Shooter Jennings

Photo by John Carrico

Shooter Jennings

It's not that Shooter Jennings isn't a good performer or that his band (including former Water the Dog drummer Bryan Keeling) isn't tight, but the sum wasn't as great onstage as its more-than-capable parts. And a late start was bad for fans who ducked away, missing Jennings' flare of temper at a wayward keyboard and a shout-out to the Arc Angels with their "Living in a Dream" as the closer. Here's Jennings, the scion of country music rebels Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, imbuing his well-muscled guitar with layers of Southern-fried rock, authentic roots twang, and a metal flake finish that distinguishes him. It's a sound that comes off better live – "This Ol' Wheel" and "Slow Train" pulled out the stops admirably – but Jennings isn't a dynamic vocalist, and his harder songs demand more. Perhaps he and Austin's former Dangerous Toy turned country phenom Kevin Fowler should tour so he can embrace his inner metalhead.