Jeff Lynne's ELO Delivers Stellar Final U.S. Performance in Phoenix

Jeff Lynne performing at Footprint Center in
Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 29.
Photo credit: Footprint Center (@FootprintCNTR)

Jeff Lynne's ELO, Rooney

Where: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona

When: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

Next: Jeff Lynne's ELO is scheduled to perform several dates in England in July 2025. Learn more HERE.

Jeff Lynne's ELO brought their aptly-pegged "Over and Out" North American Tour to a dramatic close at a packed Fingerprint Center in Phoenix last night (Oct. 29, 2024). Although the orchestral pop-rock ensemble is scheduled to perform in England next summer, Lynne and company closed out their high-profile U.S. tour that began back on Aug. 24 in Palm Desert, CA with the highly-anticipated Arizona date.

For those like yours truly who made the long trek to the Valley of the Sun, catching this historic concert was definitely well worth the effort. Since Jeff Lynne's ELO was launched in 2014 — a welcome return of the iconic songcraft and symphony-styled rock approach forged by Lynne with Electric Light Orchestra from 1970 to 1986 — there has been universal praise of this latest chapter in Lynne's wide-ranging career as a successful singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. 

From left, Iain Horns, Jeff Lynne and Mike
Stevens on Oct. 29, 2024.
Photo credit: Footprint Center (@FootprintCNTR)

The Oct. 29 concert featured Lynne with a top-tier group of musicians and singers who collectively brought a parade of classic rock favorites to life. Fans erupted once the collective came on stage at 9:10 p.m.; bona fide classics were unleashed one after another, with the songs elevated not only by Lynne's signature style but by the talents of the players and energy evident in the arena.

Since the Beatles disbanded 55 years ago, no other hitmaker has carried the sonic torch of the Fab Four with the palpable skill and might of Lynne, and that combination of melody, artfulness and ambition was heard across the 90-minute concert. The concert kicked off with a performance of "One More Time," a marvelous Chuck Berry-inspired cut from the Jeff Lynne's ELO 2019 album From Out of Nowhere. The lyrics from that original track provided the perfect prelude to this special night: "Come on baby, time to rock and roll / Get on board, and we'll soon be gone / Everybody gonna feel real fine / We're gonna do it one more time."

Indeed, while many in the crowd undoubtedly felt the reflective weight of the occasion, there was also the thrill of hearing so many great songs performed with such perfection. While Lynne was the central figure of the night, backup singers Iain Horns and Melanie-Lewis McDonald were critical in enhancing the songs' lush vocal harmonies and layers. Kudos to Lynne's musical director Mike Stevens, exceptional drummer Donavan Hepburn, bassist Lee Pomeroy, violinist Jessie Murphy and a field of other great players whose contributions impressed across the fast moving 20-song set.

The parade of memorable early set gems included the soaring "Evil Woman," muscular rocker "Do Ya" (the latter a favorite from The Move), disco-tinged "Last Train to London," and ambitious symphonic sortie "10538 Overture."

Jeff Lynne's ELO performing "Can't Get It Out of My Head" in Phoenix, AZ 
on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

The night's magic continued via the wistful rocker "Strange Magic," poignant "Can't Get It Out of My Head" intensified by members of the audience using their lit phones to create a constellation of white lights inside the Footprint Center, a flawless "Livin' Thing," melodic masterpiece "All Over The World," and powerful anthemic rocker "Don't Bring Me Down," the latter which closed out the regular set. The troupe returned to the stage to perform "Mr. Blue Sky," an inspired and captivating finish to a night that this fan will never forget. 

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came after the introduction of the other band members when Stevens introduced Lynne and the crowd jumped to their feet and cheered and applauded loudly at length to honor a visibly emotional Lynne immediately before the performance of "Fire on High."

Opening for Jeff Lynne's ELO was Los Angeles-based power pop band Rooney, an outstanding young outfit headed by singer-songwriter/guitarist Robert Schwartzman. The quintet performed a slew of great originals blending melodic rock, alt rock and indie dance rock during a lively 45-minute set, showcasing songs that were both well crafted and melodically catchy. Highlights included the power pop cut "If It Were Up To Me," jubilant ear candy nugget "Why," subtle "Stay Away" with its rich arrangement and winning harmonies, driving "Don't Be a Hero," and propulsive modern rocker "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?"

