📍 Stubb’s — April 7, 2026
Written by Perrin Boyd
The air at Stubb's Bar-B-Q in Austin, Texas, carried the familiar scent of mesquite smoke and brisket, but the real heat came from the stage: St. Paul and the Broken Bones delivered an unforgettable night of retro-soul revival under the open sky of the Waller Creek Amphitheater. With the opener unable to perform, the Birmingham, Alabama-based octet treated the crowd to an extended two-hour set that felt like a tent revival crossed with a raucous dance party. Fans packed the historic outdoor venue, where clear sightlines and natural acoustics amplified every horn blast and vocal wail. What could have been a standard show turned into something special: an explosive, high-energy celebration that left everyone humming along after the last note faded. This was one of the sneakily better concerts I've attended this year, showcasing an unbelievably talented band and a vocalist who owns the stage like few others.
At the heart of the evening stood frontman Paul Janeway, a force of nature whose showmanship evoked the fiery passion of a Southern preacher delivering a sermon to the converted. Dressed sharply and moving with theatrical flair, Janeway preached, danced, and belted out lyrics with an intensity that blurred the line between concert and spiritual experience. His voice is truly one-of-a-kind; raw, powerful, and brimming with soul. He effortlessly shifts from gritty, gravelly lows to soaring falsetto highs that cut through the night air like a lightning bolt. Whether crooning tenderly or unleashing a guttural howl, Janeway infuses every note with deep emotion, drawing from the great soul traditions while making them feel fresh and urgent. His charismatic presence isn't just about the vocals; he engages the crowd directly, flashing wide smiles, encouraging sing-alongs, and turning the amphitheater into his personal pulpit. Watching him perform feels like witnessing a genuine revival, where music heals and unites in equal measure.
The band behind Janeway is a smooth, dynamic machine that perfectly complements his larger-than-life persona. St. Paul and the Broken Bones feature a powerhouse rhythm section - bassist Jesse Phillips laying down funky grooves, guitarist Browan Lollar delivering sharp, tasteful riffs, drummer Kevin Leon anchoring the beat with precision, and keyboardist Al Gamble adding swirling organ textures. What truly defines their sound, however, is the blazing three-piece horn section: trumpeter Allen Branstetter, saxophonist Amari Ansari, and trombonist Chad Fisher. Those horns punch through with joyful, brassy energy reminiscent of classic Stax and Motown records, elevating the music from solid soul to something transcendent. Together, they create a rich, layered retro-soul palette - think Earth, Wind & Fire meets Otis Redding - with tight arrangements that allow room for improvisation and pure feel. The result is a full-bodied, danceable wall of sound that never overwhelms but always excites.
The setlist hit all the right notes and then some, blending fan favorites with deeper cuts for a full journey. Early highlights included the anthemic “Apollo,” which had the crowd swaying with its uplifting chorus and soaring horns. “Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like)” got bodies moving instantly, its infectious groove proving impossible to resist. “Call Me” brought the energy to a fever pitch, with Janeway playfully demanding the audience join in on the hook. Mid-set standouts like “Grass Is Greener” offered reflective moments amid the funk, while “I’ll Be Your Woman” showcased the band’s tender side with lush instrumentation. Newer tracks such as
“Sushi and Coca-Cola” injected a laid-back, summery vibe with clever lyrics about simple pleasures, and “Sanctify” built to a cathartic release that had everyone in awe.
As the two-hour set built to its climax, the band saved some of their most theatrical magic for the finale. During the closing numbers, Paul Janeway grabbed a ladder and ventured straight into the middle of the crowd, perching atop it like a modern-day preacher addressing his flock from an improvised pulpit. From that vantage point, surrounded by adoring fans, he continued to sing with undiminished power, his voice echoing across the amphitheater as the horns swelled behind him. It was a bold, immersive moment that broke the fourth wall and turned the entire venue into a southern churchhouse. The crowd roared in approval, phones held high to capture the surreal scene under the Austin stars.
What made this performance at Stubb's so memorable wasn't just the extended set or the polished musicianship, it was the palpable joy radiating from the stage. St. Paul and the Broken Bones played with the hunger of a band still discovering new heights, even as they delivered classics with veteran confidence. In a year filled with solid shows, this one snuck up as a standout. The combination of Janeway’s singular vocal talent, the band’s horn-driven firepower, and that unforgettable crowd moment created something electric. If you ever get the chance to catch them, especially in an intimate-yet-vibrant spot like Stubb's, don't hesitate. You'll leave feeling sanctified, energized, and already plotting your next soul fix.