Vintage Trouble, Main Squeeze, Brother Yusef impress at House of Blues Anaheim grand opening

Singer Ty Taylor and bassist Rick Barrio Dill of the band Vintage Trouble at the opening of
House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Blues Brothers Dan Aykroyd, left, and Jim Belushi introducing Vintage Trouble
at the opening of House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, February 25, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

For those who scored admission to the grand opening of the new House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday night (Feb. 25, 2017) located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. There is far more room to roam than there was at the previous smaller location located in Downtown Disney that closed in May 2016; there are great sight lines in the various rooms (large and small) that featured live music throughout the event. An impressive lineup of concerts has already been announced, including performances from Orange County-based artists Social Distortion this week and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness in early March.

Guitarist Nalle Colt and drummer Richard Danielson
of the band Vintage Trouble performing on Feb. 25.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Beyond being among the first to see the first new House of Blues location in nine years, getting to catch up-and-coming rock 'n' soul quartet Vintage Trouble made getting into the venue a priority for yours truly. The band was the event's headliner, and delivered a powerful 65-minute set that allowed the Los Angeles-based outfit to perform well-known favorites as well as new material that will likely be featured on their next album. From the moment the foursome took the stage, they seemed on a mission to win over those who hadn't yet somehow heard of the band as well as reward longtime fans with another memorable show to treasure.

Ty Taylor of the band Vintage Trouble singing at
House  of Blues Anaheim on February 25, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Among the early standouts in the band's set was the soulful R&B ballad "Doin' What You Were Doin'," a cut on the group's 2015 album 1 Hopeful Rd. While singer Ty Taylor is a dynamic and powerful frontman who inspires with his physical presence and dazzling stage moves, he is equally gifted with a great voice able to convey emotion with the range of the late great artists Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. 

Although it was a treat when the Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd in his alter ego of Elwood Blues and Jim Belushi in the role of Brother Zee Blues) introduced Vintage Trouble, imagine the crowd's surprise when the two performers joined Vintage Trouble on stage to join forces on a fun-filled version of the old '50s jump blues tune "Flip Flop and Fly." Aykroyd (in the role of Elwood Blues) blew some mighty harmonica and everyone on stage had a genuine blast in the moment. 

Vintage Trouble thrilling the crowd at the grand opening
celebration of the new House of Blues Anaheim on Feb. 25,
2017. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

The group performed several impressive new songs (I don't know the exact titles, so I won't guess) that were strong, as well as well-known songs from their previous studio albums including the potent soulful rocker "Knock Me Out," the freewheeling "Run Like the River" where Taylor ventured far into the crowd, and the powerful "Not Alright By Me." Vintage Trouble closed with a blistering version of their infectious rocker "Blues Hand Me Down." This marked my fifth time catching Vintage Trouble live, and I remain convinced they are one of the best live acts making music today. In addition to Taylor, Vintage Trouble's original lineup includes guitarist Nalle Colt, drummer Richard Danielson and bassist Rick Barrio Dill.

Performing just before Vintage Trouble, the Main Squeeze brought a hard-hitting funk sound to Anaheim. Headed by sweet-voiced vocalist Corey Frye, the band impressed with heavy grooves and an impressive duel pitting guitarist Max Newman and keyboardist Ben "Smiley" Silverstein against each other on the cool "Dr. Funk."

Brother Yusef playing at House of Blues Anaheim.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

I was truly impressed by area bluesman Brother Yusef, whose self-described "organic Deep Fried Fattback Blues" really brought an authentic tone to the night. His mix of virtuoso guitar play and real life emotion came alive via "Nothing But the Blues," one of several original songs I caught him performing.


Review and photos:
Robert Kinsler