Strumming his guitar for “Broken Wing Bird,” Kashus Culpepper brought Alabama twang and a voice full of life to this Studio Milwaukee Session.
With a more deconstructed band consisting of keys, pedal steel and himself on guitar, Culpepper charmed us all. His songs are a lot like him: reservedly charming while leaving the listener wondering what this guy can’t do. Each song is full of life, with a straightforward but robust narrative.
The instrumentation was locked in, paving the way for Culpepper’s gritty howl of a voice to pierce through the music. He said his biggest vocal inspiration is Deacon McGee, who served at Culpepper’s church growing up and “was always so passionate about every song and every hymn.” Part of the charm was the fact that he didn’t say much to the audience in between songs, Culpepper added, and simply let the music do all the talking.
Not letting the audience in on the meaning of each song tapped into an emotional purity that’s hard to do. Making the audience listen with intent to the music to build an understanding of what an artist is trying to say can be difficult, but Culpepper does it naturally.
“I just love people, and I love to see people happy,” he explained. “I know a lot of my songs are sad, but I feel like sad songs can make you happy sometimes, just knowing that somebody understands.”
His ability to let his life speak through his music made this mass serenade shine. There was no extra fluff or flattery, just all of us in one room listening to a country stalwart pour his heart out.
Studio MKE: Kashus Culpepper set list
- “Broken Wing Bird”
- “Man Of His Word”
- “After Me?”
- “Pour Me Out”