Concert review: Tinsley Ellis and Dennis Jones Band deliver a powerful night of blues and rock at The Coach House

Tinsley Ellis at The Coach House

Who: Tinsley Ellis, Dennis Jones Band

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Monday, March 21, 2022

Information: For more information on forthcoming concert events at The Coach House, visit the venue's website HERE or call (949) 496-8930

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

When Atlanta-based singer-songwriter/guitar master Tinsley Ellis released Devil May Care earlier this year via Alligator Records it marked his 20th album release. The strength of that landmark release was reflected in an energetic and inspired 100-minute performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Monday night. 

Kicking off his set with the uptempo blues track "One Less Reason" (off Devil May Care) Ellis and his two-member band showcased the power of their chops; Ellis' expressive and flashy guitar work came in the service of a song that was bolstered by a dynamic build.

What his set quickly revealed is how many corners of the blues- and blues-rock universe that Ellis explores with a master's touch. Whether using a slide guitar, his signature baritone vocals or lead guitar work he impressed when playing emotive originals or stunning standards by legendary heroes. Kudos to his long-time drummer Erik Kaszynski and 20-year-old bassist Andrew White for their excellent musicianship and energy elevating the set.

There were plenty of great selections offered up. The fast moving funk-tinged blues romp "28 Days" allowed Ellis room to cut loose with his stellar lead guitar stylings; just as impressive were his potent lead vocals as he sang with emotional urgency the equal of his fretwork. He turned on a dime for the blues ballad "Slow Train To Hell," which mined a similar theme of romantic loss while showcasing his ability to tap into the more laid back elements of the genre.

During the concert, Ellis recalled performing at nearby Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa in March 2013 as part of a special program titled "Blues At The Crossroads 2" with James Cotton, Kim Wilson and Bob Margolin (you can read my review of that event HERE). Ellis revisited one of the songs he performed at that event nine years ago this night; his take on the Willie Dixon-penned "Little Red Rooster" (a song identified with Howlin' Wolf) was semi-acoustic but was powerful and captured the enduring spirit of Chicago blues.

Several other track deserve mention in celebrating Ellis' set. The infectious "To The Devil For A Dime," a swinging song with a catchy chorus and fiery lead guitar throughout including the use of a Wah-wah pedal in the extended finale. The expressive "A Quitter Never Wins" found Ellis juggling quick fills, full-length solos and an incredible lead vocal performance; the song's power and force grew with the masterful arrangement navigated by Ellis, White and Kaszynski.

Dennis Jones at The Coach House

Opening the night was the Dennis Jones Band. a Los Angeles-based trio that rewarded fans with an hour of hard-hitting blues rock. Jones has an arsenal of gifts, including a rich baritone voice along with stylish and virtuoso guitar chops that conjure up the illustrious likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Gales. He is a charismatic performer and earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of his set.

The Dennis Jones Band in action on Monday, March 21, 2022.

Performing a mix of artful covers and hard-hitting originals, Jones impressed with a blistering version of the Hendrix classic "Purple Haze" and Chicago blues-styled take on Buddy Guy's "What Kind of Woman Is This?" as well as his own "Passion For The Blues," "Blue Over You" and high-energy "Front Door Man."