Review by Mari Washburn, Photos by Jacklyn Lipscomb
Live from College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut, November 10th, 2021
As the world came to a halt in 2020 leaving practically everyone inside and on their phones, many artists in the music industry took to live streaming concerts to share their songs- often directed with unique staging, lights and camera angles, and sometimes even in collaboration with fellow musicians. However, while most chose to put a shimmer over their reality behind the camera, one artist chose the opposite. One phone, overhead TV screen lighting, and a suspended bicycle as his backdrop was just enough for one performer's fans. His lax demeanor, no frills acoustic performances, and frequent special guest Penny (his adorable German Shepard puppy) made him feel more of a good friend rather than your average 5-million-listeners type musician. So after nearly 2 years of performing behind a tiny iPhone camera lens in his father’s barn house in upstate Vermont, artist Noah Kahan has recycled his white claw can, fastened his guitar case, and hit the road in a big red tour bus.
Kahan’s tour started steadily in mid October with shows in the Midwest and even Canada eventually making his way back to his home region of New England. Back at it again performing three shows in South Burlington, Vermont and one epic night in Boston for what he claims is his best show to date even after losing his voice on stage halfway through. The excitement and energy eventually caught up with him as he had fallen ill that same night, proceeding him to cancel his Philadelphia, PA and Northampton, MA shows for some much needed and frankly well deserved recovery time. However, all thanks to the almighty modern medicine, Noah met his fans Sunday morning with news that the New Haven show at College Street Music Hall was on. From the packed line down the block to the eager crowd falling in love with both supporting acts Genevieve Stokes and Blake Rose, the hype leading up to hearing Noah live was far from lackluster. Stoke’s beautifully haunting vocals and warm smile enchanted the likes of many. While Rose’s electric Aussie energy and quirky charm caught the eyes and ears of the unexpecting Southern New Englanders.
Commanding the space from his first notes sung, one would never have known he was unable to sing a mere 48 hours prior. Blending the first track, “A Troubled Mind”, off of his newly released EP “Cape Elizabeth” seamlessly into a full production of his 2018 hit “Passenger”. The crowd refused to let Noah down from the start, chanting his words back to him as if the show wouldn't go on without it. In case anyone could forget, he introduced himself as
"Noah Kahan- some people know me as the Jewish Ed Sheeran, the washed up Lewis Capaldi or the sinful Jesus Christ"
Not long into the set, it was important to him to present his band members as he claims "without them I'm just another white person with a guitar". His support from them on stage was next level, during one of two unreleased songs "New Perspective" his stage mate (Dylan Jones) picked up the mandolin for one fiery solo. Noah and Dylan shared moments of grooving, laughing and almost dancing around the stage. The support behind him was not only what caught people's attention, Noah Kahan's supreme guitar skills alone elevated his listeners' experience exponentially. It was after soulful tracks like "Anyway" and "Maine" where audience members were visibly in awe of his instrumentation capabilities. Nevertheless, no matter which song that night, Noah's distinctive tone, gracefully precise runs, and profound execution truly stole the show.
Kahan went on to note the many inspirations behind the tracks he was playing. Putting great emphasis on songs like "Carlo's Song", dedicated to a dear friend who passed away a few years ago. His second unreleased song title held a lighter meaning, "Stick Season" for the time in the North East when the leaves have fallen where the trees stand bare before the first snow. However, like much of his music, the song's story was more heartbreaking than its title may suggest. Additionally mentioning his personal ties to Portland, Maine and the experimenting process of one song's production, strictly his voice and the guitar in "Glue Myself Shut". Other tracks emphasized the importance of not falling into ego or self righteousness, while prioritizing staying humble, present, and true to himself- the very essence of his brand new album "I Was/I Am".
As the show began to wrap up, Noah's comedic side came out blazing. Repeatedly thanking modern medicine for his antibiotics, while also mentioning if he messed up it wasn't his fault… It was the antibiotic. He went on to ask the audience to help him sing part of his track "Bad Luck". He continued on to tell the crowd how he'd have to cancel the rest of his tour if they couldn't nail their part and how his Grandparents would be so disappointed if they couldn't get to see his next live show. Almost like the punch line of a joke, the audience failed their first attempt at the assignment and in typical Noah fashion he flatly responded "well I guess I won't get to see my grandparents.” Shortly after both artist and fans sang successfully, he played a few more songs and left the stage in a roar of applause. Seconds later from the middle of the crowd began the rumble and call of "One More Song, one more song.” Hopeful listeners kept shouting in perfect crescendo as they had with his lyrics all night long and he happily returned replying with three more.
In the show's final moments when only the echo of his guitar remained and just before the final chorus one sound kept on- the tapping of his foot, like a heartbeat steadfast on keeping the moment alive. Pulling out his earbuds for the last time, an action he'd done all night, to take in the sounds of the people singing before him, Kahan thanked the crowd in disbelief that he could have filled a venue he'd never performed at before. Exiting the stage for the last time, the thankful crowd cheered somehow louder than before, then took a collective deep breath, finishing their job that night as the 3rd supporting act.
Noah Kahan himself and his music embody New England, the beauty of each season here and every tedious moment in between.
It is this innate essence that he can't shake, that make people fall in love with his music and his character. The unofficial musical mayor of this region where he practically knows everyone, and will make you feel that way even if you've only just met. When it comes to the music, it's not only his direct lyrical reminders of where he comes from, it's the way he chooses to strum every note on the guitar and each thought behind his work's production. This is also the reason why it will never matter where you come from to feel connected to his music as it truly is transformative especially in the live setting. Wherever you are in this world, I hope you get to experience Noah Kahan live. No matter the venue to see Noah ,it is for those moments he fills the stage that you're transported to Boston, MA in spring time, Strafford, VT before the first snow, or even sitting on the rocky cliffs looking out at the sea in Cape Elizabeth, ME.
Check out the full gallery of Genevieve Stokes, Blake Rose, and Noah Kahan below!
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