Kenny Wayne Shepherd
@ HOB

Kenny Wayne Shepherd
@ HOB

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These blues guitar playing kids seem to be coming out of the woodwork at the moment. Every time I turn around, there's another young kid, playing the blues and touring. That's healthy for the music industry at the moment. At least it's something different than the current alternative scene which dominates the airwaves and the music stores.

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd show started off a little slow, compared to his appearance on the G-3 tour at the House Of Blues last November. He really didn't get fired up until about four songs into his short two hour show. (I consider barely two hours a short show at most clubs in the area.) The crowd was VERY enthusiastic, jumping up and down, a substantial number singing along with the songs. KWS songs are certainly singable and I think that is one of the things that helps his show. Overall it was a good to excellent show, the mix was mostly spot on, although the guitar could have been a bit higher in the mix, particularly during the final Hendrix tribute. His last song was "Voodoo Child" with teasers from "Purple Haze" and "Hey Joe". Hendrix stuff may be old, but it always pleases the crowd.

The rest of the band reminds me a bit of The Doors, if the Doors had played the blues. Jimmy Wallace (Keyboards) started with the opening riff from "Riders of The Storm" and singer Noah Hunt has that Jim Morrison type of look and stage presence. Sam Bryant (Drums) worked very hard during the whole show and along with Robby Emerson on bass held down the bottom end real well.

Usually the roadies bring out drinks for the band between songs. KWS has the best looking drink girls I have ever seen. Two good looking blondes in slinky dresses calmly walking across the stage to deliver drinks to the band sure beats the heck out of ugly roadies.

The show started early for the House Of Blues, about 7:30, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd played from 8:35 to 10:30. I guess the HOB realizes that during the week, most people have to get up and go to work the next day so I appreciated the early show. (Yes...I work for a living....have a haircut and a real job!!!)

I have read a lot of commentary regarding Kenny Wayne Shepherd being a Stevie Ray Vaughan rip-off. Admittedly, there are a lot of similarities, mainly due to the limitations within the basic style of Texas Blues. Given a few years more playing, I think KWS will develop more into his own voice. His songs are definitely singable with just enough guitar histrionics to satisfy Stevie Ray fans and enough vocals to keep the blues lover satisfied also. If you are interested in the next major Blues star from Austin Texas, I would recommend checking out Chris Duarte, who has taken Texas Blues to the next level.

Bottom Line...Kenny Wayne shepherd gets a 9, and the Drink Girls get a 10.