#The Wildhorse Saloon

21 Oct 2015
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The Winery Dogs Concert Review Nashville, TN Oct 20th, 2015

The Winery Dogs

The Winery Dogs featuring three renowned musicians in Richie Kotzen (solo, Mr. Big, Poison), Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin) and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob, Avenged Sevenfold, Flying Colors, Neil Morse Band, Twisted Sister) made their first tour stop to Nashville at The Wildhorse Saloon. Now to be honest, these three musicians are probably my 3 favorite musicians respective to their instruments so I had very high hopes going into this show. Their first CD was in my Top 2 for 2013 and the latest CD Hot Streak just dropped two weeks ago and is as amazing as their first if not better.

The Winery Dogs - Richie Kotzen

The Winery Dogs opened with their new single “Oblivion” which is an up-tempo burner that has a great catchy chorus and great double lines featuring Richie and Billy in unison. The song is a testament to great writing and playing as well as balanced enough to be radio worthy and capturing the ear of even the most casual listener.

The Winery Dogs – “Oblivion” Nashville, TN 10/20/15 – The Wildhorse Saloon

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The band played songs from both of their releases have a great blend of tempos even featuring Richie going solo with an acoustic on the ballad “Fire” from their new CD “Hot Streak.” Richie also played a few songs on the electric piano showing even more of his immense musical talent playing keyboards. Not to mention that Richie has one most distinctive and is a premier voice in the rock/soul music industry. He is given nowhere near the credit he deserves as a vocalist and it’s a shame. There are few that sing with the emotion that he does and he has soul oozing out his poors.

The Winery Dogs - Billy Sheehan

Things that really stand out about this band live are this. They sound absolutely huge for being a three piece band. Each member completely knows how to fill space and make it seems like there is much more there than just three instruments. All three sing, so there are strong background vocals making the sound very full and melodic. It’s hard enough to sing and play as it is let alone sing and play like these three do. There should be a special award for this feat alone. The Winery Dogs are virtuosos of their instruments (they hate this term) and I am not just talking technically. Yes, each member is world renown for their skills as musicians but, they are also amazing songwriters and know when and how to use chops. It’s never for just speed for the sake of speed. They are tools in creating a certain ambiance or effect for the music. Everything has its place and is perfectly in place. It’s creative, catchy and most importantly always melodic. Many technical players never achieve any of this. The Winery Dogs are masters at it. The Winery Dogs fuse rock, blues, jazz and funk seamlessly and effortlessly. It’s the perfect amalgamation and it works on every level.

The Winery Dogs - Mike Portnoy

The Winery Dogs are hands down, the best rock band in the world. When you consider what they bring to table as musicians, songwriters, experience and creativity, no one can touch them. They are one of the few acts that are actually better live and their CD’s are beyond compare so that is saying something. They are best of what a rock band should be and also what they should not be. While rock is about breaking rules, The Winery Dogs not only break them, they shatter them and put the pieces back together for a more amazing project and they do it with the ultimate humility.

The Winery Dogs – “Empire” Nashville, TN 10/20/15 The Wildhorse Saloon

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There is no better show, no better ticket purchase. There is zero reason to go and pay $150 for a band when you can see this one for $25 and see three of the best, most accomplished musicians do what they do best, and do it better than everyone else period.

The Winery Dogs

This was without a doubt the best live show I have ever seen with the classiest, most amazing musicians on the scene. Do not miss The Winery Dogs. You will most certainly miss the best of the best doing incredible things that deserve your attention.
 Kicking Harold

The Opening band of the night was Kicking Harold was another 3-piece out of California. A solid four on the floor rock band with a big sound and decent groovy songs. The motor car theme of the band is certainly original and the musicians seem capable. The bass player Julia Lage has done work on some or Richie Kotzen’s recent work and was some BGV’s on the new Winery Dogs CD. A good band worth checking out if you are looking for new solid rock music. www.kickingharold.com

For more about The Winery Dogs visit: www.thewinerydogs.com

 

04 Nov 2011
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Queensryche with Blackwater James at The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN November 2nd, 2011.

