Original Publication Date: November 14, 2022
Kyle - On a chilly night in November we set out for Skunkfest 2022 which had an amazing lineup of rock and blues guitarists such as Jelly Ellington, Stoney Curtis, Texas legend Chris Duarte, and of course their headline act Jared James Nichols.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Nichols at the 2002 NAMM show in Anaheim California in which we got to know more about the artists unique playing style. Nichols noted that he was a lefty by nature, but this caused him to have some difficulty using a guitar pick, something this reporter can relate to very well.
We understood his frustration as to be honest, using a pick just feels unnatural. Nichols noted that much like the rest of us, he was told that it wasn't going to work without a pick, and that he needed to use one.
Luckily he did not take their advice and his finger style playing has become something he is very well known for in his playing. This sets him apart from other guitarists and is really a sight to see in person.
After the NAMM show we were invited to see him perform a Chain Reaction in Anaheim where we were blown away by the "Blues Power" that the guitarist brings with him. Along with his band, Diego on Bass and Dennis on Drums, they provide their audience with a wall of rock that will leave you wanting more.
All talented musicians the trio came together to perform tracks from Nichols new self titled album which is available on Spotify and for sale on Nichols website. The new track, "Down the Drain" was received very well and in this reporters opinion is a sign of many more jams to come.
With good lyrics, catchy guitar riffs and solos that leave you cheering for more Nichols and his band are not only a sight to see but a must for any concert enthusiasts looking to rock out on any night of the week. It was worth the four hour drive to see the group play.
Once this publication found out about the event we reached out to management and were invited to the show for coverage. Upon arriving we were greeted by Nichols who remembered us from NAMM.
Speaking candidly we have to admit, Nichols is a down right, friendly, humble, down to earth person. Honestly you couldn't ask for a more down to earth rock star.
Only months earlier Nichols was touring, hanging with legend Joe Bonamassa, and now here he was just talking as if we were old friends, asking about my work and how things had been. After the show he was even cool enough to hang backstage, check out my new telecaster, and sign my "Gold Glory" Les Paul.
All that aside. the concert was top notch. From original songs like "Down the Drain", to covers like "NIB" by Black Sabbath we can't really say that anyone could have asked for more.
If there is one thing we can say about Nichols and his band is that they only know how to leave an audience one of two ways, satisfied or wanting more. From Dennis and Diego powering through tunes with authority to Nichols super sonic solos there really isn't more you could ask for from the group.
As for an encore, just like at Chain Reaction, they closed out the show with "Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains. A bold choice most would say but oh has the song ever sounded so sweet.
In both venues the crowd erupted at the start of the instantly recognizable song and sang along from start to finish. The rendition of the song is one of the best, if not the best that this reporter has ever heard short of the original.
If the group plays live, we are satisfied, but if they close with "Man in the Box", we call it a perfect evening. Keep the tunes coming guys, we need more originals, more solos, turn it up to eleven, and by all means, more dates in Texas.
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