It may have been Friday the 13th with a full moon and Mercury in Retrograde but that did not stop avid country fans from heading to The RoundUp in Tampa to see the amazing country star that is Colt Ford. The lines were massive for admittance outside the popular country night club while the drinks poured and line dancers shimmed the night away before the live music began.
The Nashville-based up-and-comers Radio Romance opened the night, getting the sweltering crowd ready for the eclectic styling’s of the main act, whom hit the stage at a little after 10:30pm. “Oh, it’s gonna get rowdy in Tampa tonight” declared Ford after performing his new release “The High Life (ft. Chase Rice on the album addition) from his up-coming fifth studio album “Thanks for Listening”. Segwaying into another song from the soon-to-be released record, the beer bottles were raised and the hips were bumping during “Crank It Up” (even this reviewer couldn’t help acting a fool. That song just makes you want to dance). The crowd was treated to several more new songs throughout the night in addition to known favorites such as ‘Hip Hop in A Honky Tonk”, “Crickets”, and “Driving Around Song”; “When I went to Nashville 8 years ago I wanted to make an album about God, country, family and friends” said the hick hop star. “For our military and those who take off their hats for the National Anthem. Guy in a fancy suit said that ain’t gonna happen. As I’m walking out he said, “You know, you just might be white trash. And I turned to him and said ‘I might be, but there’s no trash in my trailer.” As if he had not accomplished that aspiration with just his genuinely different sound, he definitely pushed the bar on the upcoming album and the crowd loved it. A tender moment was had by all when Ford exclaimed “I never get awards, so my award is getting to play for crowds like you guys every night”. But in true Ford fashion the party had to continue: “Here’s another love song…… actually it’s about chicken and biscuits” before busting into the tune of the same name.
Concluding the main show with the title track from the up-coming album, Ford came back on stage and ended the show with “Dirt Road Anthem”, a song he co-wrote with Brantley Gilbert and which Jason Aldean brought to #1 on the charts. The crowd was still pumping as Ford shocked all and ended the show with a rendition of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” that left the walls of The RoundUp shaking.
“He’s always amazing”, says attendee Laurie Preston. “My husband and I drove over 50 miles to come see him tonight and he never disappoints.”
Colt DEFINITELY did not disappoint that Friday night.
If you haven’t seen Colt Ford live you need to change that quickly. This man not only has presence but stage command, enthusiasm and appreciation for those who go out to see him. And having the opportunity to hear so many songs off of his new album “Thanks for Listening”, dropping on July 1st, you will see him everywhere including on Toby Keith’s “Shut Up and Hold On” Tour. To get the dates, info, and access to more of Ford’s music, visit www.coltford.com. Make sure to swing by and “like” his page on Facebook and follow him @coltford; in a pre-show interview he was proud to inform fans that he is behind the computer, responding to questions and comments he receives through social media. Ford truly is an amazing artist, make sure to catch one of his shows when it comes to your town.
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