 

Jeff Lynne's ELO setlist at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 29, 2024

One More Time / Evil Woman / Do Ya / Showdown / Last Train to London / Believe See Now / Steppin' Out / Rockaria! / 10538 Overture / Strange Magic / Sweet Talkin' Woman / Can't Get It Out of My Head / Fire on High / Livin' Thing / Telephone Line / All Over the World / Turn to Stone / Shine a Little Love / Don't Bring Me Down / Mr. Blue Sky

Rooney setlist at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 29, 2024

Blueside / If It Were Up To Me / Why? / Stay Away / Don't Be a Hero / Tell Me What We've Learned / Are You Afraid? / Do You Believe / I Should've Been After You / When Did Your Heart Go Missing? / I'm Shakin'

Review by Robert Kinsler

The Church thrills with marathon length performance in Chandler, Arizona

Who: The Church

Where: Wild Horse Pass Showroom in Chandler, AZ

When: Friday, Oct. 6 2023

Next: Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE, Oct. 9; The Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI, Oct. 11 

Information: thechurchband.net

Review and photos by Robert Kinsler

Steve Kilbey at Wild Horse Pass
Showroom in Chandler, AZ.

One of the more groundbreaking and original modern rock ensembles to ever emerge from Australia, The Church has created a sound and extensive discography that is as impressive as it is timeless. Under the continuing leadership of founding member Steve Kilbey (lead vocals, bass guitar) since 1980, the band is currently on a North American tour in support of their 26th and most recent masterwork, 2023's The Hypnogogue as well as an impressive 15-track disc titled Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars that is only available to concertgoers who pick it up at the merchandise table at the troupe's shows (you can read this writer's review of the Deluxe edition of The Hypnogogue HERE).

On Friday night (Oct. 6), the Church performed a 26-song set at the beautiful Wild Horse Pass Showroom in Chandler, AZ that centered on the superb recent material from the quintet, while also revisiting the band's beloved early material. 

From left, Ashley Naylor and Steve Kilbey.

What was clear whether the Church was performing newer originals (indeed, the band opened with the reflective "Ascendence," the opening track on The Hypnogogue) or classics from the band's 1988 masterwork Starfish was that it's impossible to think of another band that creates an immersive soundscape like the Sydney-spawned outfit. At the Chandler concert, the Church combined sumptuous psychedelia-laced pop that fused layers of bewitching layers of guitars and sparse keyboards with hypnotic rhythms and undeniable melodies that wash over the listener with the power associated with more hard rocking bands. And Kilbey's deep baritone vocals remain a wonderfully distinctive fit with that winning sonic tapestry.

Lead guitarist Ian Haug.

Among the early standouts in the set was "Destination" with luxurious multiple vocals a centerpiece of a particularly effective and nuanced arrangement adding power to the track's unsettling and probing lyrics. The buoyant follow-up "Metropolis" with its infectious chorus and memorable guitar lines, and a dynamic "Columbus" bolstered by waves of guitar textures provided by Ian Haug, Jeffrey Cain and Ashley Naylor were equally forceful. The swirling rhythm-minded "Kings" (featuring the drumming of Nicholas Meredith), melodic "The Unguarded Moment" (the latter was the band's first radio hit, off the Church's 1981 debut album Of Skins and Heart) and a mini-set of acoustic tracks ("Old Coast Road," "Albert Ross" and "Fly") were all showcased in set 1 of the night.

Steve Kilbey enjoying the moment.

Set 2 found the Church continuing to play with artistic might, including on the gorgeous "Realm of Minor Angels" (enhanced by Haug's mandolin work), swirling art rocker "C'est La Vie," a haunting take on "Under the Milky Way," ethereal rocker "Grind" (the latter showcasing Haug's top-tier lead guitar work), opulent "I Think I Knew" and literate psychedelic foray "Second Bridge."
For the band's welcome encore, the Church performed the mesmerizing extended version of "Reptile" and a fiery jam-filled "You Took."

From left, Ashley Naylor, Steve Kilbey and Jeffrey
Cain at Wild Horse Pass Showroom. 

