FREE CONCERT: The Suffers w/ Chris J. Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout

7:10 PM – Levitt Youth Spotlight presented by Texas Trust Credit Union 7:30 PM – Chris J. Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout If the photographic evidence accompanying The Knockdown Dragout is any indication, then Chris J Norwood is a beaten man. Beaten, maybe… But not out! As Norwood sings on “The Knockdown Dragout” — the ensemble, album, and first single all share the same name — he is a fighter: I know it don’t look good They got me up against the ropes I ain’t no light weight kid I got the fight, the will, the hope The “will” and “hope” part comes in as the Dallas-based songwriter — and now bandleader, commanding a Stax-inspired ensemble cutting tracks live on the studio floor in the same building where Willie Nelson made Red Headed Stranger — leaves behind his acoustic guitar to make the album of his dreams. “I have wanted to make this record for a long time,” Norwood says about a passion so strong, he parted ways with his record label to be able to see his vision through. “If you were to come over on a Saturday afternoon, Otis Redding is what is playing on the stereo.” The Knockdown Dragout cover the Redding classic “Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)” in a joyous rendition that sits perfectly alongside Norwood’s originals. “I had to include an Otis cover,” Norwood explains. You can’t help but feel good, and that’s what I love about soul music. Even the sad songs make you dance.” Norwood had become tired of sadness. “I’m disillusioned with the ‘sad bastard’ scene of singer-songwriters that I found myself a part of,” he admits. After releasing two records that reckoned with darkness and personal tragedy, Norwood wanted to make an album that was “just fun.” A “knockdown dragout” is a phrase I used to hear my mother use,” he explains of the album’s statement of purpose, which also addresses his relationship with the music industry. “It’s essentially a fight between two people that is particularly bad.” Norwood’s decision to leave his label to make this album…