By David Lowry

Queensryche recently performed in Nashville, TN for their 30th Anniversary Tour at the Wildhorse Saloon. What impresses me is that after 30 years, Queensryche haven’t lost a step. It can be easy for a band to rest on their laurels after having major success – to just tour to make a living instead of always trying to raise the bar for themselves. In the case of Queensryche, they go out of their way to make sure each show is a flawless performance. Although 30 years into their career, fans can still expect a top notch live show from Queensryche.

Queensryche played a good mix of the new and old songs that defined their progressive metal sound. Geoff Tate, considered by many to be one of rock/metals greatest singers of all time, brought his theatrical showmanship and legendary vocals front and center like a great front man should do. His pitch was excellent as always and his distinctive vocal tone truly separates him from all the other vocalists out there. Geoff is always fresh sounding, inspiring and makes us wish we could all sing like him. He carried the audience through a journey of classics that brought back memories of better times and the days of our youth – cranking “Operation Mindcrime” on our stereos. Drummer Scott Rockenfield continues to impress as he has always been a great showman fueled by creativity, vitality and an uncanny sense of what to play and when to play it. His drumming has always been original and had it’s own voice within the songs. In a day when so many musicians over play and step all over the songs or vocalist, Scott brings a maturity to be admired and appreciated. Eddie Jackson was as solid as ever, bringing up the rhythm section with Scott. His playing is tight, vocal harmonies solid and he was able to interact with the crowd when able to get out from behind the microphone. Guitarist Michael Wilton played perfectly with that great “aunch” tone that Queensryche has always been known for. Watching Michael play those great chord voicings is a reminder to strive to not use power chords every second of a song. It was great to see Michael’s fingers flying around the fret board dialing in those solos we all love to hear. Parker Lundgren is a very under-rated and impressive guitar player. He plays effortlessly with great flair and filled the shoes of those before him very admirably. Parker is a great fit for the band with great harmony vocals; good stage presence and he nailed all the parts perfectly.

The Wildhorse Saloon was filled almost to capacity, which is a major achievement in Nashville for a rock band. It’s another feather in the cap for Queensryche as I have attended many shows where the venues isn’t even half full. The audience proved well versed in the new material as well as the old as they sang along with the words of every song proving that Queensryche fan base is as solid and rabid as ever. As I arrived early for the show, the line was already a block long going in both directions, another rarity in Nashville.

All in all, Queensryche is a band that has earned its reputation for being a completely unique, adventurously innovative and amazing live band. It’s well deserved and the amount of detail in their sets is something up and coming bands should aspire to. Queensryche’s sound is crystal clear, their performance and image are always top notch. The professionalism they project should be the rule for all bands and the level at which they perform should be the benchmark. Rarely will you find a band as well rehearsed as Queensryche nor as serious as bringing you a show you will never forget. They always leave you wanting more, which is a sign of an experienced band who have written a catalogue of songs that never get old.

Opening for Queensryche was the local band Blackwater James. Blackwater James came out on stage unfazed by the fact they were opening for such legends. They brought an energetic show and for the most part won over a crowd that was eager for Queensryche. As Blackwater James played, fists were pumping, heads were bobbing. From my point of view as I walked the room watching the band and the crowd, the audience really liked what they saw and heard in Blackwater James.

Singer Christopher James brings an energy and intensity that is refreshing. The twin pairing of guitar players Christopher James and Deanna Passarella are a lot of fun to watch. Both are capable guitarists with great stage presence.  Bass player Josh Burns helps drive the bus with steady grooves, passion and a great vibe on stage. Drummer Todd Schlosser is an in the pocket drummer with a sense of presence that makes him extremely fun to watch. This band has potential and is getting better every show they do.

At the time of this writing, The Lowry Agency has no affiliation with Queensryche or Blackwater James.

20 Mar 2011
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Stryper Concert Review With Black Water James The Wildhorse Saloon Nashville, TN March 18th, 2011

Stryper Concert Review With Black Water James The Wildhorse Saloon Nashville, TN March 18th, 2011

By David Lowry

I was anticipating a good show on this night, as I have never seen a “bad” Stryper concert, so I was excited to be there from the beginning. What I left the show feeling was a shock even to me. I came as a fan; I left as an even bigger one. Let’s start with the opening act Black Water James.

