DOC ROBINSON takes Newport Music Hall on a Joyride

October 17, 2024October 17, 2024 JL Laicy

Doc Robinson brought their “backyard BBQ breakup music” back home to Columbus after a successful jaunt that took them in just about every direction possible this summer. The show at Newport on October 4th served as the kick off to the band’s fall schedule and gave the hometown crowd a live preview of their upcoming 4th album entitled Joyride

I had the opportunity to catch up with Doc Robinson member George Barrie on Friday night before the show and here’s what he had to say about the release that is due out on October 18th.

“It’s super exciting. It’s the first album in four or five years. It’s kind of a whole new era for the band and we’re super excited. It has a sound to it. It’s kind of a classic sound. We kind of were bouncing around with Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and these almost classic rock bands that we were thinking about with these tunes but at the same time it still sounds very Doc Robinson. It’s also the first album we’ve made since Nick, one of our principal members left so Jon is really leading the charge now, I mean he always has with his amazing vocals, but that’s kind of part of the new direction of the sound, and the new direction of the whole project.”

“The new direction” as George put it, still seemed to thrill the masses who were dancing and singing the night away. The band may have changed a little bit, but you could definitely tell the love for them hasn’t.

Actually, the entire show just had this overall vibe of pure joy, magic, and fun, a vibe I wish I could have captured in a bottle to sell.

I wholeheartedly believe the joy kicked off with Angela Perley and her band who opened the show. Her brand of country/americana/moon magic tracks are the kind you can’t help but find yourself dancing to. The show they put on got you moving, grooving, smiling, and beyond ready for whatever was next. And I have to add, if you’ve never seen Ms. Perley play the saw, you are missing out.

When Doc Robinson took the stage that magic in the air just spread even wider through the entire place. Delighting the audience with tunes of old and new they truly took those in attendance for a joyride of their journey this far.

There was even a moment that put this journalist in awe. It was during the performance of Leave A Light On, and what happened is something I’ve never experienced at a local show of this level. Doc Robinson was playing and the next thing I know all you can hear is the entire crowd singing “leave a light on baby, leave a light on me, leave a light on baby, leave it on for me,” and it was so loud that if you closed your eyes, you could’ve have sworn you’d been transported to a sold out 20,000 seat venue down the road. Talk about an incredible and special moment for all involved. Just thinking about it now is giving me goosebumps again. What a way to kick off their next era.

As for what’s next with Doc Robinson, they hit the road starting October 9th with Stop Light Observations. Again, they drop that new album Joyride on October 18th, and you can find it every where you stream your music. It will also be available on vinyl later down the road. I know they were taking pre-orders for it but only at shows so maybe hit up their website/socials for more information.

Angela Perley released her latest album last year called Turn Me Loose, it can also be found every where you stream your tunes. As for her next gig, she’s putting on a Cozy Halloween Show at Rambling house in Columbus on October 27th.

Go check both out if you have the chance!