Wayne "The Train" Hancock - Concert Review - 12/14/12 - Alex's Bar - Long Beach, CA

If you are tired of what passes as modern day country music you owe it to yourself to check out Wayne "The Train" Hancock. The authenticity of Wayne's writing and performing hearkens back to the traditional country sounds of Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers. The self proclaimed "King of Juke Joint Swing" was in Long Beach tonight playing in front of a packed house at Alex's Bar. Wayne attracts a rabid and diverse fan base which also includes enthusiast of honky tonk, western swing and blues.

 

 

Wayne's current touring band consists of  Zach Sweeney on lead guitar and Zack Sapunor on standup bass. Both are excellent musicians and feed off of Wayne's improvisational style. Like many nights before the band started with no written playlist which makes for a spontaneous show with a lot of energy. Wayne took the stage and told the crowd that they looked like the floor of the New York Stock Exchange due to the constant chatter of song requests being thrown at him. From the first note of tonight's show it was easy to see why many refer to Wayne as "The Real Deal." There are very few performers that can play a retro style of music without coming across as a novelty act. Wayne is not rehashing the past but instead adding to the to the great tradition of American music.

 

Guitarist Zach Sweeney, Wayne Hancock, Bassist Zack Sapunor

Wayne's songs often paint a picture of heartache, freedom and the spirit of the open road.  Tonight at Alex's he played songs from every era of his long career. From his debut album he played the title song "Thunderstorms & Neon Signs" as well as "Juke Joint Jumpin'" both which have not only become staples of Wayne's live show but also two of his signature songs. Much to my delight he also played several songs from 1997's That's What Daddy Wants including the title song, "87 Southbound," "Highway 54" and the the crowd pleaser "Johnny Law."

 

Big Sandy with Wayne Hancock

The highlight of the evening was when Wayne spotted Rockabilly Hall of Famer Big Sandy in the audience. Big Sandy joined the band for a couple of songs which sent the crowd into a frenzy. The fact that Sandy was in the audience is a testament to the sincerity and honesty of Wayne's music.

 

Wayne closed the show with an extended rendition of the song "Tulsa" from the 2006 album of the same name. The jam session was a fitting end to an unforgettable night of live music. Wayne has an outstanding catalog of recorded music but nothing compares to seeing him live. If you have ever wondered what true American music sounds like look no further than Wayne "The Train" Hancock.