The first thought through your head when you initially see JD King is, “Is this guy serious?”  With a ruffled tux shirt, tight bell-bottoms, and loads of gaudy jewelry, King resembles the bastard child of Joey Ramone and Prince with a permanent 70’s time warp surrounding him.  In a strange way, you can’t take your eyes off him.  Even his music, which blends classic rock and folk country, is reminiscent of Mac Davis gone wild.  Visions of Clint Eastwood in Every Which Way But Loose popped in my head (orangutans and truckers, such a wickedly awesome combination).  You would think his bohemian rocker persona would outshine the mellow melodies—think again.

     Playing mostly from his latest release Here’s JD King, King’s down to earth musicianship allows listeners to enjoy all facets of a song.  Pure and simple progression and straight forward lyrics have you immediately tapping your toes.  He started off his set at the House of Blues (San Diego) with “Long Gone,” a solid rock sound with a tinge of easy country.  Easy on the ears, easy to groove along to.  “Miles” which was dedicated to truck drivers around the world, strangely validated my BJ and the Bear visual in the best way possible.  “We hitched a ride from one of those truckers to get here,” joked King.  Humorously, I could definitely see that.  “The Devil and Me” was great playful tune, but his cover of the Turtles “She’d Rather Be With Me” was awesome surprise.  He ended his set (which was unfortunately short) with “Blackberry Road.”  Despite my judgmental state in the beginning, I was wanting more.

     JD King is a sight to behold onstage and in person but his music takes front and center with listeners of all ages.  Not too hard, not too soft, but a JD King show is just right.