my collection and continue following The Teskey Brothers down The Winding Way.
