Joseph Dockery at Hotel Ziggy – Live Review

Joseph Dockery, We Found New Music at Hotel Ziggy, West Hollywood, CA., July 8, 2025

We Found New Music (WFNM) has become the weekly event to attend when seeking out new artists on the rise. Meticulously curated by Grant Owens, these events are always free with a reservation – and they take place either at Hotel Ziggy on the Sunset Strip or Bar Lubitsch on Santa Monica Blvd. And on this memorable night in the wilds of Tinseltown, it was time to check out another new talent named Joseph Dockery. I had heard a few of his songs on Spotify prior to the show, and although this duo of dazzling tunes got me there in the first place, the live show absolutely sealed the deal!

Let’s check out Joseph’s biography first: “Joseph Dockery is a Los Angeles-based guitarist known for dynamic solo performances that blend jazz, blues, and classic pop with a modern touch. A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, he performs regularly across the city, captivating audiences with soulful interpretations and technical artistry in both intimate and high-energy settings.”

There is certainly a timeless world of music to be discovered within Joseph Dockery’s live performance. Joseph and his band opened with the one-two delivery of Off And On and What You Do The Me – which are his first two singles. The audience was super receptive, with many even singing along. Then it was time for unreleased material – and the next four songs Joseph played clearly displayed an artist at the very height of his creative energies.

So Much Time was a new original song unveiled for the first time publicly – and what an absolutely memorable tunes this one was. Then it was time for what Joseph described as his “random country exploits” – as he played not one but two modern country/Americana style songs – (What It Takes) To Make Me Love You and Have I Ever Told You! With pulsating boogie bass in tow, the country segment was vibrantly inspired! The audience loved this brilliantly subversive change up in genres – and so did I!

The best and most emotional song was saved for last, when Joseph and band presented Wishing Star – poignant, deeply personal – and guaranteed to capture the heart of even the most jaded of music critic. What a stunning way to end a short yet very sweet set!

In addition to Joseph’s very expressive vocals, the artist is also quite a guitarist, breaking out imaginative solos throughout the set. These interludes heightened the impact of the songs while never being overlong or intrusive. Rounding out the Joseph Dockery trio were a two very intriguing musicians! Adam Hernandez presented a magnetic low-end on bass, and especially shined during the country portion of the night. Greg Lewis on drums released the percussive energy with striking precision.

With dynamic original tapestries, and an exhilarating stage presence that captures your attention, it won’t be long before Joseph Dockery finds himself enrapturing fans in venues all over the world. Be sure to check into the remarkable artistry of Joseph Dockery the next time he plays at a club near you!  And watch for an interview with Joseph Dockery coming soon to Highwire Daze Online!

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

Joseph Dockery on Instagram