I will hardly be the only one or first for that matter to recognize Tyler Bryant as a future star. I had the opportunity on October 13th to see one of my idols in concert (Casino New Brunswick, in Canada). It was my first chance to see Jeff Beck and it’s a show I have been waiting 25 years to make happen. Living on Canada’s east coast is no mecca for live shows, however that has kind of changed in the past few years. A new casino and an outdoor venue that can accomodate the worlds biggest acts has resulted in a string of concerts I never though would be possible. In the past few years I have seen, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, U2, Aerosmith and of course Jeff Beck.
As I headed on my 90 minute trek to see Jeff Beck, hey that rhymes, I had no idea that the opening act would stay with me as long as Jeff’s performance has. Don’t get me wrong there is only one Jeff Beck, and I have yet to see anyone, anywhere re-create what he does, so what I guess I am trying to do is compare apples to oranges.
Tyler, on this tour, was solo and without his band the Shakedown, hence Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown. Armed with only an acoustic guitar, a stomp box and pedalboard including an overdrive pedal and a wah wah he tore the roof off. Did I mention he’s only 20 years old. I have been at this music thing myself for close the 30 yeras and I am obviously wondering what I have been doing wrong. His short set left me wondering if he was that good by himself how good would he be with his band. He played his acoustic guitar like an electric guitar in disguise and every bit like a blues master. His stage presence was top notch. In other words he has it all and I will be surprised beyond words if this kid doesn’t reach the stratosphere. If you get a chance check out Youtube or get on-line and pickup up his EP. It’s killer. But know this, the best is yet to come from Tyler Bryant.
