When I was asked to review, JD and the Straight Shot’s, all acoustic, new album, “Good Luck and Good Night” back in September, along with interviewing, violinist/vocalist, Erin Slaver, I became an instant fan of this band, with a genre all their own.

As luck would have it, I was asked again to review their live performance at the gorgeous, Agua Caliente Resort, in Palm Desert, California, at the “The Show” theater; so, we loaded up my car with my favorite partners in crime, and fellow team members and headed out to the desert on a Friday afternoon.

JD and the Straight Shot has been touring with The Doobie Brothers, both nationally and internationally, for the past year or so, and this performance was one of their last before they hooked up with the Eagles and their current tour throughout the United States and Canada.

Being referred to as “Roots Rock”, is, in my opinion, and understatement and a misnomer.  “Roots Rock” is defined as origins in Americana, folk, blues and world music.  Roots Rock?  Maybe, but so much more.  American Gospel?  Maybe, but so much more.  Americana, folk, blues and world music? …eh…maybe, but so much more!  As I mentioned earlier, they truly are a genre within themselves.

Based in New York, New York and formed in 2005, “Good Luck and Good Night” was JD’s sixth studio album, and it was this recent release that dominated their opening set at Agua Caliente on April 6, 2018, ending in the most powerful version of, Three Dog Night’s, “Shambala”, I have ever heard!  By no means, am I not a fan of the Doobie Brothers, but JD’s 45-minute set, is just enough to tap the surface of these talented performers.

Fronted by vocalist/guitarist, James Dolan, and surrounded by a cast of multi-talented artists performing with multiple instruments, including an upright bassist and violinist, the harmonies this ensemble brings forth is nothing short of mind boggling.

Each artist brings an “A” list resume to the stage; not only is James Dolan a charming musician, but also an extremely successful business man in New York City, including acting as CEO of the Madison Square Gardens, but bassist, Byron House, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance, and has collaborated with country, queens, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton.

The enchanting, Erin Slaver, violinist/vocalist, engaged to “Nashville” star, Chris Carmack, is a joy to watch on stage.  Erin, who is also an aspiring actress, has contributed to a myriad of TV and movie soundtracks, and played back up for a long list of country, rock and blues artists, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Kelly Carlson and Rod Stewart.  She has toured with Carolyn Dawn Johnson (who also happens to be on this current tour with JD) and is an accomplished musician whose vocals blend perfectly with JD’s to create these heart stopping harmonies.

Joining them on tour is the fabulous, Canadian born, country singer/songwriter, Carolyn Dawn Johnson.  Carolyn’s musical experience and qualifications is a plethora of nominations and awards, hit singles, studio albums, videos, tours and collaborations with such a long list of country, rock and blue’s artist icons, I can’t even list them all.

Rounding out the ensemble is, Marc Copely, guitarist, and Shawn Pelton on drums.  Both of these truly extraordinary musicians have equally impressive histories in the music industries; and when you blend them all together, it is a harmonic holiday for your eyes and ears.

Sitting with fellow writer, to my right, and a very nice gentleman to my left, both being not familiar with the band, I offered my limited knowledge to both of them and they were not disappointed!  My team member immediately asked where she could buy their music and the gentleman, who reluctantly gave up his seat when the usher told him his actual seat was on stage right, not in the center, thanked me for quick synopsis, and that he also intended to purchase more of their music.

James Dolan hails from my home away from home, New York, New York, so I thoroughly enjoyed every second of his onstage story telling and lead-in to many of the songs on their set list.  There is something about a true New York accent that just puts me in my happy place.

JD and the Straight Shot’s music library predominately exists telling stories, of life and altercation, recovery and redemption, fleeting time and memories; it is about authentic Americana living, told in a way that inspires you to want to hear more.

As a writer in the music business, I hear a lot of music from almost every genre in existence. I have seen more performances, than I even remember now, but every once in a while, I have the “Good Luck” to catch an opening act such as JD and the Straight Shot and walk away hoping to see them as a headliner in the not-to-distant future.

You can find my earlier article and interview with Erin Slaver in our October, 2017, issue and you can keep up with JD and the Straight Shot (and find their tour schedule) via their website: www.jdandthestraightshot.com.  They can be found on many social media and reputable music service sites by simply searching “JD and the Straight Shot” and by Googling each of the members names, you can find their personal websites, social media and independent music sites along with musical histories, biographies and tour schedules.

I would like to personally thank Renee Harrison from Publicity Please for inviting BackStage360 to this event and providing us with gracious hospitality.  I look forward to working with Renee and Publicity Please in the future.

Set List

Never Alone

Redemption Train

Moonlight

Perdition

Better Find a Church

Run for Me

Under That Hood

Ballad of Jacob Marley

Glide

Shambala

JD and the Straight Shot is:

Jim Dolan – vocalist/guitarist

Byron House – bassist

Erin Slaver – violinist/fiddler/backup vocals

Marc Copely – guitarist

Carolyn Dawn Johnson – guitarist

Shawn Pelton – drums

By:  Siege / BackStage360