Tonight is Joe Bonamassa’s 15th headline show at the Royal Albert Hall in London – arguably the most prestigious venue in the UK, and one that very few artists get to play even just the once.
But what makes him special enough to do that? Is it warranted? Who is Joe Bonamassa? Where am I? Was it any good? – Well the short answer is yes as he is one of the most widely recognised and respected blues guitarists on the planet after all. Rock, and roll.
Photos: Laurence Harvey
The set opens with BreakThrough off of Joe’s latest record and features an utterly beastly organ solo from Lachy Doley. For me what made this show wasn’t just Joe’s phenomenal playing and compositions, but also the musicians that he’s surrounded himself with to make his music a reality. Crunchy, loud, energetic – with gorgeous tickles in the ears from backing vocalists Jade MacRae and Dannielle Gaha.
Well, I Done Got Over It is much softer as Joe makes his Les Paul sing across the audience, with track Happier Times featuring another captivating organ solo. Lachly has absolute control over his instrument moving every slider as if it’s an extension of his own body, combined with Joe’s meaty and gritty vocals – the entire band is locked in.
The subtle nods of communication between members too are noticed too, with Joe nodding to various members to indicate section changes, and even at the end of songs making hand gestures to the drummer about how many stabs to do to roll things off.
Drive by the Exit Sign sees a Gibson 335 appear naturally for yet another shredding blues solo. If you aren’t a fan of self indulgence, then perhaps deep diving into Joe’s music isn’t for you – but when that indulgence is so utterly gritty and tasty, it’s hard not to fall in love with it. The sound was generally superb in the venue too, with the stage having a wonderfully unnecessary amount of mic’ed up amplifiers all ready to go at a moments notice for Joe to switch between to get the exact tone that he’s seeking. Hearing those valves scream is a true treat in the age of clicks, digital amps, and playback tracks.
Photos: Phil Honley
Joe removes his signature sunglasses briefly during The Last Matador of Bayonne to take in his surroundings. Thousands of eager individuals nodding along to the artistry of him and his band mates. He really is just aggravatingly non-chalant about how his fingers move around that fretboard!
“I’ve got one more year and I can be a real cranky fuck” states Joe after letting us know the day after is his 49th birthday. Not a bad way to celebrate it either! Which naturally turns into an involuntary happy birthday rendition from the audience.
Finishing the set with a gorgeous butterscotch tele, after treating us to an Eric Clapton cover (Crossroads), we go back to his 2nd record for Mountain Time.
I sat in awe at the end of the show, having been not much of an expert in Joe’s music before going in – I now see exactly what every guitarist sees when looking up to his playstyle. Envy of his magic fingers, his clever songwriting, and his unique and emotive voice that emanates through his guitars, as well as his mouth. Joe Bonamassa is a real treat to the ears, particularly so in a live context – and it’s a treat you simply should not miss if given the opportunity.
Joe Bonamassa
Set 1
- Breakthrough
- Trigger Finger
- 24 Hour Blues
- Well, I Done Got Over It
- Happier Times
- Drive by the Exit Sign
- The Last Matador of Bayonne
- Pack It Up
- Well, Well
- I Want to Shout About It
- It's Hard But It's Fair
- A Million Miles Away
Encore
- Crossroads
- Mountain Time