The anticipation crackled like electricity in the air at Manchester Music Hall last Thursday night. Country music’s rising star, Jackson Dean, had Lexington buzzing, and the energy only amplified as openers Dee White and Mae Estes took the stage. White’s soulful vocals soared, while Estes’ guitar driven folk anthems warmed the crowd up perfectly.
But when Dean sauntered onstage, the atmosphere shifted. The roar of the audience was deafening, a testament to the young singer-songwriter’s already dedicated fanbase. Dean launched into his set with the same raw, unfiltered honesty that’s captured hearts across the country. His songs, infused with a potent blend of Southern rock and twangy storytelling, had the entire venue swaying and singing along.
A special highlight of the night arrived with two brand new, unreleased tracks: “Train” and “The Century.” In “Train,” Dean’s powerful voice painted (in my eyes) a vivid picture of a restless spirit yearning for escape, and leaving a trail of heartache behind. “Train” was a personal favorite of mine following the show.
Following that emotional journey, “The Century” brought a different kind of energy to the show but I’ll keep this one under wraps for the fans who go and see the show! I had the pleasure to talk to Rich Holm (Bass Guitarist) and Brandon Aksteter (Lead Guitarist) back stage after the show where I was informed “The Century” will not only be coming out in the coming future but is also the closing song for the next unreleased album. Unfortunately a date has not been said at the time of this article.
Jackson Dean’s concert at Manchester Music Hall wasn’t just a performance; it was an experience. The raw emotion, the infectious energy, and the sneak peek into his unreleased work solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the country music scene. With hit songs such as, “Don’t Come Lookin” and “Fearless” hinting at the brilliance of his upcoming album, the future looks bright for this rising star. If you have the chance to catch him live, don’t miss it. He’s one to watch, and this was just the beginning.
