Some artists defy neat labels. Chuck Ragan is firmly in that camp with his punk growl, country sensibility, and charm that’s welcoming to the point where fans often join the troubadour on-stage to sing along. And in Charm City itself, Ragan hit the Ottobar stage Wednesday night to a packed club with an electrifying (though thoroughly acoustic) set.
Chuck Ragan got his start in the early 1990’s with the Florida-based punk band, Hot Water Music, with a melodically gruff voice that cut through the distorted guitars and driving rhythms. On his most recent solo album, Love & Lore – his first in 10 years – that world-worn voice is its own instrument as it’s front and center along with his acoustic guitar.
Kicking off the night was Baltimore-based punk band, Over Our Eyes that jump started the evening with a healthy dose of distorted fuzz before Memphis singer-songwriter Cory Branan took the stage. I’ve managed to miss Cory Branan each time he’s come through town, so getting to see the master of song-craft perform solo was a treat as he started with a set list but soon afterward was taking requests from the crowd.
Chuck Ragan next took the stage – just him and an acoustic guitar – and started off with “Nothing Left to Prove” from his 2011 solo record, Covering Ground. There are voices that just cut through the ether like an axe, with that that refrain, “Say what you want, I don’t mind” getting everyone in the room making an impromptu chorus.
I think you can tell the strength of a song by the immediate connection it makes with the audience, and if there’s one thing Ragan can do is spin a tune that’s hard to resist.
Throughout the night, Chuck Ragan pulled from a number of his solo records, from Gold Country (“Rotterdam”) and Covering Ground to “Flame in the Flood.” And there were even a couple of other surprises such as High Water Music’s “Old Rules.” As Chuck told the crowd, the song was recorded in Beltsville, Maryland by Brian McTernan, whom he dedicated the song.
The Official Lyric Video for “Wild In Our Ways” by Chuck Ragan:
Taking a request from someone in the crowd, Ragan played another Hot Water Music song, “State of Grace” with even the youngest fans who were there with their parents singing along.
I have to say, where other artists may shy away from encouraging fans to join in, Chuck Ragan made this capacity crowd feel right at home, even inviting some up on stage. “Wanna do it?,” Ragan asked someone in the crowd. “Come on,” he called as a woman came up to duet on “Ole Diesel.”
That wasn’t the only time either, as other fans joined him on-stage throughout the night. And it was an unforgettable night – one of those nights where you think to yourself that this is the point. This is how experiencing music is supposed to feel, and we are all better for it.
Chuck Ragan continues his tour through the Spring and it’s one not to miss.
The setlist included:
Nothing Left to Prove
Wish on the Moon
Rotterdam
Revved
Flame in the Flood
Old Rules (Hot Water Music song)
Reel My Heart
State of Grace (Hot Water Music song)
Bedroll Lullaby
Winter
Ole Diesel
California Burritos (Rumbleseat song)
Echo The Halls
Meet You in the Middle
For Broken Ears
See more photos of Chuck Ragan at the Ottobar, March 19, 2025.
Photos of Cory Branan at the Ottobar, March 19, 2025
Photos of Over Our Eyes at the Ottobar, March 19, 2025
All photos copyright and courtesy of David LaMason
