Encore:
Nthooze:
The Usual, downtown San Jose housed the latest evening with Jerry Cantrell. My little group of friends that accompanied me and I didn't have far to travel. So we found ourselves there is not time at all. Parked right across the street. We could hear the sweet sounds of Jerry's sound check emanating from the clubs walls so we made our way to the back door and got a better listen. This first thing I noticed was how strong is voice is sounding!! His guitar work is legend as always! The new band has a lot of energy. After the sound check we had a bit of time to kill before the door opened so we headed on over to the front and struck up conversation with some others inline.. ..Adam how's it going bro? Inside The Usual is a great club for a jerry show. The stage was small and just the right height, the bar was big and getting a beer was easy. Found myself to the front where I ran into some other folks from the Slims show.. ..where else are would you find the dedicated fans ;) There were 3 opening bands the first 2 of which I've not seen before. They were quite young, which was cool to see at a Jerry show they brought a fresh new sound with them, could use some polishing here and there but I quite enjoyed their stuff!! Comes with the fall was up next.. ..they did a solid job!! Ok onto the meat of what we're here to talk about. The Jerry Cantrell band!!! Jer' came out and started with a few tunes. I was right up front only allowing a few Jerry crazed young ladies in front! I made sure they had some 'Jerry Cantrell Rock God' stickers to clad them selves in, Nature those stickers are a huge hit!! The crowd was getting wild, Jerry had to even ask them to chill some. But he was having a ball up there, egging the audience to sing along and goofing off between sets. ..smiles all the while. Before too long he busted into What The Hell have I. ..the place erupted!! So cool be standing 3 feet from the man and be able to watch him at his craft!! I had a nice big canon camera in hand and had the perfect vantage for capturing the show on film. (photos to follow) Jerry was very cool with my having the camera this time around!! Hmm maybe he's seen my work?? ;) He even threw me a few nods during the show!! He also played much of sap which is always cool, helped to calm the crowed a bit too.. ..I was getting a bit fatigued trying to keep on my feet ....seems the sweet spot is in high demand down there on the floor, makes being there almost like playing a line man for the NFL!! His Sweet Home Alabama cover was unexpected but great!!! They were just having a ball on stage, most of the audience sang along as well!! Cut You In came up next rocking roudy good time I tell ya. It was about at this point it ducked out for some air and some different shots, headed over to the bar, which is elevated and gave a great vantage point from which to enjoy the band from a relaxed distance yet still see everything going on!! So refreshed I wondered around and ran into my friend that came with. We chilled and watched the rest of the show from the perimeter.. ..but was right there to watch everything crowd surfers landing on stage and romping about then diving back in, Jerry never flinched just played away and grinned, what less would you expect from a rock star!! He did a 2 song encore finishing with, yep you got it Them Bones!! At the end I was up front to the side and high 5ed a band member, good vibe all through the place!! It was a great crowd every body had a great time. Jerry seemed to really have a great time he thanked everyone and ducked off. After the show we were able to catch up with him back at the side door ;) he was in a big rush, it was already after 1. .but he took time out and chatted a bit with us and shook some hand including mine.. ..we chit chatted a bit and let him to his business. Jerry it was an honor to meet ya bro, I'd be cool to have a beer with you sometime. It was a great evening!! The Usual was a very cool place!! All the band were enjoyable, though bring your earplugs, save your ears for jerry!! And most of all don't miss your chance to catch one of these shows!! It's not everyday you get to catch such a great musician poring his talent out for you in such a small and cozy venue!!! Cheers!! J ---Review by Nthooze
Dominick:
I enjoyed the show alot. This was my 3rd time seeing Jerry. I seen him previously at The Fillmore in '98 and Jan '01 at Slims. It was great. He looked like he was in a good mood and happy to be playing. I enjoyed his new stuff. Especially Spider Bite, Angel Eyes, Howard. Was interesting to hear him play Sweet Home.....His band mates and him sounded all tight and on the same page. Bordin rulz!!!! I was excited to hear all the Alice songs. Although its not the same, They still kicked ass!!!! ---Dominick