SLCene Suggests: Justin Townes Earle at The State Room

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, THE STATE ROOM, Saturday, Dec. 15, 9 p.m., Sold Out

Another example of this December being arguably the best December, music-wise, that Salt Lake City has seen in a spell comes courtesy of the mighty Justin Townes Earle, FINALLY arriving in Utah on his tour in support of his 2012 album, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now. Released early this year, the album was recorded in a burst of activity over just a few days in Asheville, N.C. while Earle was still riding high on the success of his previous collecti0n from 2012, Harlem River Blues. That set earned him an Americana Music Award for “Song of the Year” for the title track, but its success was mixed with some hard times for the young troubador, who spent some time in rehab shortly after the album’s release. Recording the new set with essentially the same band from Harlem River Blues, plus soon-to-be wife of Jason Isbell/fiddler Amanda Shires, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now brings a little Memphis soul vibe to Earle’s honky-tonk sound, with some of the tastiest horn parts you’ll hear anywhere. Trixie Whitley opens what is sure to be one of the best shows of the year–it’s just a bonus that it’s happening during the holiday. Merry Christmas, everyone!