Anyway, on to the show. It was my first show since the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, back in January. The way the show was being hyped up, I thought this club was to be something spectacular. (I guess the notoriety of the club is what makes it so special). I was not expecting to be standing for the night, on rustic looking, hardwood floors. I could have been seated, but I made the sacrifice for a better place near the stage. The supporting act was very good, considering his age. I would gather that he is around the 17-20-years old.
This was my first time seeing Bogie Bowles on drums; Randy Cooke was Joe’s drummer on the cruise. In the meantime, I had gotten my hands on a few live shows from the UK tour in February. It really has not seemed that this band line up has only been touring together since the end of November last year, with a better portion of December and January off.
I am starting to wonder if Joe even qualifies for the blues genre, anymore. ‘Cause this show was rockin’, to say the least. Bogie has put his own style on the beginning of “Takin’ the Hit”. “Walk in my Shadow” used to be a bit faster and more towards rock. Joe and the guys have slowed it down and slathered it in some serious blues. When they perform “Blues Deluxe” now, you never know where they will inject the ‘viola’ guitar solo. It used to start the tune off, but Joe has been surprising some of us old timers by performing it towards the middle. Then there's "Mountain Time. To me “Mountain Time” is a love story wrapped in nature.
Spotlight is on the rhythm section on “Bridge to Better Days”. This is a new tune on Joe’s latest album, You & Me, and it has a basic blues/rock beat. In my opinion, it is more rock than blues with some seriously heavy bass. Although, it has the same basic chord, it has a driving beat that requires you to hit repeat. “A New Day Yesterday” is the title track from Joe’s first solo release. ANDY is my favorite album thus far, probably due to it being more rock than blues. Recently, with the new band, Joe has been making various changes to his live performances. One of the changes they have incorporated a tease of “Spoonful” to the instrumental part of this song. I think it is very well placed and very tastefully done. Speaking of taste, thanks for the spoonful.
Article comments
1 - Joan Hunt
Now you just have to tell everyone what Vegas was like in comparison!
I'm still really envious of these eight shows, Tara. I'll be grumbling about them until the day I die, I bet.
2 - Paul Roy
Wow, you REALLY like Joe Bonamassa. Can't blame you - the guy is awesome. That was a great review of what sounded like some killer shows. Joe is scheduled to play Blues Alley in Georgetown this November (finally), for three nights, two shows per night. Are you gonna be there? I definately plan on being at one of the shows.
3 - Tara
Thanks, Paul. Sure thing, he brought me back to blues, blues/rock. I am up to about 25 shows, now. He will be up here for the week of 4-July. So, their are four more shows. I have Blues Ally penciled in on my calendar.
4 - Fotopete
Excellent review Tara, Are you planning any of the upcoming East Tour? Only Kiding - see you there.
I also heard Joe's new album just hit #1 on the blues chart - yahoo.
5 - JB
Just downloaded a few JB tunes on my Mac. Great stuff. 1st time listener. He reminds me a bit of the greatest blues guitarist alive (IMHO), Gary Moore. Also, plays a Gibson. Les Paul 1959 given to him by Peter Green.
6 - JB
Oh. Don't diss East Coast blues spots .... some of the greatest and most knowledgeable fans are here.
Love to see Joe at The Iron Horse in Northampton, Mass.
One of the best blues gits of all time plays and lives here - Ronnie Earl!
7 - Tara
Hi JB,
You just missed the Iron Horse show. It was on 9-Jul. Jeff Pevar was visting Mark, too.
Cheers,
Tara