After a busy day getting things handled around home, it was time to head north for a show at the 1884 Lounge at Minglewood Hall. It had been a while since I’d visited the place—Zakk Sabbath, I believe—so I was looking forward to the trip. The drive up I-22 was smooth. The sun was a bit bothersome at that hour, but nothing a weary road warrior couldn’t handle. Then came the slowpoke who wouldn’t move despite my hand signals, and one missed turn. I knew where I was, made the extra block and kept going. No harm, no foul.
Lenox Creek opens the reunion
Lenox Creek, out of Lenox, Tennessee, opened the night. Big Jim Anderson handled vocals and guitar, Brad Pounders was on drums and Mr. Moss held down the bass with the same chill manner he brought to the stage. Their mix of traditional country, hard hitting storytelling and modern production made sense on a bill with Jackyl: both bands leave room for country in music that likes to turn up loud.
The group has been building a catalog beyond this opening slot. “The Mule,” “Whiskey Lies” and “Opioid Slumber” sit alongside the newer “Slough Foot,” titles that give you a fair idea of the ground they’re willing to cover. I wish I had more song by song notes from their set. I won’t pretend I do. What I can say is that Anderson, Pounders and Moss gave the room its first live music of the night, then handed it over to four men whose idea of a family reunion includes a chainsaw.
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For those about to rock
As the lights dimmed and Angus Young’s familiar guitar picking introduced AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock,” we all knew it was about to get loud. Jesse James Dupree, Jeff Worley, Chris Worley and Roman Glick hit the stage, and the Jackyl Family Reunion was in full swing on a hot Wednesday night. Dupree served as MC between songs, calling the crowd brothers and sisters, talking about the country we live in and inviting everyone to Full Throttle in Sturgis next year. With Jackyl, the reunion name is more than wording on a show poster. Dupree kept coming back to it from the stage.
The four musicians have played together long enough that the early songs still have their old force without sounding like a museum demonstration. “Down on Me” had people singing, while “My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine’s Ass” got us rocking and dancing.
The room held a good mix of longtime fans and younger faces, all getting along without incident. “Just Because I’m Drunk” drew more voices out of the crowd. Jackyl also brought out AC/DC’s “Have a Drink on Me,” a longtime favorite of mine and, judging by the response around me, hardly mine alone. We were in full reunion mode now.
Hank, Elvis and a family affair
“When Will It Rain” announced the meat of the set. Those early songs still hold their ground, and the crowd reacted as soon as this one began. Then came what I’d call the Tennessee national anthem: Hank Williams Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive.” Paired with “Just Because I’m Drunk,” it set up “I Stand Alone,” another fan favorite that has remained a staple in Jackyl’s set.
Nigel T. Dupree joined the band onstage again, as he had when I saw them a month ago. I always enjoy that moment: father and son rocking together in front of the crowd. Nigel also works as Jackyl’s stage manager, and he and his bandmates are part of the road crew. When Jesse talked about family, there was some of it right there doing the work.
Elvis came next—“Suspicious Minds,” here in Memphis, where the crowd was ready for it. They sang along and helped carry the song through to the end. The covers gave everyone another way into the show, but there was only one way for Jackyl to close it. “The Lumberjack” arrived with the chainsaw, the noise and a barstool that had no chance. I grabbed a piece of it and later caught Jeff Worley outside to sign it. That’s a souvenir with a better story than anything at a merch table.
Afterglow
I hung around by the bus with a couple of other fans. We talked among ourselves, watched the guys load up and met Jeff and Nigel. I spoke with Jason from Minglewood for a bit, too. Once Nigel and the crew were done, we said our goodbyes and wished each other well.
Hanging around those extra hours kept me on the road until 2 a.m. No worries. The chance to talk, make a few connections and maybe help bring you more shows is part of why I make these drives. The trip home held no missed turns or other stories worth telling. Just the late road, and a signed piece of barstool coming with me.
Thanks to the Jackyl camp for the opportunity, and to Jason and everyone at Minglewood Hall. We’ll be back soon.
