An acoustic trip down memory lane with “Miss You, Hate you” leads right into a shredded up version of “Woke up Dreaming”. Is there such a thing as shredding on an acoustic guitar? Joe has really expanded the instrumental of this song, and tends to state, “It’s a lot harder than it looks”. Joe starts off “The River” with the usual slide solo. Just another talent that he makes appear so easy.
Many of us have heard or read that Joe has decided that he wants to loosen up and have a bit of fun. Well, he has turned the tune “Burning Hell” into a crowd sing-along. Ah, now it is time for the encore. “Asking Around for You” is a new song from You & Me. The lyrics are about getting to Heaven, tapping an angel on the shoulder and asking around for an old friend. It is a blues influenced song, enhanced, and being performed on a Gibson.
The lighting in this venue was really good compared to others I have attended, so I got some really sweet photos.
Post show, since Joe had not seen Chan’s before, I figured I would let him know that he needed to bring his sense of humor with him. Meaning, it is a medium sized club, but it would be the first time that I had heard of it being sold out; it would be interesting to say the least. Joe proceeded to tell the small group of us that he had rented a PA system for the venue and that he was there to “fry the rice”.
All in all, Toad’s Place was easy find, with lodging a five-minute walk away. Not to be redundant, okay, I will be; like I stated above, Toad’s place is known for its booking really big acts in a tiny little club. I was not impressed with the overall internal guise of this venue, but looks are not everything, are they?
Let’s take a hop, skip and a small jump over to Woonsocket, RI. This is where you will find Chan’s Chinese restaurant. Actually, if you are not looking, you will drive right by it. I certainly did the first time I was to attend a show there.
Joe was scheduled for two shows, one at eight pm and one at ten pm. Well, since I procured a ticket for each time frame, I count that as two shows. Am I wrong? I have two tickets for that night.
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