In the run-up to his tour opening for Glenn Hughes (dates below), Jared James Nichols has released a 5-track EP to give fans an idea of his influences and styles. Frankly, if – upon listening – you don’t decide to ensure you get to the gig early enough to catch him opening proceedings, I’d be amazed.
Of the five songs, two are covers and three originals. The two covers are a wonderfully blues-heavy take on Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band” and Humble Pie’s “30 Days in the Hole”. Nichols’ voice and guitar style are ideal for his versions of these tracks. Slow rhythms, widdly leads and gravelly tones are just spot on.
The other three songs are top notch, too. “Gone” is as blues as it gets, all about being down and broken with some great, simple riffs. “Fallin’ Down” reminds me a bit more of the likes of Lenny Kravitz and is generally more upbeat, whereas “Old Glory” is a more of a blues/rocker, straddling both sides of the line.
The EP was engineered, mixed and produced by Anthony Joseph Perry. Some of you may have heard of his dad, who’s in some band called Aerosmith.
HighwayMan EP is released on October 16th through Listenable Records
The Glenn Hughes tour kicks off the next day and dates are as follows:
- Oct 17 – Southampton Engine Rooms
- Oct 19 – Norwich Waterfront
- Oct 20 – Newcastle Tyne Theatre
- Oct 22 – Belfast Limelight
- Oct 23 – Glasgow Garage
- Oct 25 – Holmfirth Hippodrome
- Oct 26 – Bilston Robin 2
- Oct 28 – York Fibbers
- Oct 29 – Manchester Club Academy
- Nov 1 – London Electric Balloom
In addition, he’s doing two dates co-billed with The Dave Hansen Band:
- Oct 30 – Wakefield Snooty Fox
- Oct 31 – Leeds Duck & Drake
Header photo by John Bull