The Church continues its North American Tour with dates scheduled through early November 2023. Visit the band's official website HERE for upcoming concert dates.

Concert review: Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Metric thrill in Phoenix

Garbage's singer Shirley Manson, left,
and drummer Butch Vig on June 11, 2023.

Who: Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Metric

Where: Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ

When: Sunday, June 11, 2023

Next: The North American Tour featuring Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Metric continues throughout June and July 2023

Information: Garbage.com

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Modern rock lovers were served a full night of stellar music making courtesy of winning sets from Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Metric at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix on June 11.

Emily Haines of Metric

Canadian indie rock quartet Metric opened the bill with a 40-minute set of original material that flawlessly blended synth-pop, alt rock and new wave; singer/keyboardist Emily Haines' distinctive vocals and James Shaw's atmospheric guitar stylings were featured amidst the solid rhythm work of drummer Joules Scott-Key and bassist Joshua Winstead.

A view of Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre at dusk.

The quartet's set was a wonderful introduction for many in the audience who likely were not yet familiar with Metric. The propulsive opener "Gold Guns Girls," melodic "Gimme Sympathy," hypnotic "Help I'm Alive" and bewitching "All Comes Crashing" were early favorites. The ambitious "What Feels Like Eternity" (from the band's wonderful 2022 album Formentera), new wave-flavored "Now or Never Now" with it's message about embracing the here and now, and exuberant closer "Breathing Underwater" all impressed. 

Noel Gallagher, second from left, with his High Flying Birds in Phoenix, AZ.

With every appearance Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds make an increasingly-strong case that a rumored Oasis reunion is not certain nor necessary. During his terrific 70-minute set in Phoenix, Gallagher and company showcased material off the newly-released album Council Skies as well as gems from Oasis (the band fronted by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher parted ways in 2009). The palpable power of the 13-track performance was anchored in Gallagher's riveting songwriting gifts as well as the stylish and gifted work of musicians and backup singers who rendered the material to life.

Stunning graphics and video images projected behind the troupe enhanced the power of the songs as well. From the dynamic opener "Pretty Boy" and soaring "Council Skies" to the Beatlesque "We're Gonna Get There In The End" and anthemic "Open The Door, See What You Find," this writer found the material from Gallagher's new album glorious. The parade of Oasis classics he played later in his set were offered with emotional and musical perfection; the acoustic reading of "The Masterplan," the dynamic ebb-and-flow arrangement of "Little by Little," and one-two punch of his crowd pleasing versions of "Live Forever" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" to finish the set were among the obvious highlights. 

Shirley Manson, left, with drummer Butch Vig.

Like Oasis, Garbage was one of the most original and important rock acts to emerge in the 1990s. Watching Garbage headline in June 2023 is to be fully reminded how timeless and groundbreaking the band was when they released their eponymous album in 1995. The band's lineup — Scottish singer Shirley Manson, multi-instrumentalist Duke Erikson, guitarist-keyboardist Steve Marker and drummer Butch Vig — has remained unchanged for 30 years and has continued to blend alternative rock, heavy electronica and post-grunge styles in ways that inspire and challenge.

Duke Erikson of Garbage.

Performing 16 songs over the course of 80 minutes, Garbage showcased material from across the band's glowing discography. Indeed, the outfit opened the night with the hard rocking "Supervixen" (the first song off their debut album), but an eclectic mix of hits, deep album cuts (notably the bonus track "#1 Crush" with Manson going into the audience during the song) and even a shining cover of Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Cities in Dust" added to the night's magic.

Among the many standouts performed by Garbage was the funk-tinged "The Men Who Rule the World," reworked take on their 1998 hit "Special," driving "Bleed Like Me," blistering "Push It" and lavish reading of "Only Happy When It Rains" (the latter showcasing Manson's signature vocals). 

For an encore, Garbage dipped back to their 2001 album Beautiful Garbage for a delightfully crunchy pop track, "Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go)."

