Jackie Greene makes triumphant return to The Coach House

From left, drummer Fitz Harris, guitarist Nathan Dale, bassistJon Cornell and singer-guitarist Jackie Greene performing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on June 14, 2017.

Jackie Greene thrilling fans at
The Coach House.

Singer-songwriter Jackie Greene returned to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on June 14, 2017, delivering a memorable set of original genre-defying songcraft that played out amidst a sonic mix of rock, blues, R&B, folk and Americana.

Fans of the Bay Area-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist were treated to a fast-moving and exultant 90-minute performance featuring original material from throughout Greene's career. Backed by his terrific three-man band, Greene and company used nuanced and expert musicianship that enhanced the amazing songs.

The folk rocker "Don't Let the Devil Take Your Mind," marked the night's first entry, with Greene leading the group through the song as it built in intensity to a rousing finale. He then traded his acoustic guitar for an electric guitar and the intensity built with the mesmerizing "I'm So Gone." That song, like many that followed, featured Greene unleashing a spectacular lead guitar solo.

Jackie Greene at The Coach
House in San Juan Capistrano.

On the jubilant "Now I Can See For Miles," Greene tapped into jam rock territory, with revolving and evolving musical layers including sublime vocal harmonies and an expansive guitar solo from Greene further enhancing the song. 

Greene has always displayed an ease at juggling introspective folk, roots rock, blues and even soul into his sound. But at times, his approach even reached beyond that rich blend of styles to other reaches of the sonic universe with wonderful results. The countrified rocker "Silver Lining" (featuring Greene on slide guitar), rapturous "Grindstone" with its lovely instrumental ending, soulful "Trust Somebody" featuring Greene at the piano, and the Southern blues gem "Tell Me Mama, Tell Me Right" collectively displayed the wide-ranging number of styles that are among the key ingredients that make Greene's concerts so thrilling.

One of the most incredible selections came late in the show when the lush and haunting "A Moment of Temporary Color" was played, a song that truly brought chills with its melodic power and the artful performance from Greene's top-tier touring band (featuring guitarist Nathan Dale, drummer Fitz Harris and bassist Jon Cornell).

Nathan Dale, left, and Jackie
Greene at The Coach House.

The night ended too soon with a fiery performance of "Skakedown Street," both Greene and second guitarist Nathan Dale trading potent solos amidst a winning funk-rock groove.

Opening the night was Bay Area-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Matt Jaffe, who performed an energetic 40-minute set of originals. Highlights of his set included the poetic "Raise the Dead" (a tribute to victims of 2016's terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando), rockabilly-styled "Hellhounds of Alcatraz" and set-ending blues rocker "Fire on the Freeway."

Jackie Greene setlist at The Coach House on Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Don't Let the Devil Take Your Mind / I'm So Gone / Now I Can See For Miles / Silver Lining / Honey I Been Thinking About You / Everything To Me / Uphill Mountain / Shaken / Grindstone / Trust Somebody / Medicated Goo / A Moment of Temporary Color / Spooky Tina / Shakedown Street

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz