I had the pleasure of seeing Bonnie Raitt perform live at the Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, NC on March 8th. It was the first time I’ve seen her in person, and to put it succinctly, the experience was first class.
Bonnie has a reputation for handing out breaks to many a struggling songwriter. Her latest studio recording Souls Alike is completely composed of the songs written by unknown artists. The second track from the record is titled “God Was In The Water” and was co-written by Randall Bramblett, who happened to be Bonnie’s opening act on this particular night. I must admit I was more attentive than usual for an opening act . Why? Well, because the musician helping musician back story made it compelling, not to mention the fact that Bonnie Raitt has an ear for a good song, as Souls Alike proves beyond any reasonable doubt. The audience was receptive to Bramblett’s music and I overheard “What was that band’s name?” many times after they'd left the stage. A good sign, but a new band name may be appropriate as “Randall Bramblett” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue
I was lucky enough to have front row seats directly in front of Bonnie. I feel the need to apologize here as I had paper and pen ready to write down each song, so I could report an accurate setlist for you. However, the band completely sucked me in and taking notes was relegated to a stupid idea about 20 seconds into the show. The house lights came down and it was completely dark in the theatre, only the shadows of the band could be seen and when the first notes were played, the lights came up. The audience burst into applause, Bonnie gave a huge and sincere smile and then she broke a string. A guitar tech took the instrument from her, so she began singing without it. It was funny, but she looked naked without a guitar. After a split second that bordered on being an Ashlee Simpson moment, the guitar tech returned with a replacement 6-string and she never missed a step. I’m quite sure that this was not the way she wanted to start the show, but the way the band, the stage hands, and Bonnie handled the inconvenience reminded everyone the $60 they paid was well spent.
The professionalism oozed into every crack and crevice of Ovens Auditorium. Not a surprise for someone who has been in the business as long as Bonnie Raitt has been, not to mention the fact that the woman has nine Grammy awards on a shelf somewhere and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. But I wanted to forget all that. I only wanted to see how she could move me now, live in person, standing less than 20 feet away.
Article comments
1 - Harpo
I can never forget Bonnie's comments on the back of her first LP.... it was dedicated to "uncle Ho"
That was sort of "in your face" to me.
I haven't paid much attention to her since, and I can say with all honesty, that I play a better slide guitar than she will ever hope to.
2 - Steve Kelly
Bonnie was descibed by Bob Harris on his radio 2 broadcast as the "Best slide guitarist on earth"
I have seen her many times in Scotland - her ancestoral home - and last year went to Denmark to catch the last 3 concerts of the European tour and also saw her in Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle - in small clubs. She was awesome!