The Beginning of the BIG RIDE for DOG LEG PREACHER
Well, if you were wondering whether DLP has what it takes, this weekend PROVED beyond a shadow of a doubt that the combination of talent and drive in this band, facilitated by the amazing talent of the crew, is AMAZING.
Friday and Saturday night at Kerby's in Sumner was the first outing for the newly constructed sound system. Courtley, sound engineer extraordinaire, has put together a system that, even though it is still missing a few minor components, has finally brought to life the amazing music that this band is producing now. Perfect instrument separation…a booming but not overwhelming bass/kick sound, and an easily discernible, almost descant sound of the lead guitar that weaves smoothly but not overwhelmingly through the two-set night.
DLP thanks Dave Kerby for bringing them down to Sumner for the weekend. Although it was the hottest weekend (translation: SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE) of the year, Kerby's very functional a/c system kept everyone cool. This is a very nice place, by the way, and this owner is one of the better owners we have encountered. Great stage, lots of parking, and great service.
Sunday at the Royal Bear in Auburn proved to be the breakthrough show for DLP - and special thanks go to Craig Arrowwood and Dutch for booking this show.
What happened on Sunday is notable for several reasons. First, again, amazing sound…a vitally important part of any show. If you have the best product in the world, unless people can hear it and see it, it is of little value. Thanks again to genius Courtley for his never-ending energy and drive to bring the best out of any board …. anywhere, anytime!
The second major reason: Having just completed a month as the new incarnation of Dog Leg Preacher, the new players have apparently created the perfect fusion of bass (Solomon Kane) and lead (Marcelo Portaro), following the strong style of drummer Fosdick. Lead man Kurke was HOT (literally and figuratively) on his game on Sunday demonstrating a massively energetic style which is easily in the arena of Bonn Scott and Robert Plant. The energy level of this band is contagious. The sound is aggressive….the lyrical content and the musicianship have created a monster in a way, that now beyond a doubt has placed Dog Leg Preacher in league with the BIG BOYS.
On stage at the Royal Bear on Sunday, and about halfway through the first set, Portaro brought on his amazing version of Little Wing (SRV/JH), as usual, but this time he did it with FIVE STRINGS, having lost the E string on his '70s's Strat early on in the song. The true professional that he is, had there not been a guitar change after this tune (and with a quick E string installation done by a famous mystery guest), not a soul would have noticed the missing string. There was NEVER any compromise on Portaro's part. A professional down to souls of his Peruvian feet at the tender age of 21, Portaro displayed what will soon be known in this state, in this country, and inevitably worldwide, a talent beyond the grasp of many very famous players.
Kane, wielding the newest release of the Jaguar bass, provided an amazingly steady beat, riding totally in the pocket. Smooth runs appeared throughout when they were least expected, providing perfect color in the bottom end. A bass should not stand out, so they say - Kane has the ability to so well define the chord structure that provides the perfect foundation for Portaro's leads.
Portaro's contribution to Dog Leg Preacher, combined with the amazing bass playing talent of Solomon Kane who is FAR TOO HUMBLE about his own abilities, has brought to life what was originally a virtual 'band' with only Fosdick and Kurke, and imminently will move them to the kind of recognition that this type of skill and talent SO cries out for.
SERIOUSLY, FOLKS… If you haven't heard Dog Leg Preacher yet, get out there and see them … soon you'll be paying the big bucks to see them on the professional stages. And why not be some of the few who can say, "I knew them when…"
