By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Robert Jon & the Wreck and Matthias Lattin – Sea-Blues Festival in Clearwater, Florida – February 28, 2026
Rock At Night has been covering Robert Jon & The Wreck’s music and live performances across the US and UK since 2020. Fresh off their appearance on the Rock Legends Cruise 2026, which sailed from Fort Lauderdale, the band made a quick detour to Ponte Vedra for a show before heading south to Clearwater for the annual Sea-Blues Festival.
Held at the scenic Coachman Park on the waterfront—right next to The Sound—the festival offered a stunning backdrop for a classic Florida sunset. This free, city-supported event takes place every February, with the 2026 edition running from February 28 to March 1. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, avoiding the previous week’s cold snap that saw nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s.
Rock At Night arrived at Coachman Park on Saturday evening, just in time to catch rising blues talent Mathias Lattin. The 20-year-old Houston native, who claimed first place and Best Guitarist honors at the 2023 International Blues Challenge, delivered a strong set. Highlights included his original track “All On My Own” and a smooth, grooving take on Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”
At around 7:45 p.m., Robert Jon & The Wreck took the stage, delivering a high-energy performance featuring songs such as “Ashes in the Snow,” “Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man,” “Red Moon Rising,” and a compelling cover of The Who’s “Eminence Front”—a track that carries particular resonance in today’s world.
Addressing the crowd of fans relaxing on lawn chairs in front of the stage, Robert Jon Burrison said: “Since this is a blues festival, I guess we’ll perform some. Here is an older one of our songs, ‘Rescue Train.’”
It’s always a pleasure to experience Robert Jon & The Wreck live. Henry James unleashes killer slide guitar solos, Warren Murrel lays down punchy bass lines, Jake Abernathie adds extraordinary organ textures, and Andrew Espantman drives everything forward with dynamic drumming. Together, they craft a signature blend of classic rock and Southern rock, elevated by lush harmonies backing Burrison’s whiskey-soaked rasp—a vocal style that keeps loyal fans returning show after show.
While the festival set was understandably concise, it left this reviewer wishing for more, including favorites like “Shine a Light on Me Brother” and “Hey Hey Mama.” The band’s catalog is rich with Hendrix-inspired solos and unmistakable Allman Brothers influences, and a full-length Florida concert would be a welcome return.
Here’s hoping Robert Jon & The Wreck comes back soon for an extended set—Florida audiences are ready for more!
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I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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