Back in the 1990’s a talented young guitarist by the name of Kenny Wayne Shepherd took the blues rock world by storm. Now two decades later the once teen phenomenon has become the face of modern blues rock-n-roll with chart topping album after album. In support of his seventh studio album Goin’ Home released in May, Shepherd returned to The Paramount in Huntington, NY Thursday June 19th with support from Adam Ezra Group and the Robert Randolph and the Family band.
Entering the venue to catch all the action, fans found their seats on the floor and in the mezzanine just in time for Boston, MA band Adam Ezra Group. One of the hottest bands in the northeastern area of the USA they won the 2013 New England Music Awards “Band of the Year” honor. Now making their way to Long Island, they bring with them their roots acoustic-based rock. As a massive six-piece act they took the stage performing a series of original tunes mixing thoughtful vocals, illustrious musicianship, and great stage presence. Lead vocalist Adam Erza was both fun to watch and projected a charismatic personality. The audience responded warmly to the Bostonians and one of the standout moments was the performance of their undeniably clever and hilarious “The Devil Came Up To Boston”. These guys can perform a ballad like pros while still amusing a room at the same time. Check out what New England is raving about.
Bringing a funky vibe to the stage next was New Jersey based Robert Randolph and The Family Band. Fronted by Robert Randolph, his cool blend of pop, rock, funk, soul, and blues is something unique and excitable. Opening with jolt on the track “Get Ready” Randolph rocked a slide guitar while the band jammed a tight sound. Impossible to stand still each song thereafter including their cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” and original “Move On” had this audience on their feet and dancing. The slapping bass, speedy drumming matching Randolph’s guitar playing had spirits soaring and no doubt grabbed the attention of all. Be sure to pick up their new album Lickety Split and revel in the joy of its sound.
After a brief intermission for everyone to stretch their legs, grab a few more drinks, and exchange a few laughs, the time came for Shepherd to hit the stage. Prior to the curtain rising, fans were treated to a video outlining the making of the new album Goin’ Home allowing insight into the energy and passion which went into the album. As a nice intro as soon as the video concluded Shepherd went into the great Bob Dylan tune “Everything is Broken”. Featuring a solid supporting cast of Noah Hunt(vocals), Chris Layton(drums),the Great Tony Franklin(bass) and Riley Osborn(keyboard) the blues atmosphere shimmered in the air like smoke from a stew cooking. Keeping that vibe alive and well they played Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “The House Is Rockin'” which blew the roof off The Paramount with blues, soul, and enthusiasm by the entire band. Hunt’s deep and lofty voice meshed perfectly with Shepherd’s singing and guitar licks which had fans howling and grooving.
Allowing the music a chance to breathe between singing, each musician was given a moment to release the blues running through their veins as they jammed out on tracks like “Baby You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now”. Conveying the message that the blues resonated loudly with this audience as they all knew that blues notes are not just technique but knowing the right time for them to be played. Shepherd has mastered that art in thirty plus years of playing and each time he broke into a solo the audience was entranced by his playing. Ripping out the classics one after another songs like “Blues On Black” and “Shotgun Blues” were shuffled about the set highlighting all points of Shepherd’s career equally. Keeping the excitement level high Shepherd brought Randolph back out on stage and the two played off each other in stunning fashion for the song “Red House”.
Proving to his fan base that he is in fact getting sharper with age, Shepherd amazed all night long on guitar with finger work so quick and intensely precise that The Paramount was in a frenzy. Peaking the energy and noise level of the room, the encore of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Voodoo Child” rocked hard with Shepherd totally in the zone interacting with everyone pointing the neck of his guitar toward the audience and conveying raw emotion on his face. This was uncompromising blues rock at its best. These fans walked away inspired and clamoring about how this was a great start to the summer of 2014. Shepherd will be on tour all summer long and will be part of the Experience Hendrix Tour this fall.
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