Keith Urban Plays Intimate Ryman Show

See some photos and video from the private and mosty solo concert performance from the iconic American Idol judge.

Moments. Memories. Good times. That's what music brings us, with each memory (good or bad) tied to music of the good times, the bad times and those defining moments of our lives. That's exactly what a show at the Ryman Auditorium can bring the audience and it most-certainly brings it to the artists who understand the importance of the Mother Church of Country Music. Keith Urban certainly did as the waning hours of February 26 turned into the earliest hours of February 27. Over the course of roughly 90 minutes, Keith Urban was in a joyful, relaxed state of being, happy to just get to play his music for an audience.

Things were mostly stripped-down with many performances just Keith and a guitar, Keith and a piano, or Keith his 20 year old ganjo and his drum machine. The latter one was particularly interesting as the Australian superstar let the intimate, inviate-only audience of tastemakers in on how a majority of his songs have come to be written, with that six string banjo and percussive drum machine. Playing a variety of songs, many of them with extended sing-a-longs, there was an effervescence in Keith Urban's presence tonight. He was the definition of what "Effortless" looks like on stage with a commanding, palm-of-his-hands type of artistry that is the rarest of rarities.

Among the hits Keith performed were "Long Hot Summer," "Walkin' The Country", "You Look Good In My Shirt," the fan-requested "Tonight I Wanna Cry," "Making Memories Of Us," "Cop Car," "Somewhere In My Car", "Somebody Like You" and a fun part of the show (video soon) where Keith performs with some of the country radio representatives for a fun little take on his hit "Kiss A Girl" (something he does in his live show). Below is a video of the whole performance (pardon the rough audio and shaky nature at times).

2 Comments

  • gloria

    Very, very good article Matt! Thanks for the video. Sure wish I could have been there to see this. I heard he performed at new song, "John 3:16".

    • Matt Bjorke

      He performed that at the Lunch portion (which concluded with an acoustic "Raise 'Em Up" right after it w/Eric Church). It's a good song and likely his next single, if I were to guess.