Review: The White Buffallo and Jarrod Dickenson at The Rescue Rooms Nottingham

One of the things I love about running NottinghamLIVE and presenting the show on NG Digital is hearing new artists and songs. I’ve always said that there is a song for every emotion. Hearing the music of both Jarrod Dickenson and The White Buffalo definitely adds to that belief.

I was lucky enough to be invited to see them both play live at the Rescue Rooms last night. Texas born, Brooklyn resident Jarrod Dickenson is the support act. Sharply dressed, striding on stage, guitar in hand he is the epiphany of cool. Bourbon in human form.

We are treated to half an hour of effortlessly brilliant country music from the singer-guitarist. Summed up by the track Ballad of the Lonesome Traveller, tales are woven into the fabric of his music. Jarrod first came to the attention of UK audiences in 2013 when he supported David Ford for 15 UK-dates. Following up came a successful headline UK tour and further support slots with artists Bonnie Riatt, Don McLean and The Waterboys, and breakout performances at Glastonbury and Larmer Tree Festival.

Jarrod serves up the gentle track Rosalie, plus further slices of original country soul blues from his new album Ready The Horses. Gold, written with David Ford is a stand out track as is Nothing More. Set for release on March 10th 2017, Jarrod’s colourful narrative details the pitfalls of love and the struggles of the working man. If the reception from the crowd at the Rescue Rooms is anything to go by then a headline tour to promote the album would be more than welcome.

Jarrod’s vocal flair has been described as a young Johnny Cash, so it was fitting that he ended his set with a rousing cover of I’m Busted.

Headlining the show is The White Buffalo aka songwriter Jake Smith. Welcomed on stage like an old friend by the packed audience he launches off to an understated start but with a rough tenderness is Radio With No Sound.

The speed and the amp is ramped up for the rest of the evening for Oh Darling’ What Have I Done, Joey White, Dark Days, Home is in your Arms, Go The Distance, Joe and Jolene, The Whistler and of course the catchy yet dark Come Join The Murder the finale song from the TV series Sons Of Anarchy which has used numerous songs from The White Buffalo.

His sound is a mix of hardcore country, southern rock and deep soul, a fascinating mix of intricate Americana guitar strumming, with a strong, passionate, rich gravelly vocal perfectly suited to the emotive telling of tales of troubled misfits.

A much deserved encore sees Jake return for a solo version of Wish It Were True before being joined again by band members Christopher Hoffee and Matt Lynott for the superbly crafted Love Song #1 and the brilliant How The West Was Won.

A nuanced songwriter, Jake’s voice has been compared to Eddy Vedder, Steve Earle and of course Johnny Cash.

If Johnny Cash was the Master then Jake is a brilliant understudy with Jarrod the budding apprentice. Either way, they both deserve to be mainstream.

Words and Photos Tanya Raybould

Editor

@tanyalouiseray