THE WINERY DOGS – ST [Japan release] (2013)

There is not a single inkling of doubt; ex-Mr. Big & Poison Richie Kotzen, monster drummer Mike Portnoy (Flying Colors, ex-Dream Theater) and Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, ex-David Lee Roth) are extremely talented musicians.
Which could be the result of the three joining forces into a power trio? Excellent, as it’s heard in their new venture THE WINERY DOGS whose self-titled debut has just been released in Japan.

The Winery Dogs stated the musical direction of the project would be classic rock with late seventies hard rock touches. Well, let me say to you that this album has those influences, but not retro-sounding at all.
On the contrary, the brilliant sound coming out of the speakers is modern, punchy, bluesy melodic hard rock oriented like the Mr. Big / Kotzen era, but better. To me, this is on par with any Mr. Big top release.
Portnoy work is absolutely fantastic on the drums, Sheehan’s bass is out this world as ever, and sure, the velvety Eric Martin vocals aren’t here, but we have the never-stop-growing, amazing Richie Kotzen. This man shines on the six-strings as usual, but his heights as lead singer are reaching the sky right now.

The album starts with the groovy blast of “Elevate”, followed by the heavy-funk flavor of “Desire”, each track featuring an intense rhythmic groove with an impressive unison of synchronized lead bass / lead guitar whirlwind licks of exuberant virtuosity, great drum fills and bluesy vocals.
The songs to follow are strongly focused both on catchy melodies and on the sing-along hooks which are everywhere boosted by rich backing vocals (“The Other Side” or “The Dying”) really magnetic and irresistible. “Not Hopeless” contains some over the top sharing duo between Richie & Billy in the real Mr. Big’s shredding frenzy fashion, like a modern day Grand Funk Railroad with full injection of high tech dexterity.

Cuts like “One More Time” or “Six Feet Deeper” recalls some Kotzen earlier solo work with furious playing and copious musicality concentrated for an even more efficiency (love the drum patterns in the latter).
The Japan bonus track “Criminal” is one of the most commercial numbers with an almost AOR chorus, a syncopated bridge and another outstanding lead guitar solo spot in two parts with a tasty sound. One of my favorites.
Closing number “Regret” is the sole composition handled exclusively by Mr. Kotzen: it’s a soulful ballad with clean guitars, pianos, slight Hammond layers and a real harmonious balance to finish this album in a positive way.

The Winery Dogs is simply brilliant.
There’s no single dud here; great songs (I mean, GREAT), superb arrangements, hooks, musicality… everything is here. Just unadulterated genuine Rock Music played by an exemplary bunch of extremely talented musicians. The huge pristine production is powerful and crystal clear, still organic with a classic feel but absolutely modern.
The album will be released in the rest of the world at the end of the month, but I highly recommend this SHM-CD Japanese edition.
A Must.

01. Elevate
02. Desire
03. We Are One
04. I’m No Angel
05. The Other Side
06. You Saved Me
07. Not Hopeless
08. One More Time
09. Damaged
10. Six Feet Deeper
11. Criminal (Japanese bonus track)
12. The Dying
13. Regret

Richie Kotzen – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
Mike Portnoy – drums, choirs
Billy Sheehan – bass, choirs

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=IECP-10262