I hadn't seen the Joe Bonamassa Band in concert since the end of November last year. When I did see them, it was only their second gig together as a band (new drummer and bass player). They were good, but still working out the kinks. My friend, Tara (who was meeting me in Vegas for this show), had just seen them seven times in a row and said they sounded great. But, I needed to see and hear for myself. I didn't really doubt they'd be fantastic...still...
After getting settled in our room, we headed down to the Chrome Showroom for the concert. We met up with some folks I knew via past shows in Vegas. We were all excited and quickly grabbed a table once we entered Chrome. The showroom itself was a nice change of pace — booths set a bit back from the dance floor, tables in front, and stadium-type seating in the back. Our table was right up front, with an excellent view of the stage! Essential for easy access for all my photo ops.
It didn't take long for Joe to come out on stage and open the show with an excellent version of "Takin' The Hit". He was quickly joined by Bogie Bowles on drums and Mark Epstein on bass. They proceeded to rock the socks off everyone!
Song after song, the band hit every note perfectly. The sound was great, which is always a plus in a new venue. I couldn't help but wonder if the sound guys were from Boulder Station (they know Joe well over there). No matter. I'm just wish the lighting had been a bit better. Let's face it, I like to take photos during a show and the better the lighting, the better the photos.
Joe led the band through several tunes, each better than the last, when he brought out L.D. Miller, a young blues harp player from Indiana. During "Blues Deluxe", this kid was smokin' -- totally smokin' hot on the harp! He played with the confidence and soul of someone far older and more experienced than he.
One of the highlights was the interaction between Joe and L.D., and then Joe, L.D., and Mark. Absolutely priceless! L.D. and Joe had a bit of a showdown. L.D. dogged him for being so good, "why you always gotta play like that, man?" You can't buy moments like that! At one point, Bogie was sitting behind the drums, not playing, mouth agape. I think all of us were just as stunned. L.D.'s only about 12 or 13 and yet, his musical talents would lead you to believe otherwise.
Article Author: Joan Hunt
Former Baywatch babe, Playboy centerfold, and stunt double for Abe Vigoda, Managing Editor of Blogcritics and member of the board of directors for BLUSD, Joanie juggles her love of words, music, photography, wildlife, and television with her greatest love -- her kids. …
Article comments
1 - Dawn
Great pics Joan - nice piece!!!
2 - Tara
Hey there...nice write up. I figured it would be redundant if I wrote about the same show. My pictures are not good. Perhaps a few can be salvaged.
3 - Joan Hunt
Now Dawn, you just have to go see Joe! No excuses. I guarantee you'll have fun.
Tara, write your review! We don't see everything the same...besides, you know as well as I do, two reviews are better than one.