Nikki Lane- The Cactus Club August 13, 2015

Lane and Whitman,
photo by Will Piper

Is there ever too much of a good thing?  Apparently not, when it comes to Kopp's Frozen Custard or Nikki Lane in Milwaukee.  One could argue that she might do well to rent an apartment in River West, as Lane has brought her country troubadour show to Milwaukee four times this year- although this was her second headlining performance (the other two stops saw her open for Jenny Lewis this spring and Social Distortion this summer).

Lane has experienced a large and steady growth in her fan base due to her constant touring, support slots with a variety of different bands and different genres, and her consistently outstanding performances.  With steady band mates Eric Whitman (bass), Ben Eyestone (drums) and Alex Muñoz (guitar), Lane provided her fans with a diverse set of country tinged rock once again.  While Lane certainly is the focus, the fact that she allows her bandmates to show off their skills is a real draw to the act.  Bassist, Eric Whitman is about as good as anyone in the business, and keeps a steady groove for a band that often runs without a setlist.  Likewise Muñoz's licks on guitar are impressive and add a lot of dimension to Lane's songwriting.  Simply put, you won't hear a Nikki Lane song performed exactly the same twice, and this is a key reason fans, myself included, keep coming back.  

Munoz, Lane and Lee on "You Ain't Going Nowhere."
photo by Will Piper

With the show announced literally days before, and no advertising aside from social media and word of mouth, it was amazing to see a near capacity crowd at the Cactus Club on a Thursday.  Local country-influenced singer-songwriter, Frankie Lee opened the show.  Lee, backed by Whitman, Eyestone and Muñoz proved to be quite a hit.  During Lane's set she invited Lee to join her on stage and take the duet spot normally reserved for Hugh Robert Masterson on "Love's on Fire."  Lee also joined the band on a rousing cover of the Byrds "You Ain't Going Nowhere."  Lee is another example of Lane surrounding herself with top quality musicians.  Simply put, based on Lane's shows, if she was to play tonight, I'd gladly pay $10 to see her and her band once again.