Concerts, Music Venues, News

Shooter Jennings and friends brings the melodic groove to Busters

by Jessica Blankenship
Shooter Jennings – by Jessica Blankenship

While the air turned cooler outside, things were heating up instead Busters of Lexington, Kentucky.  On Thursday, fans were treated with a performance of Earl Greyhound, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Shooter Jennings.  Starting things off was Earl Greyhound, who brought the funk rock soul to the house with their three piece band.  Fans were taken back in time with current songs that could have very well been played in the 70s with an infusion of rock and soul.  The vocal power of Kamara Thomas was showcased throughout the set, as well as the songwriting skills of Earl Greyhound and grooving beats from Ricc Sheridan.

 JJ Grey & Mofro, co-headliner, brought the crowd back on a journey down to the south with their music that had a distinct flavor of soul.  With the band that included its own grooving brass section, alongside the guitars, keyboard, and percussion, the vocals of JJ Grey presided a procession of music delight.  Fans enjoyed dancing and singing along to the original tunes, such as “On Fire”.  The emotional “Brighter Days” showed the vocal powers of Grey as he sang about where did the brighter days go.  The band really got down in the groove with “Orange Blossom” and “Blackwater.”  The fans in Lexington, Kentucky showed that they want to hear more from this great band that provided some country rock soul.

As the lights became blue and green, smoke machines filled the air as Shooter Jennings came on stage to the screams from the enthusiastic fans.  Singing songs from his new project, Black Ribbon, as well as selections from previous albums, Jennings provided a musical journey to the fans.  Fans were excited as they sang along to “Gone to Carolina”, “4th of July”, and “Manifesto No. 1”.  The band were full of smiles hearing the fans sing along to the songs.  He also treated the fans with “God Bless Alabama,” that he sang with Jamey Johnson on the CMT Crossroads, as well as a few Waylon Jennings selections.  After playing for over two hours, Jennings and the band left the stage and came back for an encore that was as strong as a good whiskey.  Throughout the show, Jennings spoke about how he loved playing in Lexington and that he was sad to see that the Dame is no more.  The Dame helped build his fan base in the Lexington area and you could tell he enjoyed playing any chance he could in the area.  Thankfully with venues, such as Busters, music fans will have a place to enjoy a great show by regional and national acts.

For those that missed the show or want to see another dose, be sure to check the tour 10/7/09 at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville and 10/8/09 at the Madison Theatre in Covington.