'The Winery Dogs' review: Virtuosos on basically every level

The Winery Dogs -- singer/guitarist Richie Kotzen, drummer Mike Portnoy, the Long Beach native best known for his work with Dream Theater, and Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan -- are virtuosos on basically every level, a combination that rarely works in rock bands. However, on their debut "The Winery Dogs" (Loud & Proud), the trio finds a way to let each member shine by hanging all their impressive flourishes on powerful hooks that span a wide variety of rock styles. "Elevate" could easily be mistaken for Sammy Hagar-era Van Halen, while "Damaged" has a low-key Soundgarden feel, as does the epic "You Saved Me."

"The Winery Dogs"

THE GRADE B+

BOTTOM LINE An unlikely supergroup with an even more unlikely irresistible rock sound