Toy Factory Project’s setlist hits all the marks
le, closed out the second night of a two-show stand.
The heart and soul of Southern rock from the 1970s were never more apparent than in the distinctive sound that emerged from the Carolinas, particularly from The Marshall Tucker Band. This band stood out for its unique blend of country, jazz, and bluegrass with rock, creating a seamless fusion that set them apart from other Southern rock bands of that era. While bands from Georgia and Alabama leaned more towards the harder twin-guitar blues-rock sound, Marshall Tucker embraced instruments like the pedal steel, fiddle, and flute, incorporating them into their performances with a jam-oriented approach. Influenced by legends like The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker created songs that were meant to stretch and evolve on stage, enhancing their storytelling with improvisational elements.
The essence of that spirit was beautifully captured at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, when the Toy Factory Project graced the stage. Led by the original Marshall Tucker drummer, Paul T. Riddle, the band delivered an unforgettable performance that showcased modern Southern-rock royalty. The lineup included Marcus King on guitar and vocals, Oteil Burbridge on bass, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke on guitar and vocals, and Josh Shilling on keyboards.
Right from the first notes of the performance, the band paid homage to Marshall Tucker’s iconic catalog while infusing it with a renewed energy and passion. The absence of the signature flute in the arrangements shifted the band’s focus towards a grittier and more muscular sound. Marcus King’s vocals and guitar work were particularly standout, with his ability to seamlessly transition from powerful, soulful vocals to delicate, intimate tones, and from lyrical guitar phrasing to blazing guitar solos.
Despite honoring the original material, the band wasn’t afraid to experiment and stretch the songs in a live setting, allowing them to naturally evolve and breathe on stage. However, the true emotional core of the evening was Paul T. Riddle himself, whose presence behind the drum kit, at the age of 73, exuded a relaxed authority that effortlessly combined the driving force of rock with the finesse of jazz. Riddle’s drumming gave the music a lustrous sheen, enhancing every song throughout the night.
The setlist for the evening was carefully curated, featuring all the hits in just the right places. The pinnacle of the night came during the encore when the band delivered an acoustic rendition of “Heard It in a Love Song.” The harmonies soared, and there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and musical brotherhood that permeated the entire evening.
After the show, a brief conversation with Paul T. Riddle revealed that there might be more Toy Factory Project dates in the future, to which he replied with humble anticipation. The audience, undoubtedly, shared his hope for more magical nights filled with the essence of Southern rock royalty.