Garbage Set List on June 11, 2023

Supervixen
#1 Crush
The Men Who Rule the World
Run Baby Run
Special
Wolves
Beloved Freak
Bleed Like Me
Cities in Dust (Siouxsie and the Banshees cover)
I Think I’m Paranoid
Stupid Girl
Push It
No Gods No Masters
Only Happy When It Rains
Vow

Encore:

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)

Revisit U2's 'Elevation' opener in March 2001 via my coverage of the band's March 24, 2001 concert

On March 24, 2001, U2's Elevation tour began in Sunrise, FL. I was fortunate to be at the event and cover the memorable concert for The Orange County Register. Check out my review as it appeared in the deadwood edition of the newspaper on Monday, March 26, 2001. Click the image below to see a full screen version of the review...Robert Kinsler

Orianthi delivers signature guitar mastery and hard-hitting rock at The Coach House

Who: Orianthi, Mori's Memento

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Next: Orianthi performs at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA on Saturday, Jan. 28

Information: https://www.orianthi.me/

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Orianthi is one of the world's most talented and exciting guitar players.

Performing before a capacity crowd at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Thursday night, singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Orianthi brought her signature command of the guitar and solid talents as singer and songwriter together for a winning concert. Backed by an impressive three-man outfit, Orianthi performed a mix of winning originals and select covers over the course of 100 minutes.

She opened with the heavy riff rocker "Light It Up," a cut that recalls some of the best melodic hard rock stylings of the 1970s. Orianthi was able to cut loose with the first of what would be a night full of flashy and impressive lead guitar solos. Beyond her incredible talents as a guitarist, Orianthi displayed how she has carved out her own sound that falls somewhere at the rewarding intersection where British and American blues meet alternative rock and pop rock. 

From left, guitarist Neil Swanson, drummer Elias Mallin, Orianthi and bassist Justin Andres performing at The Coach House on Jan. 26, 2023.

Another early highlight of the set was the super speedy "What's It Gonna Be," where the artist delivered precision guitar technique as well as impressive high reaching vocal notes in the dramatic choruses. 

The crowd that filled the Coach House was rewarded with the first-time ever performance of a song titled "First Time Blues" (or perhaps the title is "First Time I Got The Blues"), that the Adelaide, Australia native noted she had just written. Based on the strength of the thunderous blues rocker and its strong reception from the audience, there is a good chance we may hear the song on a forthcoming Orianthi studio LP. 

She also showcased her incredible talents as a rhythm guitarist on an enticing cover of Michael Jackson's "Black or White." 

Guitarist Neil Swanson with Orianthi at The Coach House.

Orianthi artfully performed a short acoustic set with her band guitarist; a lovely version of "Where Did Your Heart Go" found her adorning the song with beautiful flamenco-flavored guitar sonics. 

From left, Orianthi and Tracii Guns during a performance of "Sinners Hymn."

For her fiery performance of her original "Sinners Hymn," Orianthi brought out guest guitarist Tracii Guns (of L.A. Guns fame). During the song's last half, Orianthi unleashed a dazzling solo before Tracii Guns answered with his own fiery guitar foray.

From left, guitarist Neil Swanson, singer-guitarist Orianthi, guitarist Tracii Guns and
drummer Elias Mallin at The Coach House.

After ending her regular set with an energetic take on her 2009 hit "According to You," she thrilled the crowd with a powerful version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Voodoo Chile." Orianthi is that rare modern day guitar great capable of conjuring up the flawless technique, power and wizardry of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Mori's Memento performing at The Coach House on Jan. 26, 2023.

Opening for Orianthi was Los Angeles-based Mori's Memento, a rising young troupe whose sound conjured up the hard rock Sunset Strip sounds of the 1980s. In addition to performing some solid original cuts, the group performed reworkings of Ratt's "Round and Round" and Dokken's "Into The Fire."

Walter Trout brings high-powered legacy to The Coach House

Who: Walter Trout, Freeman-Hale

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Next: Walter Trout will be touring throughout California and the West Coast of the U.S. in March 2023 before heading to Europe in May 2023

Information: WalterTrout.com

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Walter Trout brought his groundbreaking brand of hard hitting blues to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night for the first of two shows at the concert venue. A homecoming stop for the 71-year-old Trout — a long-time resident of nearby Huntington Beach — area fans filled The Coach House to catch a two-hour set that highlighted the singer-songwriter/guitar great's original material.

