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."

Tinsley Ellis' showcases his 'Winning Hand' at The Coach House

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos by Bob Steshetz

Tinsley Ellis playing up a storm at The Coach House on February
28, 2018. / Photo: Bob Steshetz

To put it simply, Tinsley Ellis' 90-minute concert at The Coach House on Wednesday night (Feb. 28, 2018), was about both celebrating the blues and pushing the genre forward in the best of all possible ways.

The famed Atlanta-based singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso –  backed only by a bassist and drummer – performed a dozen songs touching on the most traditional of Delta blues stylings via a short acoustic-styled set as well as offering up his own blazing Southern-friend electric selections that comprised most of the songs featured this night.

Kicking things off with the first track ("Sound of a Broken Man") off his outstanding 2018 Alligator Records-issued disc Winning Hand, Ellis, 60, immediately immersed the crowd with his muscular-meets-nuanced guitar work. The track was bolstered by two thrilling guitar solos, the second enhanced by the use of his wah-wah utilizing the classic sound to enhance the song's lyrical arc.

While influences ranging from B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eric Clapton and Bob Margolin can be heard in Ellis' sound, his style is decidedly distinctive. That was evidenced across the fast-moving set, in large part because of the power of his songs and artful approach in how he fuses his guitar work into the songs. Take the soulful blues ballad "Saving Grace" (another highlight on his latest LP), his vocals were as prominent and emotive as his jaw-dropping skills on the electric guitar.

Tinsley Ellis playing his Gibson electric
guitar during the encore at The Coach House.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Making his first appearance at The Coach House in five years, Ellis seemed loose and thoroughly enjoying himself. The blues-rocker "To The Devil For a Dime" was both playful and potent, with Ellis again using his wah-wah pedal to add fire to his lead guitar work.

On the electric ballad "A Quitter Never Wins," Ellis positioned him back from the microphone a bit to give his vocals a far-away sound; his sparse lead guitar matched the haunting effect.

There was also an acoustic-styled two-song set where Ellis had a chance to recall his own heroes; a faithful take on the Muddy Waters classic "Can't Be Satisfied" ("Bob Margolin taught it to me and Muddy Waters taught it to him," Ellis noted in his introduction) and a powerful take on the Howlin' Wolf classic (penned by Willie Dixon) "Little Red Rooster" elicited big cheers from the crowd of blues lovers.

The last half of the set was filled with an equal number of highlights including the rousing "Pawnbroker," which featured some of Ellis' most expressive lead guitar playing of a night.

Opening the night was the Anaheim-based Claude Von Trotha Band, a nine-man ensemble offering up a solid set of mostly-original blues tracks adorned by a mighty four-member horn section.

Here is an embedded video of Ellis' performance of "A Quitter Never Wins" performed at the concert:



Editor's Note: A special thank you to photographer Bob Steshetz for his wonderful photographs used here.

Essential new releases: Kacey Musgraves, Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Joy Williams, Muddy Waters tribute, The Dream Syndicate

Music lovers have to be pleased with the parade of stellar releases that are being released in the first few weeks of summer.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Title: Pageant Material (Mercury Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves' debut Same Trailer Different Park
Tell me more: One of the only artists among the current crop of young country singers who connect with the genre's richest traditions free of cliche, Kacey Musgraves' outstanding sophomore effort Pageant Material is at once contemporary and classic. From the tuneful high-kicking "High Time" and "Late to the Party" to the likes of the infectious banjo- and fiddle-adorned "Biscuits," the two-time Grammy winner's album is fortified by her role co-writing all 13 tracks on the disc. The Texas native playfully revisits her meteoric rise on "Dimestore Cowboy" (name dropping 'Austin City Limits,' Willie Nelson and the ghost of Gram Parsons along the way) while Musgraves skillfully tackles life's big questions effortlessly in the contemplative "Somebody to Love" and poignant "Die Fun." Information: kaceymusgraves.com.
Buy 'Pageant Material' here


Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the RealTitle: The Monsanto Years (Reprisel)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's Living With War and Psychedelic Pill albums
Tell me more: Leave it to Neil Young to continue to rattle the world's chain. Although he will celebrate his 70th birthday later this year, Young continues to champion his strong views on big business and corporate greed, destruction of the environment, threats to small-time American farmers and the world at large on his latest album The Monsanto Years. Backed by Promise of the Real (featuring Willie Nelson's sons Micah and Lucas Nelson),  Young has crafted yet another masterwork. Young's epic 2006 album Living With War is recalled via the grunge anthem "New Day For Love" while the tuneful Americana rocker "People Want to Hear About Love" would have been home on 1977's American Stars 'n Bars. Elsewhere the sparse "Wolf Moon" (with little more than minimal acoustic guitar, gentle percussion and some signature Young harmonica play) conjures up the beauty of our nation's disappearing wilderness. My favorite song is "Big Box," a lyrical diatribe against everything from corporate greed to political finance laws that blends heavy rock courtesy of Young's fiery lead guitar work with ethereal vocals that soars across an eight minute-plus ride. Information: www.NeilYoung.com.
Get 'The Monsanto Years (CD/DVD)' here


Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Venus (Sensibility)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, Johnnyswim, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Life's challenges often spur artists to create great music. Such is the case on Joy Williams' Venus. One-half of the multi-Grammy winning Americana duo The Civil Wars, Williams first full-length outing since that duo broke up in August 2014 will please fans of her previous work courtesy of folk-minded nuggets such as "Woman (Oh Mama)" and the gorgeous "One Day I Will." But there is also material that expands her reach into art rock territory with the same gifted touch; the confessional "Before I Sleep," riveting "Sweet Love of Mine" and introspective "Not Good Enough" exhibit the songstress' expanded reach. While the events that gave life to the songs on "Venus" may have tested Williams (just listen closely to "You Loved Me," "The Dying Kind" and "Till Forever"), the album itself is a joyous and life-affirming listen. Information: joywilliams.com.
Purchase 'VENUS' here



Title: Muddy Waters 100 (Raisin' Music Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Muddy Waters, John Primer, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Winter
Tell me more: The line-up of modern-day blues icons who join singer-guitarist John Primer to celebrate the 100th birthday of Muddy Waters (the legendary bluesman died in April 1983) on Muddy Waters 100 is almost as impressive as the 15-track collection itself. Things kick off with the blues staple "Got My Mojo Working," with Primer sharing lead vocals with Shemekia Copeland. Elsewhere Derek Trucks' amazing slide guitar impresses on "Still a Fool," and James Cotton blows his blues harp with the mighty firepower he displayed on the original 1957 recording. Texas blues champion Gary Clark Jr. conjures up some magic in his expressive electric guitar work on "Forty Days and Forty Nights." Especially bittersweet is the uptempo Chicago blues gem "I'm Ready," a cover of the title track off Waters' 1978 album that was produced by Johnny Winter; on the new version Winter played slide guitar on the track a mere five weeks before his death in July 2014. Information: raisinmusic.com.
Buy 'Muddy Waters 100' today



Artist: The Dream Syndicate
Title: The Days of Wine and Roses (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Rain Parade, Three O'Clock
Tell me more: Blending the melodic instincts of the '60s with the punk-energy of the late '70s, the so-called "Paisley Underground" exploded in Los Angeles at the dawn of the 1980s bringing with it the music of The Bangles, Rain Parade, Three O'Clock, Green on Red and others. Among the most notable of the scene's champions was The Dream Syndicate thanks to the band's seminal 1982 debut The Days of Wine and Roses. Now Omnivore Recordings has reissued a deluxe edition of the album that celebrates the original indie release and piles on a slew of previously-unissued bonus material that casts additional light on the sterling lineup of Steve Wynn, Karl Precoda, Kendra Smith and Dennis Duck. Highlights on the collection include the hypnotic rhythms embedded in "That's What You Always Say," driving "Then She Remembers" and wistful "Too Little, Too Late." The bonus material is enthralling too, including the rehearsal jam "Is It Rolling, Bob?" and infectious rocker "Still Holding On To You." Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Buy 'The Days Of Wine And Roses' here

Chicago blues storm into Southern California

Blues At The Crossroads 2 included a number of blues greats / Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Two of blues' giants were honored courtesy of an amazing tribute on Wednesday night (March 13, 2013). The late Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf were celebrated by living artists who have some of the strongest links with those legendary Chicago blues pioneers.

With The Fabulous Thunderbirds anchoring the Blues At The Crossroads 2: Muddy & The Wolf performance staged at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, the evening also featured harmonica great James Cotton, and guitarists Bob Margolin, Jody Williams and Tinsley Ellis.

Kim Wilson

The spirit of Waters and Wolf were always near throughout the rewarding night, which featured more than two hours of sterling and heartfelt performances by the artists.
The show began with the T-Birds taking the stage first, performing several songs celebrating the electric style of blues identified with Chicago. The band, led by singer-harp player Kim Wilson, also includes bassist Randy Bermudes, guitarist Mike Keller, drummer Jason Moeller and guitarist Johnny Moeller. The T-Birds brought a fire and passion to their own featured performances, as well as when supporting the other artists. Early in the night, when performing Muddy Waters' "She's Nineteen Years Old," there was an extended segment where guitarist Johnny Moeller offered up a fiery guitar solo before Wilson started blasting away on his harmonica. Throughout this, the song artfully grew in power in impressive fashion.

Next to the stage was Ellis, who performed electric guitar and sang. His guitar playing was distinct and he displayed a unique style of bending strings that gave his fret work a style of its own.

