“Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Stage 17,” Jesse Addy said, prior to noting his excitement for country music in New York City. He went on to introduce today’s featured guest, country newcomer Russell Dickerson, who has taken the music scene by storm thanks to his smash single “Yours.”
After thanking the Stage 17 audience for their patience for taking him “4.5 years to get here,” the singer noted that he was going to make up for his lateness, by singing extra jams, and he did.
Dickerson kicked off his mini-concert with the mid-tempo “Every Little Thing,” which was a fun love song. He resolved a few technical difficulties and immediately broke into “Billions,” which had a laid-back groove to it. The control he maintained over his voice on this tune was remarkable.
He revealed that his music video for his breakthrough radio single “Yours” was filmed by his “lovely” and “beautiful wife,” who was in attendance, and it was filmed in the middle of a tornado. He continued with another fun tune, “MGNO,” which was uplifting and liberating.
Dickerson threw in a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” which was an added bonus. An equally noteworthy vocal was the infectious “Blue Tacoma,” which would make a solid choice for a future radio single.
“I see you singing out there,” he told his fans. He also sang a verse from “Something Good” and the chorus of “That’s My Girl.” He closed with a slower, acoustic version of his exquisite love ballad “Yours,” which was sheer perfection.
The Verdict
Overall, Russell Dickerson was delightful at his inaugural performance at NASH FM’s Stage 17. He displayed his wide versatility as a recording artist with fun, upbeat tunes and stunning ballads. He sang from the heart, and his passion for his craft was evident. His live show at Stage 17 garnered 4.5 out of 5 stars.
