
By Vlad T, Rock At Night Detroit and Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Collective Soul w/Switchfoot and Jade Jackson-Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida – September 14, 2022

Collective Soul has amassed a considerable legacy, with a long string of major hits and well-received albums deeply ingrained in the hearts and ears of several generations of listeners. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has heard Ed Rolandās memorable melodies and velvety, spirit-infused vocals propelled by the masterful modern rock stylings of his bandmates.
Nearly three decades later, the band hailing from Stockbridge, GA (led by brothers Ed and Dean Roland) continues to find wildly supportive audiences with an appetite to experience its majesty live. And it was this enduring mutual fondnessāalong with the freshly released LP āVibratingāāthat brought the band, along with fellow 90s rock veterans Switchfoot, to Clearwater, FLās Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Over the course of a set spanning both its numerous hits (āShineā, āDecemberā, āGelā), new material (āCut the Cordā), and even a cover (fellow Georgian legends R.E.M.ās āThe One I Loveā), āSoul demonstrated its ability to generate the atmosphere, feeling, and power that originally endeared fans to its recorded releases.
Ed Roland evoked the ethos of a preacher at the pulpit of rock ān roll, animating his songs of spirited contemplation with the same vigor as when they first burst onto the airwaves. His voice indeed continues to be a powerful, nuanced instrument, and his movement and gestures on stage were cogent and expressive. In a telling and poignant nod to some of his influences, Roland, explaining to the audience the bandās Georgia roots, acknowledged fellow Georgians Ray Charles and James Brownāāall our brothers.ā Brothers in voice and soulā¦

Led by rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, the surrounding band (fellow original member Will Turpin, Johnny Rabb, and Jesse Triplett) brought soul, power, and precision to perfectly complement brother Edās lyrics and vocals. The orchestral undertones of the bandās early material, rendered faithfully here, were especially satisfying. It could be tempting for any band of Collective Soulās vintage and laurels to deliver safe, middling performances at this stage of their careerābut, much to the bandās credit, itās doing the opposite, treating every new recording and live performance as a fresh challenge.
Thinking about the band after experiencing the eveningās performance, I see Collective Soul occupying a special position in music, continuing a succession of classic bands from the American Southeastāthe Allman Brothers, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and the aforementioned R.E.M.āthat distinguished themselves with a blend of inventive rock, tones of spirit rooted in the region, and baroque flavors that altogether transcend the sum of its parts.

Hailing from Southern California, warmup band Switchfoot entertained the crowd with their brand of alt rock and paid homage to Tom Petty with āWonāt Back Downā. Almost mirroring Collective Soul, the band consists of two brothers Jon and Tim Foremanāand began their journey into the alt rock world in the mid-nineties.Ā Ā The band was energetic, enthusiastic and gave 100 percent during the set. A highlight was when the entire band stood at the front of the stage performing acoustic renditions of songs like Lynyrd Skynyrdās āSweet Home Alabamaāwith a snare drum, guitar, accordion, and a double-neck ukulele. Think Mumford & Sons.

The eveningās opener, singer/songwriter Jade Jackson, regaled the audience with a solo set of original titles, a lovely cover of Springsteenās āDancing in the Darkā, and a short duet with a guitarist from Switchfoot.
PHOTO GALLERY
Collective Soul
Switchfoot
Jade Jackson
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