Paul Cauthen

The Read

The voice is the first thing — a huge, low, gospel-trained baritone that would be imposing even if he sang nothing but hymns. What he actually does with it is country-soul with a streak of showmanship that borders on the theatrical. It works because the instrument is real. Underneath the persona is a singer who could hold a room with no band at all. The Ryman’s church architecture is going to do something unfair to this show, in a good way. Expect big dynamic swings, a full band that leans on groove, and a set that alternates between genuine ache and outright spectacle. The line between the two is where Cauthen lives.

The Room

Ryman Auditorium

116 5th Ave N

Built in 1892 as a tabernacle by river captain Thomas Ryman, who was converted at a Sam Jones revival — little did he know it would become the church of American roots music.