Justin Townes Earle Celebrates 'Single Mothers' in New York

On the same day his fifth studio LP hit store shelves, 32-year-old folk wunderkind Justin Townes Earle brought his vintage blend of alt-country and rock and roll to New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood last night (Sept. 9). 'Single Mothers,' Earle's latest effort, was well-represented throughout the 22-song set.

Before being joined by his three-piece band, Earle walked out on-stage, picked up his guitar and serenaded the packed Stage 48 with two solo songs: 'They Killed John Henry' from 2009's 'Midnight at the Movies' and 'Harlem River Blues,' the title-track to his 2010 album. Whether he was strumming by himself or backed by a full band, Earle's crooning voice -- and weird sense of humor -- seemed to never waver.

Throughout the night, it wasn't uncommon for Earle to tell a brief story or anecdote to the audience while he tuned his guitar or checked the next song on the setlist. Ahead of performing the title track from 'Single Mothers,' he explained about the new record: "It's full of mommy and daddy issues, obviously. They've had longer to f--- me up than I've had to get better ... that ain't gonna change."

Opening for Earle were Raleigh, North Carolina's own American Aquarium, a rocking sextet that harkened memories of the Great Divide and Son Volt; this is what alternative country sounded like in the early '90s. The highlight of their too-short set came from their 2012 record, 'Burn. Flicker. Die.,' in the form of the instant fan-favorite, 'Casualties.'

Earle is on the road through November and American Aquarium will be with him through October. Get his full concert itinerary here. In the meantime, check out our exclusive photos and admire the setlist from last night's show below:

Justin Townes Earle -- New York City's Stage 48

Chuck Armstrong, Diffuser

American Aquarium

Chuck Armstrong, Diffuser

Justin Townes Earle -- Setlist, Sept. 9, 2014
'They Killed John Henry'
'Harlem River Blues'
‘Call Yo Momma’
‘Ain’t Waitin’’
‘When the One You Love Loses Faith In You’
‘Single Mothers’
‘Mama’s Eyes’
‘Ain’t Glad I’m Leavin’'
‘Someday I’ll Be Forgiven’
‘Worried Bout The Weather’
‘Memphis In the Rain’
‘My Baby Drives’
‘Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me’
‘Burning Pictures’
‘White Gardenias’
‘Midnight at the Movies’
‘Down On the Lower East Side’
'Someone Will Pay'
'Time Shows Fools'
‘One More Night In Brooklyn’