Kevin Bronson on May 4th, 2012

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By Erik Ehlert

He is simply calling this project Jack White. The prolific gunslinger that can make his six-string talk like perhaps no other can has just released his new album, “Blunderbuss.”

White, who has already sold out two nights at the Wiltern later this month, did a bonus show on Monday night at downtown’s cozier Mayan Theatre, and the crowd was into it from the first riff of opener “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground.” Dusting off a White Stripes song was an easy crowd-pleaser and a nice way to introduce his new songs.

White has his own label, Third Man Records, has been successful in various projects and as an artist continues to push himself. So does he travel in a private 747 or wreck floors of hotel rooms? I’m not sure, but the perk he does lavish on himself for this project is his all-female backing band, the Peacocks, all dressed in white and in tight musical form on this night. Keys, slide guitar, violin, and stand-up bass all adorn the new songs, and Autolux drummer Carla Azar is behind the kit.

“Freedom At 21” is one of these new barnstorming tunes with everyone beating down their instruments. The women in white also backed him up on vocals for a nice rootsy feel on “Love Interruption.” “Sixteen Saltines” and “Weep Themselves to Sleep” would fit comfortably on any White Stripes or Raconteurs album – Zeppelin bluesy licks the common denominator.

The focus at the Mayan (where the likes of Axel Rose, Gary Oldman and Conan O’Brien were in attendance) was clearly on the music and not on White’s mystique. The house demanded that nobody take pictures (in fact, there were only limited press credentials for the show, and those photographers shot from a distance). There were no annoying cell phones hoisted to capture videos, and the 1,100-capacity theater was small enough to enforce the request, as security would literally put their hands in front of the viewfinders.

Sing-alongs included “Hotel Yorba” and “We’re Going to Be Friends.” Absolute destruction of the blues was showcased in a ball-busting “Seven Nation Army” and “Ball and Biscuit.” White also delivered an honest, impassioned version of Hank Williams’ “You Know That I Know” that even had some of the Mayan deities adorning the walls nod along in agreement.

Every song he writes seems to have the right amount of hook and polish, while retaining just enough looseness to feel organic and unique. He’s a craftsman that turns out the hits – hard and soft – an authentic performer.

Jack White may have left his some of his minimalist sensibility behind, dropped the red and white motif, but as ever he has concocted his own version of blues, roots, and classic rock. The “Blunderbuss” songs stood right up with his past catalogue and everyone at the Mayan is sure to be looking on Craigslist for Wiltern show tickets.

Erik Ehlert is an occasional contributor to Buzz Bands LA.