Imagine ordering a Big Mac and instead you are served up sweet lobster & fat scallops over yam medallions and sage, licking brown butter dripping down your fingers. Where am I? Well, I don’t usually have cause to use the words “giddy” or “sated” but that’s what I felt watching this show at The Key Club ~ Hollywood, one hot August weeknight. I was there to catch Judge Jackson, before they left on their 2 week tour to the HOB-Las Vegas and Utah to perform at the largest bike rally in the world, the 66th Annual Sturgis Biker Rally in South Dakota.
I slipped into the Key Club’s three tiered techno cave halfway thru the opening act of the, Adrian Galyish’s show. No vocals, just well crafted musicianship doing original upbeat jazz slated with driving rock breaks. It was different, but I dug it. I was savoring the great Key Club acoustics, monster screens and pro lighting. I felt pleasured from this musical appie.
Then came Todd McTavish, a barefoot son of a preacher man. Judge Jackson’s opening song, “King” commands a bit of whale watching technique or at least an umbrella, with lead vocalist Todd McTavish spewing a geyser of water straight up into the stage lights... Rock photographer Ernie Manrique froze the moment forever on his workhorse digital Nikon D70, a starburst of reflected fluid. Are you ready to rock? This band is on a roll. Fans were already booming, “I Am The King!”. Judge Jackson’s signature tune “King” has won them a nod of approval and a check from Fox Sports. Fox used it for their NHL theme song. A slightly reworded version is being featured on The Speed Channel’s “Nascar Victory Lane”. Check out www.judgejacksonband.net for a super cool Fox edit.
Lately the band has been sequestered working their magic on a recording project at Prairie Dog Studios. The bands producer John Hiler was also IN THE HOUSE. Then there was a bunch of rambunctious, down and dirty, back alley die-hard Judge fans clamoring for “Lee Lee!”. Lead guitarist Lee Jackson (son of retired Texan Judge/Judge Jackson) is killer on the guitar. Head thrashing and fearless full bore riffs. No holding back for this one! Towering and solid bass/vocalist Ryan Rogers and dynamic drummer J.J. Garcia do what every great rhythm section must – drive a team of wild horses. And this is a rippin’ ride of hard rockin’ & rollin’ down a serious Texas Blues and Old Southern Revival Road. The 
crowd trembles, shakes and sweats along with the band as they plunge into the zone. These guys put on a show packed with stand out moments. There was a technical glitch during “Stand Up” which solidified the band’s rightful confidence fueled by years of flawless performances. A sleight of hand guitar switch and nobody cared. Also McTavish’s vocal mic was soft (not that he needs a mic). But The Key Club soundman caught it and ratcheted up the level adding treble and delay.
This band of favorite sons sweetly settled the crowd with original lyrics “Hold my hand I really need…someone to believe in me”. Then upped the energy notch blowing out “Pappa Was a Rolling Stone”. McTavish had the crowd responding with chord tearing shouts of Pappa! Fans pounding fists and feet insisted on an encore. Lee Jackson had no choice but to satisfy and served up his startling guitar virtuoso on Robin Trower’s “Day of the Eagle”.
If you seek musical wealth, buy their CD titled “One Diamond”. I’m hoping the bands new CD will be out in time for Holiday gifts, but fans may have to be patient until early 2007. Dave Navarro said; “Music is the spirit of a generation”. Judge Jackson has the drive, soul and heart to inspire the spirit of a troubled generation. Halleluiah and Amen!
Thanks to solid booking by The Key Club, Blues rocker and souped up ax man Joe Bonamassa closed out one savory evening.
For more info www.judgejacksonband.net
Booking Info - J.J. Garcia
jjgarciaHQ@gmail.com
(323) 461-6100 x575 (818) 203-9694 (Cell)
