JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND – RAILWAY INN, WINCHESTER

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND

It was an early start for Jim Jones & the Righteous Mind at the Railway Inn, meaning support band The Glorias were already on stage when I arrived. Having never been to this particular venue before, I have to say it’s one I will happily return to at a later date.

The back room hosted this evenings concert and although The Glorias may have had their set cut short, it acted as a teaser for another time. The band being local to Portsmouth, include members from the Good Time Charlies and Night of Treason, although came across as more traditional hard rock than their punk influences.

THE GLORIAS

Due to a club night taking place after the gig, it was a quick turnaround and soon Jim Jones & the Righteous Mind were ready. Opening with “Boil Yer Blood” the effects on the lap-steel guitar complimented the keyboards, as Jones fronted the group on lead vocals and main guitar.

While the slide guitar and keys suited the initial numbers, there were maybe a couple of slow ones thrown in too early on. Then as Mal Troon stepped away from his seated position for the more common place 6-string, things seemed to heat up.

There was more movement on stage too, with both band and audience getting into the performance. Jim Jones himself (formerly of the Jim Jones Revue) giving off a sort of Dogs D’amour/Johnny Thunders post-glam vibe.

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND

It was another slower number before Jim asked “are you ready to boogie?” and sure enough, with the rock n roll piano of Matt Millership it was straight into the faster “Dream”. It’s nothing against the gloomier songs, just with it being a short night they didn’t leave enough room for the rockier ones.

Another highlight then followed in “Base is Loaded”, also taken from the new Jim Jones & the Righteous Mind album “Super Natural”. The setlist came to a close with the chaotic “Alpha Shit” leaving us wanting more of the rock n roll show.

It may have all been over by 10pm, but in general this had been a pretty good gig in a great little venue. The short walk to the station meant there was still just enough time for a quiet beer in the front bar, before heading off for the train home.

JIM JONES & THE RIGHTEOUS MIND – RAILWAY INN, WINCHESTER