Victor Wainwright and The Train blew into Chan's in Woonsocket, RI on August 24, 2018 and instantly captured everyone's attention. A very responsive crowd welcomed every note as the ensemble proficiently handled the dynamics of the evening from crushing solos to "hear a pin drop" silences and pauses. The slow blues number that the group featured at the close of the second set was as strong as any I've heard and reminded me of BB King's mastery of dynamics - total silence to ultimate crescendo.
Victor's voice is mellow and heartfelt and his piano chops are hot and percussive. This was a very fun evening accentuated by the trumpet work of my friend, Doug Woolverton in addition to other Roomful alum, Mark Earley on sax. When adding these gents to the very able rhythm section that Wainwright has acquired (Billy Dean, drums and Terrence "Sweet Tea" Grayson, bass and Pat Harrington, guitar) you're in for a rocking good time. This group is one to watch.