Photos and Review by Jim LaValley
Jonny Lang Photos HERE
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Photos HERE
Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd (KWS) on tour this summer stopped by the National Historical Boarding House Park in Lowell, MA to kick off the “Lowell Summer Music Series 2015”.
Jonny Lang and KWS alternate nightly on who is going to open and who will headline. It was Jonny’s turn to open the night and give us all a treat filled with some very soulful blues. This event was outdoors and young children had free admission with their families as they laid out lawn chairs to enjoy the nice refreshing summer breeze.
I happened to be in the path of Jonny Lang as he was about to take the stage and I have to say I witnessed a transformation. When Jonny left his tour bus in route to the stage he had his guitar in hand already and was practicing while walking down the street, full of energy. As he waited to take the stage I was able to get some unique shots of him playing his guitar in the streets of Lowell. It took a couple of minutes before he had to take the stage and he turned around to wave to his family in the tour bus. I can say that he was very energetic and that carried right on stage for his entire set. He put his entire soul into his legendary performance.
In support of his new album “Fight For My Soul”, Jonny opened up the night with “Blew up” where he reminded me of a Tasmanian devil strumming, plucking, bending, and stretching his guitar while he commanded the stage. The second song was “Don’t stop” off of his last album that set a nice groove with some soulful blues music vocals that was backed by a very tight band and Jonny’s soulful playing.
Jonny poured his heart and soul on the stage for his 12 song set. He closed the set with “Lie 2 me” that was like a blues anthem with band solos.
I happened to speak to Jonny after his set. That is where I saw the transformation. From the energetic Jonny that I saw took the stage and ripped it all night, once he left the stage I noticed he totally drained. I gave him kudos and at that point I truly believe that his performance was a “Fight for HIS soul”, he gave the crowd his all.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd was up next. Having had the honor of watching and photographing Stevie Ray Vaughn (SRV) in the past, the KWS show had a very similar vibe coming from the way KWS strutted around the stage, stopping and setting, and then letting his fingers fly up and down the neck that was graceful creating the familiar SRV sound with a unique KWS twist.
I love when the blues can take you on a journey that is led by a strong lead guitar performance. Noah Hunt delivered a solid performance on vocals to drive the overall classic KWS sound.
KWS opened the night using his favorite guitar, the “1961 Fender Stratocaster”, which makes him feel like it is an extension of his body. He used it for the opening songs but also had his full repertoire of guitars also including his “KWS Series Stratocaster prototype” and his custom “SRV Signature Stratocaster”.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Layton (drums), one of the founding members of Double Trouble, kept a solid rhythm all night. On occasion, you would find KWS at the back of the stage zoning in with Chris Layton where they would just jam.
He closed the set with Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” using his customize “SRV Signature Stratocaster” where he left the crowd mesmerized.
If you ever have a chance to see these two legendary guitarists, I wouldn’t hesitate. They will give you a night filled with heartfelt blues!