The Reverend Shawn Amos - Vivir En Espana (2024)

With Vivir En España, The Reverend Shawn Amos captures at last the fiery transcendence his music unleashes in front of an ecstatic crowd.

The recording wasn’t planned, but a few dates into a Spanish tour to support his acclaimed 2024 album Soul Brother No. 1, the charmed situation became clear : amazing audiences, killer new band, back catalog tunes and recently penned cuts alike bursting with electric life, everybody happy. Something special was definitely afoot and needed chronicling.

“I’ve always wanted to document the live aspect of what I do,” The Rev says. “I’m proud of my studio recordings, the musicianship and the sound. But the way I connect onstage – to the audience, to the band, to myself – is central to why I do this. Until now, that’s never been properly represented.”

Crucial to the sound of Vivir En España is the combustible trio of JT Loux on guitar and vocals, Ethan Pecha on bass and vocals, and Zach McCoy on drums and vocals. These Nashville-based twentysomethings are, The Rev says, “balls-out rockers. They bring an edge to the material and make me a better bandleader. I re-engage with the songs in a different way, more exuberant, more in-your-face.” Loux, recently signed to Southern rapper Yelawolf’s Universal imprint Slumamerican, says, “Playing with The Rev in Spain was an exhilarating experience. The energy of every performance is unforgettable. Vivir En España captures the essence of those incredible nights.”

Of the lucky audiences packed into Dabadaba (San Sebastian), and the Winter Indie City Festival (Segovia), The Rev unequivocally says, “Best audiences in the world. The Spanish fans walk in with their hearts wide open, and they’re with you from note one. Some audiences take a while to warm up. Not these folks.”

Indeed the fans are part of the show, from tent-revival clapping and stomping on unabashed rocker “Hammer” (from Soul Brother No. 1) to hopped-up hooting on soul waltz “Bastard Wind,” (from 2001 Americana album In-Between); from unbridled scream response to The Rev’s harp solo on “Days of Depression” (from 2015 debut The Reverend Shawn Amos Loves You) to rapturous singalong on Ida B. Wells tribute “Weight Of The World” (2022 single with The Reverend Shawn Amos & the Brotherhood), the people give what they get – a powerful, real-time experience of heartfelt soul. ~Robert Burke Warren