17/11/2021 Jack J Hutchinson @ The Black Heart

 Another mid-week gig in Camden, and a quick livener or two in BrewDog first.

Then back down the street to The Black Heart - a tiny venue which has really managed to establish itself on the London rock scene in the past few years, although the quality/quantity of it's real ale has slipped as it's prices rocketed. And we won't even mention the awful unisex toilets which everyone hates. I'm only here for the music, and tonight it starts off with Firekind.

I think they were quite good, but to be honest I can't remember much - I blame BrewDog. I think I sneaked back there between bands as I no longer like drinking (or using the toilets) in The Black Heart.

It's taken me a while to discover Jack J. Hutchinson. Actually he had been following me on Twitter for some time but I hadn't really taken any notice as I had no idea who he was - I don't usually check out 'Followers' who I don't know as many only follow hoping (in vain) for a 'follow-back' and I assumed he was just another acoustic singer/songwriter trying to plug his own stuff - and acoustic stuff just doesn't float my boat. I realised later that I had also missed seeing him support (in solo acoustic mode) the lovely Gabriella Jones at her (full electric band) showcase gig at the Hope & Anchor two or three years ago as I didn't get there early enough to catch his set. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm listening to the much missed Feedback Radio and up pops Jack J. Hutchinson - not acoustic, but in full hard and heavy electric form. Now he has my attention. His own original blues rock songs - with the emphasis on rock, and one or two covers - including a rather good version of Sabbath's 'War Pigs' appear on the station. I also find out he has his own weekly show on Feedback Radio, and it's rather good. Now I am following him on Twitter.

Jack has previously been following the blues-rock path, and also venturing into the acoustic singer/songwriter area. However, he is now heading in a distinctively heavier direction. Zakk Wylde certainly appears to be an influence, not just sonically but also in choice of guitar.

The songs are still blues-rock based, but very much veering in the ROCK direction. The band maybe a simple stripped back 3 piece touring outfit, but the sound is thick and heavy.

Tonight's show is to promote Jack's new single Halo from his forthcoming album.

Although Wylde Audio guitars seem to be heavily featured I'm pleased to see a Les Paul does make as appearance as well even if I didn't get a picture of it. Jack has picked two excellent and very metal musicians to make up his rhythm section and the three of them together make a very tight and powerful band - well worth the trip down to Camden on a Wednesday night.