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Johnny Rocket @ Juanita's - A Star Is Born

Like a crusty old newshound that witnesses for the first time the young boxer that will eventually take the title, I was fortunate to have been at Juanita's Saturday night. "With the right management and promotion, you can take this thing to the top, kid," the reporter advises, hands jammed in his pockets, cigar crammed in the corner of his mouth, his hat tilted back on his head. And somehow the reporter (and you) just know the kid's going to make it big, right? Or is that just Hollywood?

Only time will tell, but sometimes one must take the bull by the horns and shout it out for himself - "Okay, world, I'm here. Sit up and take notice." That was the sense I felt at Johnny Rocket's CD Release Show -- and Coming Out Party. With an audience half full of extended family and friends, Rocket turned water into, if not wine, then PBR, with a dozen songs that proclaimed the second coming.

I haven't felt this much Karma or seen this kind of charisma since Billy Joe Armstrong and Foxboro Hot Tubs came to Juanita's back in the spring. With influences as diverse as Jerry Lee Lewis and Damien Rice, Elvis Presley and Ryan Adams, Rocket (née Cook) has an original and diverse sound to go along with the good looks and stage presence of the early Elvis himself and -- I know -- that's pretty good company.

Based on the advance poster for the concert posted on Rocket's web page, I was expecting arrogance and flamboyance. What I saw and heard was humility, sensitivity, and a strong confident performance by this 24 year old up and comer. His songs were thoughtful, clever, and tender. The music was easy to listen to -- ranging from folk/country to first class rock and roll. If he wrote these songs himself, he is indeed the complete package, though he did perform one cover, Counting Crows A Long December, accompanied by fiancé and backup singer "LA". His band, Kingsdown, played ably when on stage, but was up and down like a toaster as a number of the songs were performed best as solos or duos. All I can say to them is, hold onto the coattails, fellas - this star is rising.

 - C

 


Comments

Red Weasel

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:10:20

I was able to attend day 6 with good ole "CB and LC" and what a great night for Apples in Stereo. They are a very happy go lucky band, full of happy songs and great times. I was impressed with them right fromt the start and they continued to jam for about two hours. As for the opening band of Poison control, they were a little over the top for me with their "Rock and Roll" sound and I mean they literally rock and rolled all over the stage. I did find one song they sang enjoyable until it was ruined by crazy stage tatics by the lead guitarist. Overall, AIS made up for it in the end. Looking forward to catching the next great act in LR.

 



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