Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, Fairfield Theatre, Warehouse November 19, 2024
Molly Tuttle, one of the brightest stars in the contemporary bluegrass and Americana scene, brought her unmistakable blend of virtuosic guitar work and heartfelt songwriting to the Fairfield Theatre Warehouse. Accompanied by her talented band, Golden Highway, Tuttle delivered an evening of stunning musicianship, and tight harmonies that left a lasting impression on the captivated crowd.
The Fairfield Theatre Warehouse, an intimate venue known for its excellent acoustics and atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for this highly anticipated stop of the “Down The Rabbit Hole” tour. The audience, a mix of long-time bluegrass fans and newer admirers filled the venue. The space’s close quarters allowed for a personal experience, where Tuttle’s banter and her connection with the crowd felt as if she were performing for a room of friends rather than strangers.
Tuttle’s band, Golden Highway, is more than just a backing band—they’re a dynamic, tight-knit group that complements her sound. Their musicianship was on full display throughout the show, as each member took turns showcasing their skills and elevating Tuttle’s songs to new heights. The virtuosic fiddle solos by Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, intricate mandolin picking by Casey Campbell, gifted banjo playing of Kyle Tuttle, are anchored by bass player Shelby Means. Golden Highway’s instrumental arrangements were rich and diverse, adding layers of texture and rhythm, melding each piece of the band.
Tuttle and Golden Highway opened the night with a rousing rendition of “Over The Line,” a track from Tuttle’s critically acclaimed album Crooked Tree. The song set the tone for the evening, drawing the audience in with its infectious rhythm and Tuttle’s commanding vocals. Her fingerpicking style on guitar was dazzling, each note crisp and clear, ringing through the venue with clarity. As the set progressed, Tuttle effortlessly moved through a wide array of musical styles, blending traditional bluegrass, folk, and Americana. One of the highlights of the evening was a moving rendition of “El Dorado,” paired with “Yosemite”. Both songs highlight Tuttle’s lyrical ability and storytelling expertise. The set also featured crowd favorites like “Crooked Tree,” a lively and upbeat number that had the audience clapping and tapping their feet along to the beat.
Performances at the Fairfield Theatre Company are set apart from larger arena shows due to the intimate and engaging atmosphere. The warmth, authenticity, down-to-earth demeanor, and genuine rapport Tuttle has with fans is key to her appeal. Molly and Golden Highway effortlessly moved from heartfelt ballads to upbeat tracks that had the crowd smiling from ear to ear.
The setlist was a perfect mixture of tracks from Crooked Tree, City of Gold, and covers which have become staples of her repertoire. The balance between introspective ballads and high-energy bluegrass numbers kept the audience on their toes. The band even dipped into psychedelia, pairing “Alice In The Bluegrass” with a cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”. As the night drew to a close, Tuttle and Golden Highway returned for a double encore which brought the house down. The opening act, Two Runner, joined the band for the foot-stomping, fast-paced bluegrass cover of Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” followed by the feel good “Big Backyard”. It was a fitting end to an incredible night of music.
Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway’s performance at the Fairfield Theatre Warehouse was a reminder of why Tuttle has become one of the most popular figures in modern bluegrass and Americana music. Her exceptional talent, stage presence, and ability to connect with her audience made for a memorable evening. Tuttle continues to push the boundaries of bluegrass while honoring its traditions and creating new paths for the genre. For anyone who had the privilege of attending this show, it was a night that will be remembered.
Molly Tuttle will be touring through December and returning to the road in March of 2025.
Setlist
Over The Line, She’s A Rainbow (Rolling Stones), She’ll Change, Side Saddle, El Dorado, Yosemite, Shady Grove (Traditional), Stranger Things, Alice In The Bluegrass, White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane), Who Are We To Know, Take The Journey, Where Did All The Wild Things Go, Getaway Girl, Dooley’s Farm, Crooked Tree, San Joaquin, E: 1952 Vincent Black Lightning (Richard Thompson), Big Backyard
Molly Tuttle’s Website: https://www.mollytuttlemusic.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Molly Tuttle at Knoxville’s Summer Sessions