The Winery Dogs Brings Blues Rock to a Whole New Element
Keswick Theatre
Glenside, Pa
2/17/23
By: Steve Trager
There is no better way to see a fast rising popular band in a small venue which often makes you feel like your favorite band is performing just for you even if you are closely surrounded by a few thousand or even a sold out venue with the decibels are bouncing off the walls, you still have that mental vision of the band performing just for you.
Perhaps the most exciting element in the world of music is the rich interlude of watching a small baby band develop their own individual styles of music collectively combining all into one great band who call themselves The Winery Dogs who made their world debut in 2012 and put out their first sophomore debut in 2014 and today this band has taken an all new approach in their next level as a band with a great new CD just simply titled with the number 3 on it.
With having to miss out on catching their Philly debut in 2014, and waiting for years later to have them come through once again, it seemed to be a perfect opportunity to see what the buzz was all about.
You can always binge watch videos or stream music for any favorite band, but to get the greatest vibe from a power trio like this comes nothing less than spectacular in an intimate performance right back where they first outshined The Keswick Theatre more than several years prior to their world debut.
While waiting for the show to begin, the power in the venue flickered once twice and then went out, certainly was a definite unexpected turn of an event even before Keith Roth’s band Frankenstein 3000 got the show underway.
Sitting in a dark venue with emergency lights isn’t exactly a thrill especially not knowing if the entire show would be rescheduled or totally scrapped altogether.
Even with almost a forty-five minute waiting in the dark, the show still went on with a short set from Frankenstein 3000 getting everyone in that rock energy mode with a great set even if was cut short.
After a short change over and a few fresh drinks from the bar, I was ready for what people always ask that golden phrased question, you ever see them play before and of course saying no, they give you this odd look like are you crazy this band is great live nothing compared to say a live video clip or some medley of videos on YouTube.
The Intermission lights dimmed a bit and the bands intro started to play, and the entire venue was on their feet with just the opening track from their latest release simply titled Winery Dogs number 3 with “Gaslight”.
Having missed their debut date at the same venue, it was a delight to check out some videos and some tracks from the current release prior to the show but, as they always say nothing ever compares that live surreal exposure to a live band big or small, the intense band to fan interaction is priceless.
With a great set list compiled from different era’s shaping the bands history entertaining many with songs like “Captain Love”, “Desire”, and “Hot Streak” seemingly were many favorites early on in their set.
Although having a new CD and being familiar with it, The Winery Dogs certainly pulled out at least sex new songs within the set “Xanadu”
“Mad World” and “The Red Wine”
Aside of well diverse musicians as they are collectively they absolutely can entertain many to a point in the set during Billy Sheehan’s bass solo he picked up a wine bottle and was actually playing the bass guitar with is, I thought wow, that’s entertainment with a no holds bar attitude rocker style.
Definitely can’t leave out Portnoy’s drumming techniques, just watching him beat the hell out his drum kit while transcending into a sensational drum solo as part of their show, was absolutely amazing, certainly wish more rock bands threw in solos like that more often gives you that mad rush watching an individual with talent like Mike display his talent front and center.
I have to admit never seeing them before and missing them play Philly early on absolutely made up for lost time here with an amazing set, three diverse musicians, and a set list coving a career unfolding with every song, leaves you smiling and feeling energized with emotional joy from sing a great show in a small place like the Keswick.
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