SHOW REVIEW/LIVE PHOTOS: Myles Kennedy

Alter Bridge, Slash, and Mayfield Four frontman Myles Kennedy has added to the list with his debut solo record Year of the Tiger. Released earlier this year, the album is a narrative about the loss of his father at the early age of four. The scene of that story would be at his recent show stop, Boston. This would make for a bit of a homecoming for Kennedy with his ties to the area coming to an end shortly after his dad’s passing.

Now I’ve seen Myles on multiple occasions with Alter Bridge and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators. Fully plugged in with electric guitars, bass, drums and full stage shows I knew Myles was an amazing performor but this evening would really tell the story as there’s no hiding when it’s just you, your guitar and a microphone.

With the capacity crowd at one of Boston’s newer venues, City Winery, anxiously awaiting the guest of honor, the lights dimmed and Myles took to the stage. The evening would get going with a cut from his solo record, “Devil on the Wall”. And just what I expected, he sounded amazing. Hitting every note, no backing band necessary to cover up any potential flaws because there weren’t any.

Next up would be one of my favorites (and a crowd favorite as well) “Standing in the Sun” off Slash’s Apocalyptic Love record. From there it was off to Myles’ first band, The Mayfield Four, with the track “Mars Hotel.” Now this was a real treat, something I’ve never had the opportunity to hear live nor thought I ever would. Keeping the trend going the next track would be an Alter Bridge one, “Addicted to Pain.” A song like this is driven by heavy guitars and drums;I found it to be an interesting choice when I saw it on the setlist. Of course, Kennedy killed it, awesome!

The evening wasn’t just about the music; it was more reminiscent of the old VH1 Storytellers. As mentioned, Myles shared the story of his Boston roots and the influence it had on his solo record. There were also moments of humor, not taking the show too seriously (in a good way). In the middle of performing Slash’s “Starlight,” an audience member vocally messed up the song causing Myles to burst into laughter bringing him to a pause and the rest of the audience broke into laughter as well. Another funny moment was the comparison he made to the Rockstar life and the movie This Is Spinal Tap. He recalled watching it prior to his rise to stardom and thinking it was funny and quite far fetched. Upon his arrival to fame he started to see that Spinal Tap was closer to the reality of a Rockstar than he once thought and how those moments in the movie actually take place.

Staying with the storyteller’s vibe Kennedy told of the song he vividly remembered hearing on the radio as his mom, brother and he made the journey westward after his father’s passing. Then he broke into a performance of said song, Elton John’s “Levon.”

Prior to performing “Songbird” off of his solo record, he shared the inspiration behind it. His mother spoke of an experience she had when dreaming one evening after losing her husband. The positive message she got from that dream to help her move forward.

GENERATION AXE SHREDS KANSAS CITY!

Throughout the evening it was nice to learn more about Kennedy’s first band, The Mayfield Four. Prior to covering Mayfield Four’s “White Flag,” a song Myles thought wouldn’t even make the cut, it turns out it is one of his favorites from his debut band. Something Mayfield drummer and Year of the Tiger contributor Zia Uddin agreed with.

He would continue to weave in many stories into a set that also included a kick ass cover of Robert Johnson’s “Travelling Riverside Blues” and a very interesting take on Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”. Not lost in all was Myles Kennedy amazing talent. I don’t know how he does it with nonstop performing but his vocals sound absolutely amazing and with guitar skills to match any of the greats of yesterday and today. Just an outstanding performance by an extremely modest, grateful individual. A great balance of music spanning his entire career. If you’re lucky enough to be able to get a ticket to this show, I highly recommend it. By far one of my favorites for 2018. Check for Myles Kennedy tour dates here, https://myleskennedy.com/. And be sure to pick up a copy of Year of the Tiger out now.

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