He ended his three-song set by switching to acoustic guitar and having Wilson join him to provide some harp shading atop his slide guitar work. Their version of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" (a song most identified with Howlin' Wolf) was one of the highlights of the night.

Throughout the concert, which was divided in two parts, there was an enthusiastic response from a polite audience of blues fans who filled the beautiful theater. One of the last songs performed before the intermission featured Margolin on guitar, with Wilson singing and leading the T-Birds through a mighty take on "So Sad to be Lonesome." The song began relatively slowly, but the nuanced performance would gain intensity as it moved along . Keller offered up some fantastic lead guitar work, with Wilson showcasing his amazing skills on the blues harp too. This was the type of nuanced performance that confirmed that the blues continue to display their special power when handled by masters.

Jody Williams

The second half of the concert were all about honoring two living legends. While Williams and Cotton spent most of their time on stage seated, that didn't diminish the power they brought to the night. Williams is a stylish player, with a playful personality that comes across in his guitar playing and his facial expressions. The Mobile, Alabama native seemed to be having the time of his life and it was great to see the audience recognize Williams with heartfelt affection.

"Spoonful," originally performed by Wolf and one of his most rousing performances, was played with fire this night and retained it's groundbreaking blend of psychedelic blues vibe.

Cotton, 77, was the last featured artist to grace the stage and received a rousing welcome from the crowd. Although the Tunica, Mississippi native struggles to sing nowadays, he sure proved to be an exciting harmonica player. The admiration that Cotton and Wilson have for each other is clear and their time together on stage was terrific.

The night ended with the entire ensemble of artists playing on stage together. A fitting version of Waters' "Got My Mojo Working" allowed pretty much everybody to shine, with Williams, Ellis, Margolin offering up shining guitar work before Cotton and Wilson dueled on their harps. What a night!

Bob Margolin, left, with James Cotton

Blues stars revive legends in Costa Mesa

My story was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Cotton, Bob Margolin and more join an all-star array saluting Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf at Segerstrom Center for the Arts this week.

Kim Wilson (center) and the Fabulous Thunderbirds will be house band as well as headline.

Anyone hoping to tap into the authentic feel unleashed by blues pioneers Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf doesn’t necessarily need to catch the next flight to Chicago.

The two legendary fathers of that city’s blues will be honored by some beloved musical offspring at a tribute March 13 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Blues at the Crossroads 2: Muddy & the Wolf, which repeats Saturday at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, is no casual affair. The lineup features guitarist Bob Margolin, a longtime member of Waters’ band; harmonica great James Cotton, Muddy’s harp player for a dozen years until embarking on his solo career in 1967; guitarist Jody Williams, who was part of Wolf’s first Chicago-based group; and guitarist Tinsley Ellis, while anchoring the event are perennial favorites the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Kim Wilson, lead singer and harmonica player for the T-Birds, may have been spawned in Austin, Texas, but his long-running outfit’s sound is a true amalgam of Chicago blues, R&B and soul, and early rock ‘n’ roll.

“I’ve known these guys for a long time,” said Wilson of the other artists who will salute Waters (who died in April 1983) and Wolf (who passed in January 1976). He noted that the T-Birds will back up several of the other players, including Cotton and Williams.

“This is way overdue,” he said of the ambitious concert, adding that the posh Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall “is a great place to highlight these talents. I used to see James (Cotton) and Muddy Waters in small clubs. It’s important to see them, period.”

Wilson reminded how so many blues acts are typically relegated to little venues or festival appearances, and the fact that a legend like Cotton, 77, gts to perform in a sterling theater is fitting. Wilson, who has lived in South Orange County since 1994, didn’t have to be asked twice when an invitation came to participate in Costa Mesa.

In addition to functioning as de facto house band and tackling classics from Muddy and the Wolf, the T-Birds also will have a chance to spotlight selections from their forthcoming disc On the Verge, due March 19 from Severn Records.

The record was begun a couple years ago, Wilso explained, but after initial tracking was done on several songs, he didn’t feel like the album would get released. That changed when he was invited by friend David Earl to visit a new studio opened by Severn in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” he recalls, “(but) the studio is fantastic, so I went in there.”

Earl, who ultimately co-produced the new album with Wilson, as well as keyboardist Kevin Anker and Steve Gomes, had the band re-record some of those early takes and then cut some new ones. On the Verge will likely surprise casual fans of the T-Birds, best known for ‘80s hits “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” The collection of mostly original tunes mines Stax-style soul as much as the Texas roadhouse blues that defined the group’s fundamental work.

“It’s stress-free,” Wilson said of both recording these days and playing shows like Blues at the Crossroads 2. “After all this time, this is a very cool, creative environment.”

Blues at the Crossroads 2: Muddy & the Wolf takes place March 13 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $29-$79