By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Alabama Shakes with Lamont Lannders – The Baycare Sound, Clearwater, FL – April 30, 2026
The BayCare Sound in Clearwater usually offers a picturesque backdrop for live music, but for the Alabama Shakes’ highly anticipated return on Thursday night, the venue felt uniquely transformed. With a general admission standing pit pushed nearly 50 feet back from the stage—a layout typically reserved for high-octane alternative acts—the predominantly Gen X crowd settled in for a night that proved soul music can be just as electrifying as any rock show.
Taking the stage at 7:15 p.m., Lamont Landers (of America’s Got Talent Season 14 fame) made an immediate impression. Possessing a full, slightly husky voice that channels the likes of Mick Hucknall and Al Green, Landers is a rare talent whose vocal prowess is matched only by his skill as an accomplished guitarist.
Supported by a remarkably tight band—including a standout percussionist who rotated between bongos and a rain stick—Landers commanded the audience’s attention. A soulful reimagining of Pink Floyd’s “Time” set the tone, but it was his original tracks, “Lotta Love” and the R&B-tinged “How Long (Until the Rain Is Gone),” that earned him a well-deserved standing ovation. He closed his set with a high-energy homage to Sly Stone, performing “Sing A Simple Song” that left the crowd primed for the main event.
At 8:30 p.m., the stage transitioned into a blue-hued dreamscape of cloud graphics as Alabama Shakes emerged. Seeing the band together again after their 2018 hiatus felt like a homecoming. While the original core three—Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell—were at the heart of the show, the sound was bolstered by a massive touring ensemble, including keyboardists Ben Tanner and Paul Horton, and a powerhouse trio of backup singers (Shanay Johnson, Karita Law, and Lloyd Buchanan).
Brittany Howard, sporting her trademark short coif, glasses, and a stunning light blue textured glittery coat, remains one of the most charismatic frontwomen in music. Her voice, which seems to have only gained depth and power with age, drew frequent and deserved comparisons to the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin.
The set was a masterful balance of the band’s Grammy-winning history and their 2026 future. They opened with a new track, “Time,” before diving into a catalog that spanned from the raw energy of Boys & Girls (2012) to the atmospheric Sound & Color (2015). A particular highlight was “Always Alright,” the gritty track famously featured in Silver Linings Playbook.
The emotional peak of the night came when Howard paused to introduce founding members Fogg and Cockrell. “We went to high school together and used to jam on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” she reminisced. “We didn’t get paid.” That history felt palpable as they launched into “Future People,” with harmonies so spot-on they sent shivers through the crowd.
The latter half of the show leaned into the band’s more experimental side. The jazzy, drum-heavy groove of “This Feeling” had the entire venue “feeling it,” while the hauntingly beautiful “Gemini” and the title track “Sound and Color” showcased the band’s impeccable sonic balance.
Despite some minor audience distractions in the seated sections, the music remained the focal point—a “Motown-meets-Gospel” experience that felt less like a standard concert and more like a spiritual revival.
Final Verdict
For those who remember the Alabama Shakes as a four-piece from humble beginnings, the 2026 tour is a revelation. The sound is fuller, the production is sharper, and Howard’s presence is more commanding than ever. It is a show not just to be heard, but to be “soaked in.”
PHOTO GALLERY
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
