Amidst the angry head-banging, strobe lights, and a feeling of euphoria that can only result from either heavy drinking or very, very good music, I realized that The Wild Feathers just may be my new favorite band. Best described as a modern zepellin-skynyrd hybrid, the band rocked the Majestic Theatre on Saturday night along with outstanding openers Jamestown Revival and Saints of Valory.
The night started out with the laid-back, folk vibes of Jamestown Revival, who joked around on stage and recruited members of The Wild Feathers for back-up instrumentals. Playing the songs “California” (which the audience continually requested) and “Fur Coat Blues” from their original EP, the two Texans warmed up the audience with their charm and unique vocals.
After Saints of Valory, who boast complete mastery over the modern rock genre — despite having only an EP to their name — I could have called it a night. It was about 10:30 at that point and the Saints had already brought the audience to near mass orgasm. The look on Gavin Jasper’s face (lead vocalist and bassist) told it all: something about the energy, the lights, and the music had come together to make this night unbelievably perfect. The band stood back to take pictures of the audience, who excitedly participated with arms outstretched.
The Wild Feathers made the night complete; their music is not only original, but memorable, classic and genuine. Their members each brought some disparate piece of musical charisma to the table. Joel King, who looks exceptionally young, brings the energy to the stage with a rumble of a voice that seems awfully comforting in its familiarity. Ricky Young seems like the folk leader of the band, strumming at his acoustic and playing with visible passion and honesty. Taylor Burns, on guitar, has the voice of an angel. Enough said. Drummer Ben Dumas sits center background above the magic, while guitarist Preston Wimberly emerges a bit of a mystery. His masterful guitar solos were often swept under the rug due to his mild and quiet stage presence, though he could easily be the band’s stand-out musician.
The night ended with The Wild Feathers’ cover of The Band’s “The Weight” and the audience still screeching out for more. It was a night for good music…very, very good music.