From left, Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis, Walter Trout, Michael Leasure and John Avila.

Backed by his incredible three-man band (long-time drummer Michael Leasure, keyboardist Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis and bassist John Avila of Oingo Boingo fame), Trout featured material off his 2022 album Ride. His first album since 2020, Ride is notable for its moving material looking at the artist's life — a mix of intoxicating highs and challenging lows. 

Walter Trout at The Coach House.

Bassist John Avila and Walter Trout

A survivor of life-threatening liver disease who spent months in a hospital bed while losing 120 pounds and even the ability to walk, Trout's long recovery began when he had a successful liver transplant in May 2014. Trout's miraculous return to the stage (he had to regain his ability to speak, walk and play guitar following the transplant eight years ago) adds a palpable power every time he performs and that was definitely the case on Saturday night.

Drummer Michael Leasure behind the drum kit.

After an introduction by his wife Marie Trout just after 9 p.m., Trout opened with "I Can Tell," a forceful blues-rocker that played out over eight minutes — the first three minutes or so a blistering display of Trout's masterful fretwork on his electric guitar.

"This is a homecoming for us and it's so great to be back," Trout said after that opener. 

After performing an explosive "Wanna Dance" from his 2020 album Ordinary Madness, Trout noted that Ride is his 30th solo album and "We're going to do a lot of songs from that record."

Keyboardist Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis

As part of his performance of the new selections, Trout would often provide details into the genesis of each song. In his introduction of "Waiting for the Dawn," he noted he wrote it in a hotel home at 4 a.m. while unable to sleep, he noted: "I was missing my beautiful wife." A beautiful blues ballad, Trout's signature vocals were positioned amidst artful licks with the exception of a powerful guitar solo that elevated the middle of the track.

Bob Landgraff

The driving "Ride" (a song rooted in Trout's desire to escape a troubled home life when he was a boy growing up in New Jersey), searing "Ghosts" (the latter bolstered by appropriately eerie guitar lines), luxurious "Follow You Back Home" and high octane blues rocker "I Worry Too Much" were other shining songs from Ride. "High Is Low" featured a guest turn from blues harmonica great Bob Landgraff and a blistering solo from Trout. "Destiny" was a gentle ballad, featuring some of Trout's most emotive vocals of the night.

Another standout moment was a performance of "Red Sun," a hard melodic rocker where Trout used cascading waves of feedback to introduce his memorable guitar solo.

This was definitely a homecoming show to remember. 

Freeman-Hale opened the night with a 45-minute set of Chicago blues.

Opening the night was the local quintet Freeman-Hale, featuring singer-harmonica player Tricia Freeman and guitarist Kenny Hale. The troupe delivered a set of Chicago blues-minded material honoring the spirit and stylings of the originals, notably Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Workin'," the blues standard "Sweet Home Chicago," the Big Mama Thornton classic "Hound Dog" and B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby."  

Walter Trout, left, with bassist John Avila.

Arcade Fire shines at Kia Forum

Win Butler performing at the Kia Forum.

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Arcade Fire brought their "WE" tour to the legendary Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA on Wednesday, Nov. 16 for the first of two headline performances at the Los Angeles County venue.

For long-time fans of the Canadian indie rock band fronted by the talented husband and wife duo of Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, the good news is that the group continues to inspire with soaring modern rock that draws its power through a fusion of alternative rock, Baroque pop, new wave, dance music and other styles.

Régine Chassagne at the Kia Forum.

Over the course of two hours, Arcade Fire covered a number of tracks from their wonderful 2022 studio album WE while revisiting a slew of past classics spanning from their 2004 debut Funeral to 2017's Everything Now. The enthusiastic crowd was fully in tune with the band, and thankfully thrilled with the band's riveting performance and the fantastic setlist.

Arcade Fire continues to find ways to fully connect with its audience. There were many times where members of the band would venture out into the crowd, or perform on a second stage positioned in the middle of the floor.

Arcade Fire performing their encore on a second stage positioned 
on the floor of the Kia Forum.

In fact, Arcade Fire performed their full encore on that second stage - including a moving version of Tom Petty's "Free Falling" before raising the roof with their own "Wake Up."

Win Butler standing atop a piano at the Kia Forum.

