Review by Michael Paul Yawn
Photos by Joe Schaeffer
Well, we don’t know “who let the dogs out” in Anaheim, but everyone there was damn glad they did! From the onset, there was a vibe in the air in anticipation of yet another outstanding performance from the Winery Dogs, the ultra-talented trio.
To get the crowd prepped, the progressive guest bands were King Llama and the incomparable ZFG. King Llama launched into a display of instrumental compositions with elements of jazz fusion, funk and rock. This likable trio displayed their unique prog style with enthusiasm and had a decent response from the crowd who, for a large part, I felt like they were a bit puzzled in a good way as they observed the show and responded with a bit more than a half-hearted applause. Once the style is absorbed and acclimated, I’m sure they will receive a better response. Just need to let it bake a while.
Next up, power band ZFG dished out a very impressive, full rounded show. Simply put, these guys can play. Obviously, the pedigreed influence was evident and really got the audience pumping. It was all hands on deck with Jules Galli belting out excellent vocals, Josh Divine kicking ass on drums, Sam Porcaro (son of late Toto bassist Mike Porcaro), layin’ down excellent bass lines and Trev Lukather (son of Toto guitarist Steve Lukather) displaying his well-honed skills.
With songs like “Holehearted” and “Special,” it’s easy to see the chemistry that makes this a band to watch particularly with excellent backup vocals. Of course, when you carry the last name of rock royalty, much is expected but more than enough was delivered.
Now the meat.
For those of us who have seen the three exceptionally talented individuals in the Winery Dogs — who could easily stand on their own in any setting — we were anticipating nothing less than pure melodic excellence. Starting off, they leveled both barrels and blew the crowd away with “Take Me Higher” and “Hot Streak,” the title track form the band’s 2015 second album.
It always makes a great show when the band is genuinely having a good time playing and entertaining as evidenced in the not-often-seen comical antics from drummer Mike Portnoy while playing “Time Machine.” The audience was ecstatic and engaged. To make it even better, in true Winery Dogs fashion, Richie Kotzen’s vocals and silky guitar coupled with Billy Sheehan’s insane bass fills will melt the hardest heart and put you in a state of euphoria.
As usual Portnoy places clean and precise accents in a song like a stun gun all the while displaying his signature aerial drumstick show. His knack of effortlessly executing complex drum combinations is the envy of anyone who has ever sat behind a kit. Such an unusual chemistry these three super talented musicians have where many times ego gets in the way of creative mastery. Not here. It seems it just keeps getting better, which keeps me (and thousands of fans) coming back.
The Winery Dogs put an accent on a tour that ended the next night in Los Angeles by playing an encore that included a unique spin of Gary Wright’s “Love Is Alive.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Dogs did not disappoint as evidenced by the thundering applause. “Desire,” the final number of the evening, was apropos because the desire for more was felt long after the lights went dim.
