JERRY CANTRELL / LOLA COLETTE 4.6.2022

Apr 11

Words and Photos By Maria A Mata

Rock music icon Jerry Cantrell took over Big Night Live on a perfectly cold, cloudy Wednesday night in Boston. Fans were lining up early on around the corner, slowly making their way into the pit in a sea of black t-shirts, beer in hand.

Singer songwriter Lola Colette kicked off the evening with a short but mesmerizing set, with a soft folksy vibe that picked up speed as the set went on. Lola Colette’s vibe evokes indie greats like Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey, but with a distinctly modern sound. Colette’s powerful vocals were especially captivating in her single “Flower In Bloom”, a very ethereal pop/folk tune. You would think at first glance that the softer sounds would be a mismatch, but listen closely and you’ll notice the depth in her music is the perfect setup for what’s to come.

The house was packed and it was time for Cantrell to take the stage. Wasting no time, the set kicked off with Alice In Chains’ powerhouse “Them Bones”. Jerry had the audience in a chokehold immediately. The evening was filled with tracks from both Alice In Chains and his solo projects, including his newest single, “Brighten”, as well as several tracks from Boggy Depot, giving the audience plenty of variety.

Joining Cantrell on tour is vocalist Greg Puciato, known for The Dillinger Escape Plan. Puciato’s strong voice blends in perfectly with Cantrell’s instantly recognizable vocals, and it’s especially effective when playing Alice In Chains. The audience would react immediately to grunge classics like “Would?”, “Man In The Box” and show closer “Rooster”, a testament to Jerry Cantrell’s prowess as a songwriter, composer and guitarist. On a personal note, it was a treat to also see film composer Tyler Bates on guitar.

Jerry Cantrell is without a doubt one of the most influential musicians for an entire generation, ushering in a heavier sound and continuing to evolve and create with the same strength. Do yourself a favor and experience the Brighten Tour in a city near you.

JERRY CANTRELL