who is going to the Springfield Ma show? (Page 2 of 2)

Decided it's not worth the risk, had great balcony seats over looking the stage too.

Wow, What a show! I just got back, I should feel guilty, it took me a whole twelve minutes to get home. First up was the meet and greet, and when you hear people say that Joe is a regular guy, you can believe them. It was like talking to someone I've known for years. Joe was in fine form tonight and the whole band sounded awesome. The acoustic set was great, I especially enjoyed Happier Times and DSOB. The electric set was started off with Principal Skinner, and I was in the front row with Joe playing his heart out just a few feet in front of me. Joe gave a slide to a very lucky young man a few seats to my right, but Ill let his dad tell you about that. I had the pleasure to meet Ron, Tim and his son Griff, and a great time was had by all. It will take a few days to come back down to earth.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I had better do this before my old memory gives out.  First off - driving one hundred mileseach way in the snow/sleet the night before Thanksgiving is never fun - unless you are headed to a Joe B concert.  I finally turned the news/weather station off in early afternoon because it was making me frantic, and leaving earlier than 4:30pm for Springfield was not an option.  The driving/weather deity cooperated and we made it in time.

The acoustic set was beautiful.  Enjoying the variety of instruments and sound that this band produces, makes a nice bit of "dinner music" as we used to call it before the "main course."  I did not miss WUD at all - Joe had plenty of chances to demonstrate his prowess and speed on the acoustic with his current set list.

Then, the main course.  Although I had seen the set-list before this show I was totally unprepared for it live (purposely didn't watch any of Natasha's vids), and wasn't sure I was going to like it all that much.  By the end of the first song I knew it would all be good.  The songs from the new album are much more impressive in live mode than in studio (I should expect that by now, but hey, I'm getting older and more forgetful these days).  Double Trouble was probably hands down the best of the night for the new tunes.  When Joe was singing about all his "troubles" some guy walking past the stage at the exact right moment said "ain't that the truth" or something to that effect.  Joe heard him and started laughing - almost like it was planned.  I did enjoy the newer versions of the older songs, but I did miss the theremin  (I knew it would go away sooner or later but I still miss it).  The slide work was great, but not quite the same.  The only thing I really couldn't like was the non-use of an Ernie Ball or Gigliotti on Mountain Time.  Although the song and the solos were awesome the richness and depth that I have come to associate with this almost sacred song (to me, anyway) just wasn't there.

I am not a gear head but I must say the new amplifier setup sounded beautiful - dripping with tone.  The rhythm section was great, too.  Lenny adds a lot to the show/sound, Tal is just an animal (yay! I finally got a stick!) and Carmine is the worlds best and most perfectly suave bass player. 

Pictures here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/24057301@ … 155776558/

Next show in January in Boston.  At least I won't have to drive 100 miles each way in the snow for that one.  Only 20 miles for that one.

Sandy

P.S.  I know that much talk has gone on about some of the crowds.  This show wasn't too bad.  A few whistlers and occasional shouts but nothing too unusual.  Joe didn't seem to be bothered by any of it.  I do wish that people would take their conversations elsewhere. I had two guys next to me that talked about Joe's guitars all night (when they weren't up buying a beer) - save it for the car ride home next time.