Joe Bonamassa Rocks the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise

Where: Holland America Westerdam Cruise Ship
When: 8-Jan-06 thru 15-Jan-06

It was my first time on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, so I had earned the title of "virgin". What could be more ideal than taking a cruise for a vacation, nineteen of the top blues performers on the very same ship, ten special guest performers, live blues shows just about 24 and almost 7? Oh yeah, free food. PRICELESS!

So, the weather was not as ideal; downpour in Jamaica, choppy seas, overcast, and sprinkles in (and departing) Grand Cayman. Costa Maya and Belize were picture perfect, gorgeous and sunny, smooth sailing, so to speak. It was still better than the snow and bitter temperatures that I left at home.

On the first night, as we were departing Ft Lauderdale on January 8, Joe's first show was outside, there were high winds, and it was on the cooler side. When you see my pictures, you will see the guys in jackets. We weren't quite around the tip of Cuba, so it was a bit chilly. The band line up for the cruise was, of course, Joe , Mark Epstein (bass), and Randy Cooke (drums).

Here is the first night's set list:

• Walk in My Shadow
• Blues Deluxe
• Takin' The Hit
• Mountain Time
• The River
• Burnin' Hell
• A New Day Yesterday

Encore:

• You Upset Me Baby


• I Don’t Live Anywhere

Joe, Mark, and Randy were having a blast. I have not seen Joe smile as much as he did as when he played with Mark. I noticed a change. It was awesome to enjoy the show with great people. The next day, as I was strollin' around the ship, it was so cool overhearing folks talk about Joe Bonamassa!

As we were departing Montego Bay, on January 10, JB performed in the Vista Lounge (the pictures can be found on Flickr).

Set List:

• Faux Mantini – acoustic version


• Miss You, Hate You – acoustic


• Woke Up Dreaming - acoustic


• (slide solo)


• The River


• Burnin' Hell


• Walk in My Shadow


• Blues Deluxe


• Vous et Moi – (new tune on next album - instrumental, just Joe)


• Had to Cry Today


• (drum solo)


• Heart of the Sunrise/Starship Trooper

Encore:

• You Upset Me Baby

The new song is rockin' and I was given some inside info that it was only a sample of it. I think it was a cross between Had To Cry Today and A New Day Yesterday. I have to give Mark credit for a bass solo, however, I don't recall when. In the past, Joe had performed a viola solo at the beginning of “Blues Deluxe”, instead, Joe performed it in the middle of the song. There were 35-100 people on the open dance floor taking pictures, and it was like that most of the show. Many others commented that it was overwhelming, even if they were just passing by.

Article Author: Tara Clark

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