Review: Andy Shauf at Asheville Masonic Temple

“Jacob Rose
His hand was on fire
The knife hit a rock
And his palm slid down the blade”

It was on that line of “Jacob Rose” that the audience at Asheville Masonic Temple on April 1 let out a collective wince. The entranced crowd had been hanging on to every word sung by Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Shauf, and they would continue to do so through to the very final note of set-closer “Martha Sways.”

As a fan, it was the ideal scenario. The intimate seated venue provided a setting conducive to respectful listening. On a chair just a few feet from the front row, Shauf performed solo. His meticulously crafted albums are known for ornate arrangements, but with the songs stripped down to an acoustic guitar and Shauf’s wistful croon, a new context was provided to the songs. 

Anyone familiar with the singer-songwriter can attest to his unique skill at crafting compelling narratives. Each of his releases since 2016 breakout The Party is a concept album centered on character portraits of relatable and often socially-awkward protagonists. When listening in a more casual environment, Shauf’s clever lyrics might slip past, but with the attentive ears of the sold-out Monday night crowd, there wasn’t a single word that’d go unheard.   

The setlist for the evening focused primarily on his excellent 2023 release, Norm — including set highlights “Telephone” and the title track — but prior releases also got their attention. The artist squeezed in several songs each from The Neon Skyline, Wilds, and The Party, as well as treating fans to “Yvonne” — a new one written for his band Foxwarren’s upcoming album. It was especially gratifying to hear Shauf perform the endearing personal favorite “The Worst In You,”  a tune in which the narrator lets unwarranted suspicions of his girlfriend get the best of him.

There’s a multitude of variables that factor into the making of a magical concert experience. When Andy Shauf took the stage at the Asheville Masonic Temple that night, the stars all aligned beautifully. 

Here’s hoping for more frequent shows in the coming year at the best intimate room this city has to offer.

(Photos by Jonny Leather)