April 2, 2026 – Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
Thursday’s Collective Soul show at the Count Basie was a reminder of why the Georgia rockers remain a potent live act three decades in. As usual, the intimate ornate Basie proved the perfect setting for a band that balances radio-ready hooks with taut, guitar-driven dynamics.
Visually, even though the band has aged, they haven’t lost their style, with each member showcasing a unique, clean, and well thought through appearance. It was nice to see compared to other bands of similar age who opt for a simpler, less thought out look. Phonically, their style has been thought of as too melodic for grunge, yet too heavy for pop, resulting in the band fitting nicely into their own unique category of audio goodness.
The band opened strong, diving into an energetic run of material that had the crowd singing along from the first chord. Opening with “Counting the Days”, the audience rose to their feet and didn’t sit back down for pretty much the entire show. Frontman Ed Roland’s voice was in remarkably good shape, alternating between gritty power and warmer, melodic phrasing. Band members Dean Roland on rhythm guitar, Will Turpin on bass, Johnny Rabb on drums and lead guitarist Jesse Triplett were crisp; solos were restrained but effective, serving the songs rather than showing off.
Five songs in,“Shine” landed like a homecoming anthem, full-throated and stadium-sized even in the theater’s cozy acoustics. Newer material sat comfortably beside the classics. The mid-set slowed to a reflective stretch – a couple of lesser-known album cuts and an acoustic-leaning moment gave the room a softer, more intimate feel before the band ramped back up. The rhythm section locked in tightly throughout; the low end was punchy without ever muddying the mix.
Sound at the Basie that night was clean and well-balanced. Vocals cut through clearly, and the guitars retained a satisfying bite without overwhelming the stage. Lighting was tasteful rather than flashy, using warm washes and occasional strobes to accentuate climactic moments – appropriate for a band whose songs often build from simmer to release.
The audience seemed to mostly consist of longtime fans who knew every lyric but was also mixed with attendees who seem to have been drawn to the singles that still get airplay. Sing-alongs were constant and enthusiastic, especially on the big hits. The Basie’s acoustics and sightlines made the crowd feel engaged without ever getting chaotic — it was a communal, celebratory vibe with fans filling into the isles and dancing.
New Jersey is known for their world-famous rocker residents and whenever you see live music here, especially at the Jersey Shore (Red Bank, Asbury Park, etc.), you never know who might pop by. So a nice surprise and a highlight of the evening was when David Byan (of Bon Jovi fame) was introduced by Roland and came on stage and joined on keyboards to “December”. “Shine” and “December” were high points, eliciting the loudest responses and sing-along choruses while a quieter, acoustic passage mid-set showcased the band’s songwriting depth and gave Roland room for a storytelling moment between songs.
The encore closed with an up-tempo, rendition of “Run” and included an extended acoustic closing which was a satisfying finish that sent the crowd out buoyant and smiling.
Collective Soul’s night at the Count Basie delivered a solid, well-executed show: tight musicianship, memorable melodies, and an audience that clearly appreciated hearing the songs live. For fans of ’90s alt-rock and anyone who enjoys well-crafted, guitar-forward songs, it was a rewarding two-hour trip down familiar – and still vital – territory.
For more info please visit http://www.collectivesoul.com