Cody Jinks / Blackberry Smoke / Tennessee Jet @ Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, TX

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

I have been known to gravitate toward musicians that do things in non-traditional ways. I am not a particular fan of talent shows on network TV. I have always been a champion of artists that do it the old-fashioned way. Put it out there in person and let the people decide if they like it, and this is what first attracted me to Cody Jinks' music! No major record labels, just a guy and his guitar out there making music. Tonight, at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, there will be a stage full of musicians that have done it and continue to do it in a similar fashion.

Leading off the night was an artist that I had been hoping to see for a minute, Tennessee Jet. Unfortunately, some feel his songs are a little too direct, but he is writing and singing his opinion, and it is ok to have a differing opinion. The song in question is “2+2” which contains the lyrics, “How dare you dare to mention? How dare you believe your eyes? How dare you even question? Two plus two is five.” Putting the controversy aside, this guy is one hell of a songwriter! Cody Jinks recognized this and partnered with TJ for two songs on his latest album, Change the Game. Only knowing him as a one-man band, I was pleasantly surprised when he entered the stage with a band of talented musicians in tow. Mr. Jet, thank you for tagging along and introducing yourself.

Social media has a way of finding its way into your brain as was the case with this show. Packaged neatly in a Facebook advertisement was the headline, Blackberry Smoke at Dos Equis Pavilion. No mention of Cody Jinks or Tennessee Jet, dammit I am in! If you know nothing else about me, you should know I am a huge Blackberry Smoke fan! Sixth time seeing them, fifth time photographing them. I am almost positive after tonight I have made the band’s stalker list. Don’t worry boys I may see you again, but I probably won’t be photographing you anymore. As always, a good time even if it was awkward seeing you play the role of an opening act.

Maybe it was his status of local boy done good or maybe it was the reasonable ticket prices. Whatever the case, a bunch of folks came to see Haltom City, TX native Cody Jinks. Mr. Jinks is out supporting his March release I mentioned above. I was not sure how his music would translate into this large amphitheater. The answer was heard quickly as Jinks belted out the chorus to the show’s opener “Hurt You.” His recently found sobriety had him looking well and sounding even better. Drawing from real life experiences, his songs paint vivid portraits of life in small towns in America. Echoing back the lyrics of the song “David” it was evident many connected with the song’s hometown feel.

By not subscribing to the established rules of the music business, Jinks has been justly dubbed a new country music outlaw. True to the moniker there are many songs about drinking and life on the road. And of course, there are the tunes one should hear at a Cody Jinks concert. “Somewhere in the Middle,” “Must Be the Whiskey,” and “Cast No Stones” all found their way into the twenty-four song set. Midway through the show Cody and his band pull out some bar stools, acoustic guitars, and get cozy. As he takes his seat he describes what it was like to play the “dive bars and shitholes” in Deep Elum. In this setting you can feel how “I’m Not the Devil” may have been crafted over hundreds of nights in the Honky Tonks of Texas. Borrowing a quote from the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, Jinks and Tennessee Jet penned “Outlaws and Mustangs”, appearing as the second track on the new album. The value-added portion of the show came as TJ was brought back out to play this future classic.

Performing in Texas and near family, Jinks turns the night into a family affair. Being close to Mother’s Day, mama Gayla Jinks joins her son for duet on the apropos “Mamma Song.” Later, his son Larson confidently connects with his dad for a rowdy version of “Cowboys and Hippies.” Further addressing his previous bouts with alcohol, Jinks begins the three-song encore with “Sober Thing.” Just before the rain began, he managed to work in one last song “Loud and Heavy.” Most of the full house hung out until the very end, singing until there were no more words. Cody Jinks, it may have taken awhile but you sir have arrived!

A big thanks to Cody Jinks management for allowing MTC MAG to be front and center! Also, a big thank you to Dos Equis Pavilion and Live Nation for their hospitality.

Photos of the show are below:

Tennessee Jet