Jared James Nichols

Jared James Nichols - Boston Music Room - 18/07/19

Jared James Nichols has been on the scene for a few years now but lest we forget he has only just turned 30. An American blues-rock guitarist from Wisconsin in the style of Ted Nugent. I would only compare him with Ted Nugent in as much as his moves and poses but Jared is certainly his own man with the music and would certainly not divide opinion in the way Mr Nugent does. He is best known for his high-energy performances and 'pick-less' electric guitar playing technique. He is rarely seen without playing his "signature" single-pickup Gibson Les Paul Custom P90 nick-named ‘Old Glory’. This night in north London was no different.

It was a real pleasure to see such energy from a three piece in this intimate venue. Jared has all the moves and has an equally high energy rhythm section behind him in Dennis Holm (Drums) and Ronnie Elvis James (Bass). The temperature was gradually raised a tad as the evening developed.

Jared had been touring the UK as support to Living Colour together with Wayward Sons both of which I was seeing in a couple of days as they were playing on the Planet Rock stage at this years Ramblin’ Man Fair.

It should be noted that the support on the night, London based 70s influenced rockers Vambo, set the bar extremely high. They are well worth investigating if you aren’t familiar. They are very accomplished songwriters themselves as was apparent when they gave us ‘Why Why Why’ but two covers; Zeppelin’s ‘Good Times Bad Times’ and signing off with a corking version of ‘Burn’ certainly left the audience wanting more.

Jared ventured into the audience on not one but two occasions. The second soiree during ‘Run’, saw him sitting on the front of the stage, audience eating out of his hand before getting up close and personal with those who had come to enjoy this young man’s virtuoso playing. The band gave us a seventy five minute set with no time to take breath. A set that included the new single ‘Nails In My Coffin’ the brilliant ‘Playin’ For Keeps‘ and finishing with an excellent ‘Mississippi Queen’. I feel that I am in a good position to give praise as I had seen the legend who wrote this epic, Corky Laing, two weeks beforehand.

Jared James Nichols is certainly ready to step up to a larger venue but I am always selfishly happy when such quality remains static.