Arcade Fire setlist at the Kia Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

Age of Anxiety I

Ready to Start

Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)

It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus)

My Body Is a Cage

Afterlife

Reflektor

Creature Comfort

Age of Anxiety (Rabbit Hole)

The Lightening I

The Lightening II

Rebellion (Lies)

The Suburbs

The Suburbs (Continued)

Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)

Unconditional II (Race and Religion)

Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

Everything Now

Encore:

End of the Empire I-III

End of the Empire IV (Sagittarius A*)

Free Falling (Tom Petty cover)

Wake Up

Big Head Todd and the Monsters make triumphant return to The Coach House

Big Head Todd and the Monsters performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on Wednesday night, Nov. 9, 2022.

Who: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Jim Dalton & Jeremy Lawton

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Next: Big Head Todd and the Monsters has a number of upcoming Southern California dates. The band performs in Ventura on Nov. 11; in Solana Beach on Nov. 12 and 13; and in Pioneertown on Nov 14

Information: bigheadtodd.com

Todd Park Mohr at The Coach
House on Nov. 9, 2022.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Playing their signature blend of blues, rock, funk and jam with artful force, Big Head Todd and the Monsters returned to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Wednesday night to thrill a packed and enthusiastic crowd. Performing a 110-minute set of material, Todd Park Mohr (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Nevin (drums), Rob Squires (bass) and Jeremy Lawton (keyboards, slide guitar) impressed from the moment they hit the stage of the legendary venue.

Opening with their enticing blues-flavored original "Josephina" (a track off their wonderful 2014 album Black Beehive), the quartet offered up the track with the perfect blend of raw power and nuanced virtuosity.

Todd Park Mohr immersed in the 
music on Nov. 9, 2022.

From there, BHTM performed a fantastic new original, "Thunderbird." A catchy country-tinged riff rocker bolstered by a fiery lead guitar solo courtesy of Mohr, the other three members of the outfit created a dynamic approach further amplifying the power of the cut. 

Brian Nevin behind the kit at The Coach House. 

With the exception of a brief hiccup during "King Kong" — where Mohr's guitar cut out — BHTM energetically delivered each song as if it was their greatest hit. An emotive laid back nugget, "Ellis Island" allowed the troupe to explore the corner of the sonic universe where blues and jazz meet; the foursome turned on a dime performing the '90s-styled reggae rocker "Please Don't Tell Her" with a breezy vibe adding to the magic. 

Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Other standouts of the set included the Texas-blues mining "Dirty Juice" with Lawton tearing it up on slide guitar and Mohr's powerhouse vocals showcased, the groove-and-blues gem "New World Arisin'," "Vincent Of Jersey" with Mohr taking the beginning alone accompanied by his guitar, and a flat-out bewitching version of the band's 1993 hit "Bittersweet," the latter a sweeping and zestful version enhanced by the work of all four band members.

Bassist Rob Squires on Nov. 9, 2022.

BHTM also celebrated several of their heroes during the set; early there was a ferocious Chicago blues take on Buddy Guy's "Sit and Cry (The Blues)"  — originally recorded back in 1958 — while later on they covered John Lee Hooker's timeless "Boom Boom" with equal abandon.

From left, Todd Park Mohr and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

The encore was definitely worth the wait. The Boulder, Colorado band delivered a mighty version of "Circle," the rousing single from the band's major label debut Sister Sweetly. Park's emotive and convincing vocals were fully in sync with the song's refined beginnings and build to a huge classic rock-styled finale.

BHTM closed out the memorable set with a fun run through the Ramones' "I Want To Be Sedated."

From left, Jim Dalton and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Opening the night with a 45-minute set of Americana-meets-blues, Jim Dalton — accompanied by the aforementioned Jeremy Lawton — featured tracks from Dalton's full-length 2021 album In My Head.  

From left, Jim Dalton and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Dalton, the lead guitarist of Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, brought a loose and authentic approach to his performance. The countrified "Amigos" and satiric "Serial Killer" (Dalton wrote the latter song after reading a news report about a young woman who wanted to marry serial killer Charles Manson) were among the standouts. My favorite song of the pair's set was Dalton's absolutely luxurious ballad "In My Head."