Joe….Fast Hands

Joe Bonamassa stepped forward in trademark blues brothers shades and suit and hit the guitar at 7.30 sharp.

Gig all done by 9.35pm. No break, no support act, just Joe.

No doubt about it he is an absolutely brilliant blues guitarist but despite having a worthy support band it always feels like a one man show, with only a few cameo performances, the drummer Lamar Carter and backing singers  Danielle De Andrea and Jade McCraydo have their moments, but not many. It really is a show to serve up solo self indulgence and a prodigious talent. He can play and pluck the strings  like Yehuni Mehuin  – I would just enjoy a little more sharing and some songs that we all yearn to hear like Redemption where all elements on the album and video work in perfect harmony.

The sound mix in the Albert Hall was over loud with a booming bass which did detract and I understand from the staff that Joe had bought his own kit from America which he alluded to after a number when the PA seemed to buzz with background radio station noise. Afterwards he said could he have tuned into Loose Women !  Clearly something was amiss.

Best elements were on Movin On with a bright piano piece (Reese Wynans) piping upon to inject some colour with the guitars and Mountain Time which had a blues Springsteen feel with dynamic keyboards and duo vocals.

A highlight was meeting a Asian man in the mens, striking up a quick conversation – he was impressed ,I was disappointed with the sound quality. He offered me his card – Holler House – he runs a blues club in Leeds – give me a call if you are coming. As he made for the exit, “I said do you support Leeds”  He said “Yes” . I said “ I am a Ipswich supporter” and he smiled. I added “hope we both go up as he disappeared from view…

Posted by: thel44