Shooter Jennings
Sunday, Sept. 28, Zilker ParkIt’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.
This article appears in October 3 • 2008.