“Highwayman”

Review by Teresa Hopkins

Artist: JARED JAMES NICHOLS
Album: HIGHWAYMAN
Label: Listenable Records
Release Date: September 2015

Tracklist:
01. We’re An American Band
02. Old Glory
03. 30 Days In The Hole
04. Fallin’ Down
05. Gone

Jared James Nichols, the energetic, enthusiastic young blues rocker from Wisconsin, USA is back for more. Well, to be honest, he never left: Jared and his bandmates, Eriik Sandin (bass, vocals) and Dennis Holm (drums) have been touring Europe for most of this year, many of those dates with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and for the last quarter of 2015 with none other than Glenn Hughes. No doubt this makes for a killer bill, and the raves keep coming in from fans both old and new.

With all that time on the road playing shows and hanging out with rock legends, I have to wonder when the band possibly had enough time to follow up their awesome full-length album from this last April, “Old Glory and The Wild Revival” (which I am still enjoying, thank you very much). Continuing in the vein of mind-grooving, foot-stomping, pure rock with instant vintage vibe, “Highwayman”, their latest release, was recorded in Los Angeles, California at Swing House Studios and by Mathieu Kabi at Indie Ear Studio in France. The 5-song EP was produced, mixed, and engineered by (Joe Perry’s son) Anthony Joseph Perry.

The trio are not afraid to take on some of their favorite tunes; Rick Derringer’s ‘Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo’ and Mountain’s immortal ‘Mississippi Queen’ are regulars in their live setlist. “Highwayman” provides further testimony, featuring cover versions of classics ‘We’re An American Band’ (Grand Funk Railroad) and Humble Pie’s ’30 Days In The Hole’, interspersed with three new original tunes that sound right at home among them.

Jessica Childress (from Allen Stone’s band, who sang on JJN’s song ‘Blackfoot’) returns to lend her vocal talents, and Ben Tileston of Joe Perry’s solo band performs additional drums and percussion as well. Nichols wanted to further introduce fans to the music that inspires him, and I feel he’s succeeded yet again with “Highwayman”.

The EP and digital download are now available through Listenable Records, who will also offer a limited edition 10-inch vinyl version in early 2016.

(Rating: 8.0)

Band Members:
Jared James Nichols: Guitars, Vocals
Eriik Sandin: Bass Guitar
Dennis Holm: Drums

Jared James Nichols will resume his tour with Glenn Hughes in March 2016 for the United States. Check out these links for more music, info, and concert dates!

https://www.facebook.com/Jaredjamesnichols
https://www.youtube.com/user/JJNicholsMusic

JaredJamesNichols

JARED JAMES NICHOLS will release the “Highwayman” EP via Listenable Records/ Swing House on CD and digital download in mid-September. The EP dovetails Jared’s special guest appearance on Glenn Hughes UK tour which starts October 17th at Southampton, Engine Rooms.

The EP features the lead single ‘We’re An American Band’, a scorching cover of Grand Funk Railroad’s 1973 single, a cover of Humble Pie’s “30 Days In The Hole”, and three new Jared James Nichols originals – “Old Glory”, “Fallin’ Down” and “Gone”. The EP is engineered, mixed and produced by Anthony Joseph Perry (son of Aerosmith’s Joe Perry), and was recorded at Swing House Studios in Los Angeles, with additional songs recorded in France at Indie Ear Studio by Mathieu Kabi.

The “Highwayman” EP is inspired by life on the road during a 70+ run of dates in Europe and UK earlier this year. Jared and his band wanted to release a few covers inspired by the tour along with some spontaneous original rockers to let his new fans understand where some of his influences come from as a contemporary American guitarist raised on classic rock from both sides of the Atlantic. Jared will be special guest on Glenn Hughes’ UK tour which kicks off at in Southampton at the Engine Rooms on October 17th.

“Highwayman” EP – Tracklisting:

We’re an American Band (*Grand Funk Railroad)
Old Glory
30 Days in the Hole (*Humble Pie)
Fallin’ Down
Gone

Glenn Hughes UK Tour with special guest Jared James Nichols:

Southampton, Engine Rooms Saturday October 17

Norwich, Waterfront Monday October 19

Newcastle, Tyne Theatre Tuesday October 20

Belfast, Limelight Thursday October 22

Glasgow, The Garage Friday October 23

Holmfirth, Picturedrome Sunday October 25

Bilston, Robin 2 Monday October 26

York, Fibbers Wednesday October 28

Manchester, Club Academy Thursday October 29