The Winery Dogs - Dog Years: Live In Santiago

The Winery Dogs - Dog Years: Live In Santiago is a spellbinding experience for lovers of rock and roll, capturing the thrill and raw energy of one of the most talented trios in the genre. This concert film features the supergroup, The Winery Dogs, live in action with a powerhouse performance at Teatro Cariola in Santiago, Chile. The members of this gifted trio are three widely acclaimed musicians: Richie Kotzen, Mike Portnoy, and Billy Sheehan.

Richie Kotzen, the blond-haired lead vocalist and master guitar player, is famed for his fingerpicking style that echoes the greats, as well as his soul-touching lyrics. He has a vast body of solo work and has contributed to renowned bands such as Poison and Mr. Big. Mike Portnoy, the drummer par excellence, is a celebrated figure in the progressive rock scene with his unmatched ability to sail through the most complex percussive patterns with ease. He is well known as the co-founder of Dream Theater. Billy Sheehan, on bass guitar, has been a recipient of the 'Best Rock Bass Player' readers' poll from Guitar Player Magazine for an awe-inspiring 5 times. He brings years of experience with him, having played with luminaries like Steve Vai and David Lee Roth.

Dog Years: Live In Santiago offers fans a rich smorgasbord of The Winery Dogs' homegrown songs, plucked from their self-titled debut album and its follow-ups. The concert film is shot in a distinctive style that creates an enthralling atmosphere—making viewers feel like they're in the crammed, sweaty, passionate crowd in Santiago, experiencing this high-octane act firsthand. The production quality is top-notch, with dynamic camera angles that manage to capture the band's emotive expressions and their finger-flying solos with perfect clarity.

The film offers a rare glimpse of the virtuosities of these three musicians, showcasing their hard-rock sound flavored with touches of blues, progressive rock, and pop hooks. The songs range from powerful rock anthems to intricate progressive explorations to soulful ballads, making for a film that's as entertaining as it is musically gratifying. The visceral energy that Kotzen, Portnoy, and Sheehan bring to the stage is infectious, and their synergy as a band is palpable, making every second of their performance a hard-rock delight.

In addition to the live concert, the film features behind-the-scenes footage, offering an unprecedented look at the trio's tour life. The raw and real glimpse into their off-stage persona is just as fascinating as their stage act. It's evident from these candid moments that despite their different musical backgrounds, they share a common ground in companionship and mutual respect, which adds another layer to their already complex musical fabric.

Kotzen's soulful voice and incredible guitar work, Portnoy's thunderous drumming skills, and Sheehan's punchy bass lines—all blend together splendidly throughout the concert. Each of them is allowed ample spotlight, showcasing their impressive musicianship, and this is where the charisma of the band truly shines through. Whether it's a jaw-dropping guitar solo from Kotzen, a rapid-fire bass run from Sheehan, or a mind-blowing drum cadenza from Portnoy, The Winery Dogs never fail to mesmerize.

Finally, Dog Years: Live In Santiago is a testament to the band's connection with their audience. The movie captures several moments where the trio interacts with the crowd, stirring up a frenzy that only a truly great live act can induce. The exhilaration and excitement of the audience is infectious, adding to the film's electric atmosphere.

Celebrating this trio's commendable musicianship and electric chemistry, The Winery Dogs - Dog Years: Live In Santiago promises a one-of-a-kind rock'n'roll experience. If you're a fan of any, or perhaps all, of these exceptional musicians, or even just a fervent lover of rock and roll, this concert film is a must-watch. Rock on!