AS one of the new kids on the rock guitar block, Jared James Nichols, has already notched up some pretty impressive support slots with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zakk Wylde and Walter Trout.

Now the 28-year-old American is back in the UK and plays Manchester with Blue Oyster Cult on Sunday and then King George’s Hall, Blackburn, with UFO next month.

Given that much of the music he loves was being made before he was even born, Jared credits his dad and the influence of rock radio stations for shaping his musical tastes.

“I got into a few radio stations that were playing Led Zep, Cream and Black Sabbath,” he said. “When I started to play the guitar it just snowballed. I’d learn the riffs and then the songs and it just all came together.

“My dad was a big fan of Bob Dylan and old style country and western but he also introduced me to Mountain.

“Also I grew up in Wisconsin and people like to say it’s about 30 years behind the rest of the country so I think that helped too!”

Whatever the causes, the results have been spectacular with Jared forming his own power trio and astounding critics and fans alike with his incendiary live shows.

“I just love the power and soul of the music,” he said. “When I listen to someone like Free, I’m not listening to deconstructed music or whatever it is they are playing. I want to hear the energy and the excitement of it.

“That’s why I love to play live and in the UK you have these audiences who just get it, they love the music as much as you do and that’s a total treat.”

Jared’s debut album Old Glory and the Wild Revival firmly established his blues rock credentials and in September he’s due to release the follow-up Black Magic.

“I’m really excited about this record,” he said. “It’s got all different elements in there. There are some bluesy numbers and we even cross over and get a little funky.

“I was able to expand the palette but do them all with the same kind of love and feel.”

Jared appreciates how much he has learned from touring alongside some of the blues rock world’s biggest names.

“People say it must be amazing to open these show and it is,” he said, “but it’s also amazing to be on the road with these legends and watch them every night.

“These guys have seen it all. They don’t have to say anything. The one thing I notice is what a ton of these guys I tour with have is class. They are professionals at what they do and they work so hard.

“For them to even give someone like me the time of day is pretty amazing. To get the chance to rub elbows with your heroes is amazing. I just soak it all up like a sponge.

“I think a lot of the guys enjoy that a younger guy like me loves the music that they do and perhaps they even see a little of themselves in me. To be able to learn from these guys makes it much more special.”

Jared James Nichols, Manchester Academy, Sunday, June 25 (with Blue Oyster Cult) details from 0161 832 1111 and King George’s Hall, Blackburn, (with UFO), Friday, July 28, details from 0844 847 1664