Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
Galleries: JD & The Straight Shot, Joe Walsh
Earlier this week, rock rolled into Hampton Beach in the form of Joe Walsh, with JD & The Straight Shot in support.
Touring in support of their new album – the all acoustic Ballyhoo! – JD & The Straight Shot is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, and features musical all-stars including guitarist Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton) and guitarist JJ Appelton (David Bowie, Keb Mo, Darius Rucker). The crew has chops to spare, and have toured with The Eagles, The Allman Brothers Band, ZZ Top, Keith Urban, The Dixie Chicks, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
JD’s 45-minute set was beautiful – the songs thoughtful, infectious, at times haunting. New York-based, the band offers an interesting blend of rock, folk, blues, and Americana – original yet evoking a sentimental longing for the past. For a taste, check out “Better Find a Church” on YouTube.
Walsh opened his set with Walk Away, an old favorite from his James Gang days. Analog Man and Everday People followed, a fitting way to take us on the journey that spanned his five-decade career, covering Eagles and James Gang classics, along with Joe’s own songs and ones that influenced him.
As usual, Joe was equally comfortable in his roles as jester, philosopher, and guitar wizard. He played the riffs etched into brain of every classic rock lover, finishing up with Life in the Fast Lane and Rocky Mountain Way as the encore.
Walsh is a blast to watch and listen – a legend and a riot. When he rolls into town – don’t miss the opportunity to see him rock.
Set List:
- Walk Away (James Gang song)
- Analog Man
- Everyday People (Sly & The Family Stone cover)
- Mother Says
- The Bomber: Closet Queen/Bolero/Cast Your Fate to the Wind
- Take It to the Limit (Eagles song)
- Turn to Stone
- In the City
- Funk #49 (James Gang song)
- Life’s Been Good
- Life in the Fast Lane (Eagles song)
- Rocky Mountain Way