Sweat, Soul, and Fire: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Ignite the Canadian Tire Centre
On Saturday night Ottawa's Canadian Tire Centre resonated with the soulful sounds of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, joined by Australia's The Teskey Brothers.
This was my third time seeing Nathaniel perform in Ottawa, having previously caught his shows at the Canadian Tire Centre and at Bluesfest. Each performance has been unique, but this one, filled with energy, soul, and raw emotion, was certainly a standout.
The night kicked off with The Teskey Brothers, hailing from Melbourne. The band's performance was a masterclass in soulful blues. The Teskey Brothers’ ability to blend retro-sounding soul with modern elements kept the audience hooked throughout their set. Lead vocalist Josh Teskey’s gravelly yet emotive voice stood front and center, while his brother Sam Teskey’s exceptional guitar work was both subtle and electrifying, laying down grooves that perfectly complemented the rhythm section. Tracks like “Hold Me” and “Shine On Me” were a showcase of impeccable musicianship. Each note felt deliberate, every guitar solo a perfect fit for the atmosphere. Their rhythm section, tight and unwavering, provided a solid backbone for the performance, allowing the band to explore the nuances of their sound. The Teskey Brothers are undeniably a band that commands attention and it's no wonder they have over a million followers on Instagram.
As the lights dimmed and an audible timer counted down the seconds, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats took the stage with a big wave to the crowd from the main man before he took a seat at the piano. The Night Sweats’ musicianship was on full display from the moment they hit the first chord. Rateliff’s unmistakable voice, full of gravel and soul, set the tone, while the multi-pieced band’s instrumental prowess shone through on every song.
Their setlist blended their latest tracks with fan favorites. Highlights included the first song “David and Goliath,” the upbeat “I Need Never Get Old,” and the soulful “A Little Honey.” One of the more emotional moments came with “And It’s Still Alright,” a track that demonstrated the depth of Rateliff’s songwriting, backed by the rich sound of the horns. The performance of “You Worry Me” and “Heartless” highlighted their ability to seamlessly fuse rock, soul, and blues. Each member’s contribution was crucial, from the horn section adding flair to the rhythm section locking in infectious grooves. Guitarist Luke Mossman’s shimmering solos and drummer Patrick Meese’s solid beats provided a perfect foundation for the raw intensity of Rateliff’s vocals.
A particularly electrifying moment came when Rateliff & The Night Sweats launched into a spirited cover of Bruce Springsteen's “Dancing in the Dark.” The crowd erupted as they infused the classic track with their own signature sound. The horn section added bright flourishes while Mossman’s guitar solo had the crowd dancing and singing along. Rateliff’s vocal delivery was fun and energetic, and it quickly became clear that they were not just covering a song, but transforming it into something new. The cover was a testament to the band's versatility, breathing new life into a beloved classic.
The synergy between Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and The Teskey Brothers created an unforgettable evening. The setlist showcased a range of styles including the song that catapulted them to fame, and onto my personal playlist S.O.B.. As the final notes echoed through the Canadian Tire Centre, it was clear this was a night to remember.
The "South of Here" tour heads back to the U.S. beginning in Connecticut and winding up in Louisville Kentucky. Visit Nathaniel Rateliff for full tour details!
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