The Boise Beat invited me to hear Brooke Nicole & The Jake Leg practice for their upcoming show at the Barrelhouse. Being greeted by a couple of friendly dogs and a very nice lady with pink hair was encouraging. To be welcomed that warmly into their home was an indication of notes to come. Immediately the band felt comfortable. Having been to numerous band practices, excitement and anticipation once again stirred inside me.
Brooke Nicole & The Jake Leg band would begin to play after a short get to know “us” session. They are a very nice mature group. I greeted Dale Wilson first, whom breathes the blues through his blues harp. When he is needed to play a lead on guitar or play with Brook Nicole he steps up well. He and Brooke are the center of: Bob Solomon on guitar, Luke Bishop on Bass (who used to keep the band Asphalt going with solid bass). Tony Songer introduced himself with confidence from behind the kit. With over a century of playing and performing between them their goal is to relay the love they have for music to the audience. They play the blues with a bit of rock n roll that audience’s fall in love with.
The sound was right from the first warm up song. Immediately they were what bands want to be. Authentic! The house filled up with a nice warm groove. We all got comfortable. I began looking forward to hearing more. Brooke Nicole & The Jake Leg are at Barrelhouse on Glenwood exclusively January 8th! Let the Good Times Roll! Writing that down, I knew when they play good times are going to roll. Still warmups, they transitioned to The Eagles “Take it Easy”. The Eagles “Heartache Tonight” was sung with ease by Brooke Nicole. Her voice and charisma stand out as the focal point of the band. She will direct listeners to the dance floor with her confident moves and joy of music. Brooke can, at the drop of her hat, put you in a listenable mood so that your pint or glass of wine feels as good as you feel.
Dale Wilson also leads the group with soulful air from his harmonica and his vocal cords. His soul comes from deep inside his life experiences. When you hear Dale’s original “New Daddy Blues”, you will know that he writes of life from his heart. Dale sings the hope and horror of having a new born at 60 years of age. Dale is the main writer of lyrics and music. His musical talent comes out when he takes leads or provides a rhythm on guitar. Dale cut his teeth in the hard blues clubs in Portland. Moving to Boise in 2001 and after losing one eye he faced challenges that he overcomes in his music. Getting an L.C.S.W from N.N.U in 2012 gave him honest insight to this thing we call “life” or “the blues”. Dale Wilson is past president of the Boise Blues Society. You can hear his original songs on the CD that he and his son Thomas Wilson recorded “well” in their home studio. Blind Harpdog Dale Wilson and son use the best of “The Jake Leg”, including Brooke Nicole on his song “Without You”. Also, you may check out the recent sold out concert at the Sapphire Room here on You Tube: Live At The Sapphire Room!
My ears were attracted to the bass guitar and drums. They should operate together in rhythmic timing to provide a reliable backbone. Luke and Tony do that and drive a groove that is full of fun and yet not pretentious. Their experience shows on the classic blues tunes. This is a band of seasoned musicians that know how to control their sound. What a joy to be invited to hear such fun! Blues lovers already know about the on-line independent, listener supported “Radio Boise”. Brooke Nicole with The Jake Leg can be heard there at 89.9 or 93.5.
Whether you enjoy dancing to classic rock or the blues, Barrelhouse presents Brooke Nicole & The Jake Leg. This band and Brooke can make even the novice dancer feel good on the dance floor. So start your new year with Boise friends (the band) that can play the blues with some rock and roll classics. OH! Did I mention Brooke Nicole can sing well? She can and she does! You and your friends are in for a tasty treat when you hear her belt strong forceful blues or soft as flower petal lyrics that all come from the center of her being. This band will make you feel at home in the Barrelhouse on January 8th. What a way to start the year! Your ears and feet will love you. Not to mention the fine selection of beer and wine with food that you will love also. See you at the Barrelhouse on January 8th!
Brooke Nicole & The Jake Leg Band Live at the Barrelhouse
Saturday, January 8, 2022
Barrelhouse
5181 N. Glenwood Street
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 376-4200
Story By: Mark Vickrey
Network Music Management
Exclusively for The Boise Beat
Photos by Ed Simon at Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell for The Boise Beat
