Wednesday, October 11, it was the dogs of the "PAW Patrol" who rushed into the dark rooms throughout France. The night before, it was other canines who made Paris vibrate: the Winery Dogs, a metal supergroup composed of guitarist Richie Kotzen (ex-Poison and Mr. Big), bassist Billy Sheehan (ex-Talas, David Lee Roth, and current Mr. Big and Sons Of Apollo), and drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob, and current Neal Morse Band, Sons Of Apollo). In short, the big boys each in their own field, who favor an old-fashioned melodic heavy.
The trio released three studio albums in their 11-year career, not a frenetic pace, but toured after each new opus. His latest, the property entitled "III", dates back to last February, and does not change the recipe applied until then. Half of the album was released on Tuesday, October 10, starting with the two leading tracks of the concert, the torpedoes "Gaslight" and "Xanadu".
The musicians have their fangs, it shows, and the good surprise is that Kotzen is smiling! He, who has always been seen looking sullen, or at best with his head in the clouds, seems for once happy to be there. Needless to say, his guitar playing is sparkling, and he has the voice of the big days, especially when he finds himself singing songs close to what he offers solo, "heavy soul" songs like "Desire" or ballads like "I'm No Angel". And he doesn't forget to play guitar hero, like on the finale of "Stars".
A concert that is both technical and melodic
His colleagues also don't hesitate to pull the rug out from under them, during dedicated solo sessions, just before and after "The Other Side". But we much prefer to remember Billy Sheehan's extraordinary virtuosity throughout the show. While providing perfect backing vocals in unison with his comrades, he also constantly knits on the bass, adding instrumental flourishes where one of his peers would be content to provide a rhythmic peppy. As for Mike Portnoy, behind his gleaming drums (which masks a "roadie" who spends his time managing the mobile microphone in which the musician also delivers backing vocals), he is almost the most reserved of the three, but he does not have any problem providing the convoluted parts that the songs require.
In short, a concert that is both technical and melodic. You and I would probably have a hard time reconciling these two constraints. For big names like the Winery Dogs, it's a nod to the top, even if it's unfortunate that, given their science, the three experts never change their repertoire one iota during the tour. The concert includes a quick reminder – a source tells us that the band's pizzas have already been delivered – including, after an intro from Kotzen's piano, the sweet "Regret" (another beautiful vocal performance by the singer), then the more rock "Elevate". Too bad, it's already time to go back to the doghouse...
Editor's Note:
3.5/5
"III", The Winery Dogs (Three Dog Music)