Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
William Harrison Ainsworth, the creator of the most famous Highwayman of all the dashing Dick Turpin, could not himself have come up with a more dashing hero than resides in the musician Jared James Nichols.
Life on the road is perhaps the pinnacle of a musician’s daily life. Away from the possibility of awards, of the dedication of the fans buying singles, E.Ps and albums, playing for a different crowd every night, performing for a crowd with energy to give and respect to unfold, an audience that at the end of the day surrenders their wares, perhaps their souls and certainly their time to by a figure just out of reach but who leaves them hopefully with something more important, hope.
Jared James Nichols comes raging in from the Old Glory and the Wild Revival release and with guest musicians Jessica Childress, Erik Sandin and Dennis Holm being part of the musical gang, the Highwayman EP is allowed to roam at large in the world and plays a great sense of expectation ahead of Jared’s support act slot to Glenn Hughes U.K. solo tour which kicks off in Southampton’s Engine Rooms on Saturday 17th October.
Engineered by Anthony Joseph Perry, the five song E.P. has strength written all the way through it, it has guile, cunning and belief written in to its very heart and the sound that is captured is one that stands up to the impressive demands set by the album Old Glory and the Wild Revival in all its grandeur.
Three original songs may try to hog the E.P. limelight, Old Glory, Fallin’ Down and Gone, but surprisingly it is the imagination that strides through the two covers that catch the listener’s ears and full blown attention. By covering Humble Pie’s tremendous 30 Days In The Hole and the excellent We’re An American Band by Grand Funk Railroad, the offer before the music audience is one that is to be applauded, a cornucopia of Rock and Blues in just five tracks is something very special indeed.
The Highwayman EP is that little extra something that gives the heart the jolt that is needed to remind it that a musician is never done with you, once they see the tremble in fingers as you hold up a hand to be recognised in the crowd, once you stare that beauty that resides in the shadows of even the most glittering guitar they target you forever and the satisfaction of giving your life to them is absolute.
An unexpected addition to Jared James Nichols already superb year, The Highwayman EP is a steal of music proportions.
Jared James Nichols’ Highwayman EP is on sale now.
Ian D. Hall