A venue that is fast becoming a favourite for many gig goers in the West Midlands and beyond, KK’s Steel Mill hosted a rather special line up tonight. I have seen Jared J Nichols before, down at the Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes, it was a couple of years ago and he blew the roof tiles off the place. With a new Self Titled album on the shelf and a massive number of fans on the barrier, the temperature was rising very early on. The headliners always draw a crowd, this trio of superb musicians are idolised by punters and fellow muso’s worldwide, so there are a few familiar faces strolling around the venue. The third album from the Winery Dogs is also hot off the pressing table, this and the tour have been a long wait but well worth it.
JARED JAMES NICHOLS is relatively fresh as he appears on stage, despite shenanigans in Germany with lost luggage, delayed flights and lack of sleep. This time around he is joined by Dennis Holm on drums and Diego Edsel on bass. Jarad really reminds me of a young Ted Nugent, wild and untamed and with so much enthusiasm, it can’t help but rub off and turn the audience into an adoring mob. ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ is the perfect opener, stomping rock and roll to launch the proceedings and we have liftoff. ‘Down The Drain’ is also off the new album, a mellow intro is soon upgraded with Jarad’s strong vocals and screaming guitar, taking over in-between the lines. A repeating chorus is easy to shout back at the man from Wisconsin. ‘Hard Wired’ gets the frets burning as the heavy melody is thrashed out before us and the pounding from Dennis on ‘Bad Roots’ is remarkably bracing. A stack of pick-less solo work, as is the frontman’s trademark follow and then they include ’Threw Me To The Wolves’ a powerful ballad that’s available on Youtube and well worth a visit https://youtu.be/ZQKWjfHlcVI .
’Shadow Dancer’ is much more dynamic than the recorded version, as you would expect, it’s another with ample groove and guitar wizardry. Jarad informs us that throughout the whole tour they have covered Mountain’s ‘Mississippi Queen’ as a finale, however it would be more appropriate to play Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’ on this occasion. Yes, they play it and it doesn’t disappoint one iota. Heads nod, horns are in the air and cheers echo around KK’s, they get full respect for that and the incredible performance.
Links to the new album and merchandise, together with up to date news can be found on the bands WEBSITE .
Photos – Pete Checkley
The Winery Dogs have finally made time between their other projects to join up, produce a third album and tour. Drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Billy Sheehan and lead guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen are exceptional together, The Winery Dogs are like a finely tuned engine, there’s no misfiring, no bad timing and they run perfectly smooth. There’s also a relaxed vibe between them, when Ritchie has to switch quickly from keys to guitar ( being held ready by one of the crew ) during ‘Regret’, it’s done without missing a note and I notice Mr Kotzen smiling at Mike, perhaps to say ‘phew’ ! After seeing each of these guys with other bands, Mr Big, Sons Of Apollo and recently Smith/Kotzen on this very same stage, I’m still blissfully happy these three are here this evening, wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Photo Pete Checkley
‘Gaslight’ rolls in with Mikes blistering sticks and the rapid tempo is reflected with the spinning lyrics and racing guitars. It’s off the new ‘III’ album as is ‘Xanadu’ that Billy introduces with his signature bass work. Catchy and full of solo features it leads into a couple off ‘Hot Streak’ the second album, ‘Captain Love’ being first up. Love this song, Richie pours his vocals out with no misgivings and the hook is so adherent, oozing a sleazy and evocative feel. ‘Hot Streak’ pumps up the rhythm with a jazzy attitude and then the band step back to the debut album for ‘Desire’. A track that is instantly recognisable for TWD fans, low, slow and grinding, it’s still as absorbing as when it first hit. In between the new ‘Breakthrough’ and ‘Stars’ they play ‘Time Machine’ another from the first album. With a crawling intro that breaks into a screaming and delectable melody it’s well received tonight by the massive crowd. Smoke plumes burst upwards on stage as the ballad ‘Damaged’ is thrown out and then ‘The Other Side’ begins, a favourite and another that gets approving nods from the punters. It has those unique sounds that define the bands style. All good so far and I’m singing along, really enjoying this. Time for a Billy solo, well what can I say, he’s as remarkable as ever, one of the greatest bassists I’ve been fortunate to see.
The room is hot and sweltering, as the weather is so muggy. I’m glad I decided to stand on the one side of the stage as they opened the back doors for some fresh air. I felt sorry for one man that passed out near me, fortunately he was looked after by the KK’s crew and recovered after a short while.
Photo Pete Checkley
‘The Red Wine’ is another new composition and drifts along, probably a bit too comfortably for me, while ‘I’m No Angel’ is a piece of exotic sublimity. So much passion wrapped up in one song and undeniably, one of their best. ‘Oblivion’ is another chance to display solo’s of distinction and while Mr Portnoy’s drumming episode is quite short compared to some I’ve lived through, it’s by no means less than impressive. They leave the stage briefly and return for an encore, firstly ‘Regret’ where Richie takes to the keyboard for the introduction to this stunning track and does that quick switch to his guitar, then they end on ‘Elevate’ both of these final songs coming from the 2013 debut and both delivered in extended and fabulous style.
To wrap up, nothing more to say than this was a totally amazing evening. Both bands were faultless and it was cool to see Jarad taking time afterwards, to mingle and talk to so many people.
Photo Pete Checkley
All Photo Credits and thanks to – Pete Checkley Photography – FACEBOOK
Special thanks to Rich ‘Tice’ Taylor & The Security Team at KK’s.