I have seen Black Water James once previously about six weeks ago, so I knew what I was in for when they came on. I was looking forward to seeing them again as I was hoping to see improvement because they were in a much better venue.

Black Water James has a lot of energy and a lot of potential as a rock band. They were pretty good for about the first four songs but then I noticed that all the songs started to sound the same. Both times I have seen them now, about three quarters of the way through their set, everything does sound a bit the same.

Greater dynamics are needed and catchier hooks to keep the audience in it the whole time. The band brings a decent image and are decent musicians, but the song writing is still a little weak for such a long set. I also question the order of the songs. It seems their best material is all in the front of the set closing it out with weaker, less “hooky” songs.

They attempt dual guitar solos, which is great, but would be better if they were in harmony, not just an octave apart or in unison. Also the guitar solos themselves are a bit weak in stating anything. They aren’t a story within the song. It comes off as mainly pentatonic noodling. Both players are capable and have great potential for doing more with this.

For a band of only 2 1/2 years, they are still one of the top five rock bands in Nashville and do portray a great energy on stage. The drummer is worth watching alone. He’s got great groove, stays in the pocket very well and puts on a great show. This band will do great things if they keep improving and don’t lose focus. They were certainly up to the challenge of opening for Stryper and aren’t afraid to let it all hang out.

When Stryper took the stage, the bar was raised tenfold. Not only do they look great, but also everything looks pristine. The stage is clean and uncluttered, the guitars are polished, the clothes are clean and pressed and they look like they belong in a band together. Their image is always good and their show is impeccable.

The songs were flawlessly played and crystal clear and they burst with energy. The band met the crowd with respect and humor. They really know how to connect with their audience and bring them in. During the whole show, the crowd was singing along word for word with every song. The band threw out many Bibles and picks to the fans who were all to eager to get one.

Michael Sweet’s voice was as amazing as ever. He hasn’t lost a thing vocally and in many ways is probably stronger. His guitar playing is on par with most of the great guitarists we think of. How often do you get to see a performer who is a world class vocalist and guitar player? Oz Fox has always been a top tier guitar player as well and successfully backs up Michael vocally on a few parts, giving Michael the rest his voice needed, showing again how incredibly talented this band truly is. Timothy Gaines, who is an amazing bass player in any style of music, drove the bus with Robert Sweet, keeping the rhythm section tight and thundering. His bass tone was perfect and really filled out the sound. Whether using his finger or a pick, the bass cut through and gave a serious foundation to the heavy guitars. Robert “The Visual Time Keeper” Sweet was as solid as he has ever been and always puts on an amazing drum workshop each concert. Easily one of the most underrated rock drummers of all time and he proves it every time I see him.

The one thing Stryper does better than anyone else I have ever seen is sing in harmony. Their harmonies were awesome! This band should be teaching younger bands what it takes to put on an incredible live show. They are so well rehearsed and professional that they are able to put it all on the line for a show that puts most bands I have ever seen to shame.

Stryper did three cover songs as well as the usual classics. They did “Over The Mountain” by Ozzy Osbourne, “Heaven and Hell” by Black Sabbath and “Shout It Out Loud” by Kiss. Their performance was flawless and on par with any of the performances I have seen of the original artists.

On a scale of 1 to 10 this concert gets a 9.5. The only deduction being it wasn’t long enough. The fans are having so much fun singing along at the show, the times flies by and it’s over in an instant. After doing the encore, Michael Sweet closed out in prayer, praying for everyone in the building and in Japan — again showing the heart this band has for its fans and the world.

In a nutshell, Stryper put on a better live show then 95% of any bands I have ever seen and they do it consistently. They are a text book band for younger generations to follow to learn from and understand why practice, talent, songwriting, vocal harmonies, solos, set preparation, stage presence and connecting with their audience are so critically important to the success of their career.

If you are on the fence about seeing Stryper on tour this year or have never seen them, go! Spend the money; it is so well worth it. You’ll get so much more than just a good show or performance. You’ll get a band that cares about its fans, the world and doing something greater than themselves. To find out more about Stryper and their tour dates, check out their website www.stryper.com.

Note: The Lowry Agency has no affiliation with anyone mentioned in this review.