Words & Photos by Diane DiMemmo

June 30, 2021

Hard-rocking Nashville boys - Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown - visited Red Bank, NJ on June 26th and pounded the stage at The Vogel to the delight of a pandemic-weary crowd that was pumped and ready to sing the night away. Ever willing to please, Bryant and bandmates Caleb Crosby (drums) and Graham Whitford (guitar) gave every ounce of energy they had to proudly announce that live music is most definitely back.

The searing guitar solos and technical acumen of both Bryant and Whitford are one of the calling cards of this band. Having two first-rate guitarists with such unique stylings sets TBSD above and apart from most rock and roll groups today. Just take a stroll through the band’s YouTube channel to watch and listen to Tyler’s plethora of guitar jams and you’ll see what I mean about the serious chops.

Add to that cocktail some percussion from Caleb Crosby and you have a band recipe for super stardom. In addition to his sick technical skills, Crosby has to be one of the most enjoyable drummers to watch. You literally don’t know where he’ll be from song-to-song … behind his set, on the edge of the stage, in the audience. He covers it all while playing with a passion and love for his instrument that’s written all over his face.

What also makes TBSD stand out are Bryant’s vocals which can be compelling and powerful or tender and sweet … depending on the song. I’m not sure how he does it, but when he sings it just finds its way into your heart. The band brought a well-rounded setlist containing hits and gems from each of their albums: Wild Child, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, The Wayside, Truth & Lies, and their brand-new album, Pressure. It was evident that everyone in the audience that night was a dedicated TBSD fan, as most sang along with the music as only true fans can.

One of the special fans that evening was NJ singer/songwriter and rocker Madysin Hatter. Earlier this year, Hatter connected with Tyler Bryant and asked him to collaborate with her on her single "Wild & Strange," a standout rock and roll single heavy on sexy, grungy guitar lines and accentuated by Hatter’s powerfully beautiful voice. It’s an amazing tune thanks to their synergy.

At the end of the show, there wasn’t a fan without a smile and the majority of them waited in the lobby to meet the band, who kindly obliged by speaking with each and every one of them. These guys are a real class act. Make sure to catch them the next time they pass through our neck of the woods. You will be ever so glad that you did.

If you live in the State of New Jersey, you should make a point to catch a show at The Vogel. The relatively new 20,000-square-foot, two-level performance space sits adjacent to the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ. It’s a gorgeous venue with examplary sound. It boasts a comfortable, homey feel but also has that hip NYC vibe, common in clubs like Terminal 5, The Bowery, and Gramercy Theatre. The Vogel’s upcoming calendar is filled with exciting performers including Willie Nile, Geoff Tate, Waiting on Mongo, Five for Fighting, Suzanne Vega, 10,000 Maniacs, and many more. Click here to see their entire upcoming schedule.

Diane DiMemmo stumbled into and fell in love with Asbury Park and photography a few short years ago. An avid concert fanatic and former musician, she recognized the need for a Jersey Shore music publication to highlight the accomplishments of local and national musicians through photos and press. Asbury Park Vibes has been her labor of love ever since, along with her Golden Retriever – Cooper – who you’ll often see walking Diane through the streets of Asbury.