BOSTON, MA | The first night of Nathaniel Rateliff’s American tour kicked off in Boston in an emotionally charged evening filled with endearing tunes spanning his solo catalog. The “And It’s Still Alright Tour,” which supports the aptly named 2020 record release, picks up where it left off in March of 2020 when it was abruptly canceled nine days after it began due to the pandemic.
In the years since, Nathaniel Rateliff has gone on to release an album and tour with The Night Sweats, but desired to tour in support of a record that means so much to him. Backed by a ten-piece band including a four-string quartet, this performance was an intimate showing that was personal for both the artists and crowd. Unsure if this tour would ever take place, Nathaniel greeted the audience stating he was “so happy to be here … it took years of effort and all of your support doesn’t go unnoticed. I’d say don’t cough on each other, and have a good time.”
It was a chilly night inside the historic Orpheum Theatre which was originally built in 1852, but the capacity crowd was warm and lively. Continually “I love you” was joyfully shouted at Nathaniel, confirming that this night was just as special for his fans. The crowd remained seated during the set, allowing the attendee to fully listen and take in all aspects of this immersive experience. Nathaniel began his set with “Tonight #2” illuminated by an array of Edison light bulbs on stage and faintly lit overhead. The lighting shifted to match the vibe of each tune accompanied by a backdrop display of geometric patterns, scenes of the ocean, forest, and the impression of driving along the highway looking out the window.
Nathaniel brought The Night Sweats along to flush out these songs and bring them fully to life. Mark Shusterman harmonized perfectly with Rateliff creating a unique voice unto their own and lifting the crescendos to absolute highs. Drummers Patrick Meese and James Barone were seen sharing smiles along with bassist Joseph Pope III as all were locked in together serving as the heartbeat of each tune. Luke Mossman’s guitar playing shone bright at center stage and when supporting the feel of the tune in other times. A four-string quartet brought elegance to the night, deepening the beauty of these moments.
Halfway through the set, parts of the band incrementally left the stage creating a quieter sound for the more somber tracks until at one point Nathaniel was playing “Early Spring Till” with just his acoustic guitar—bringing us back to the genesis of his songwriting. The album And It’s Still Alright was written about overcoming pain, particularly the loss of his friend and producer Richard Swift. This album was not intended to be released during a pandemic, however these tracks seemed to articulate what many were enduring at that time.
The stunning music video for “Time Stands” was filmed in April of 2020 when there were travel bans and the world completely stopped moving for a few days. Tonight’s audience was visibly gripped with emotion revisiting a difficult time, and this performance felt like a testament to the human spirit. Nathaniel’s legacy of creating a party atmosphere with rhythm and blues is in no way overshadowed by this accomplishment, but it is worth recognizing the impact his solo music continues to have on fans.
Nathaniel Rateliff’s “And It’s Still Alright Tour” is a unique performance of select intimate songs that will not be replicated. Fans only have this one chance to experience a tour like this—making it stand out from any other opportunity to see him perform. It is a bridge between years, forcing us to see that time did pass when it felt like it stood still.
As Nathaniel closed out the night, he emotionally stated “Wow! What a reunion. It’s been so emotional for me—thank you so much. Tell your friends this is the best show you’ve ever seen!”
