• From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Topic: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

On the 7th anniversary of his legendary 2009 show at the Royal Albert Hall, Joe and the band played in the concert hall of the Holland Performing Arts Center:

http://musictour.eu/data//uploads/media … 9c4d2a.jpg

The guitars (played through an array of vintage Fender tweed amps), in order of use: Grayish Strat, Firebird, JB Signature Les Paul, '59 Les Paul (not enough of an expert to tell which one), "Amos" (three songs), the blue Bona-Byrd, brown sunburst Strat, black ES w/Bigsby (three songs), "Spot" (two songs), cream Strat w/mint pickguard (encore). I still cannot believe the sounds (and the sustain) that "Spot" produces. Simply incredible.

The set list:

  • This Train

  • Mountain Climbing

  • Blues of Desperation

  • No Good Place for the Lonely

  • Hidden Charms

  • Never Make Your Move Too Soon

  • Angel of Mercy

  • Hey Baby / Oh Beautiful

  • Love Ain't a Love Song

  • Nobody Loves Me But My Mother

  • I Gave Up Everything for You, 'Cept the Blues

  • Going Down

  • Sloe Gin

  • The Ballad of John Henry

  • Hummingbird (Encore)

The Review:

I had a front-row center seat for the first time at a Joe show (via litho purchase), and it was a peak life experience. Joe posted this picture last night on Twitter not long after the show, and the doofus in the necktie just to the right of Joe in the picture is me...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChqbXcUWkAAkaf_.jpg:large

The sound was excellent, although from my seat Lee and Paulie were often difficult to pick out of the mix. That said, they really added something special to the music, especially on "Sloe Gin."

Anton, Michael, and Reese were all amazing. Anton had a couple of featured moments, as did Reese. The whole band played like they'd been together for years.

For this tour, we're not getting any acoustic Joe, or any "pretty" Joe ("India," "Bird On a Wire," "Mountain Time," etc.) This was grab-you-by-the-shirt, in-your-face blues-rock, and it was glorious! Joe of course was in fine form, demonstrating absolute command of his instrument to a rapt audience. As always, it was a treat to hear new arrangements of old favorites, but the new material from Blues of Desperation was the highlight of the show for me. Joe's singing is often overlooked, but I think he has matured into an exceptional vocalist, even though the material in this particular show gives him few opportunities to show it. He made the most of those opportunities (esp. on "Oh Beautiful," which has become one of my all-time favorites).

The litho purchase also included a Meet & Greet opportunity, at which Joe was his usual affable self. I brought one of my former students with me to the show (my tech guru at Thomas Jefferson HS)...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52889850@ … ed-public/


I also brought Amanda, my Alvarez Yairi WY1TS, which Joe signed for me...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52889850@ … ed-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52889850@ … ed-public/

Finally, a special thanks to Tamara at J&R, who rescued me from my own doofosity and made the whole experience painless and simple.

All Joe tours are something special, but this one is not to be missed...

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO

2 Reply by RoadcaseBoy (edited by RoadcaseBoy 2016-05-05 10:48:19)

  • From: Seymour Duncan's Hometown, NJ
  • Registered: 2012-03-05
  • Posts: 2,309

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Thank u Coach!

Great recap! ... great pictures! ... the crowd shot is great!! ... the tie makes it!!  (My warped mind looked for an Animal House clip to link at the bottom of this ... didn't see what I was looking for ... and I can't let a bad joke go ... so here it is ... "Nice tie! ... "Is that a clip on?" "Hey, Boone ... come check out this tie ..."  My apologies ...

Congrats to Amanda on getting her Joe tattoo!!

Always enjoy reading show reviews with M&G's ... smile!

PS: I see you mention a JB Signature in the guitar line up ... a Goldtop 300 came out to play?


Edit:
gotta love the internet ...

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/an-n_RQtm … ty_part_2/

"I was in Space for less than 2 weeks … and suddenly Jeaniene’s back … half the Band is off the gd wagon … we have comedians opening for us … and the nice kid that ran our website is now a kleptof’nmaniac.  Boy ... did you guys miss me!!"  Phil Valentine - Road Manager - Staton House Band

JBLP#251 (unaged) ... thank you Ron.
  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

RoadcaseBoy wrote:

PS: I see you mention a JB Signature in the guitar line up ... a Goldtop 300 came out to play?

Not a Goldtop, looked like a BonaBurst, only with his signature inlay on the neck:

http://kestrou.com/images/bonaburst_83.jpg

Again, someone who tracks Joe's axes more assiduously than I do could better identify...

Glad you enjoyed the review!

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO

4 Reply by RoadcaseBoy (edited by RoadcaseBoy 2016-05-05 11:16:18)

  • From: Seymour Duncan's Hometown, NJ
  • Registered: 2012-03-05
  • Posts: 2,309

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Thank you sir for the guitar answer ...

And your tie ... guessing it wasn't a clip on. smile

"I was in Space for less than 2 weeks … and suddenly Jeaniene’s back … half the Band is off the gd wagon … we have comedians opening for us … and the nice kid that ran our website is now a kleptof’nmaniac.  Boy ... did you guys miss me!!"  Phil Valentine - Road Manager - Staton House Band

JBLP#251 (unaged) ... thank you Ron.
  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

RoadcaseBoy wrote:

Thank you sir for the guitar answer ...

And your tie ... guessing it wasn't a clip on. smile

No, no it was not!  big_smile

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52889850@ … ed-public/

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO
  • From: Seymour Duncan's Hometown, NJ
  • Registered: 2012-03-05
  • Posts: 2,309

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Coach305 wrote:
RoadcaseBoy wrote:

Thank you sir for the guitar answer ...

And your tie ... guessing it wasn't a clip on. smile

No, no it was not!  big_smile

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52889850@ … ed-public/

Golden!! ...

"I was in Space for less than 2 weeks … and suddenly Jeaniene’s back … half the Band is off the gd wagon … we have comedians opening for us … and the nice kid that ran our website is now a kleptof’nmaniac.  Boy ... did you guys miss me!!"  Phil Valentine - Road Manager - Staton House Band

JBLP#251 (unaged) ... thank you Ron.
  • From: Denver
  • Registered: 2015-03-13
  • Posts: 69

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Very nice write up and accurate summation of the evening.  My wife and I flew in from Denver for the show and were seated about 5 seats to your right (probably the first seat out of frame on Joe's photo).

It was an evening to remember for sure.

Mike

  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Jane H. wrote:

oh yeah that is an awesome tie, good to see it again

Thanks! I had actually planned to wear one featuring Joe playing his WY1TS, like the one I brought to be signed, but the company that I use goofed and printed the image upside down on the tie, and since there was no time to reorder I just wore the goldtop tie I had made for the 2012 Des Moines show...  wink

Jane H. wrote:

great review Coach, some of that is just how i felt at the 11-10 show
i am very curious about the grey strat maybe was it pewter? I am sure its another one but ever since i learned that Joe sold his pewter strat that he used to play Pain and Sorrow many times, i have been hoping it would pop back up somewhere

Oh, it wasn't nearly so dark as pewter (unless it was heavily faded). It was probably closer to that "desert sand" Fender uses from time to time, although that isn't exactly the color, either. Maybe Joe can help us out if he reads this...  big_smile

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO
  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,700

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Coach, how was the stage volume with these big Fender amp's, just a bit worried the wife will find them too loud, esp the Theremin

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)

10 Reply by nmagcorn (edited by nmagcorn 2016-05-05 15:52:41)

  • From: Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-05-13
  • Posts: 2,790

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

I believe the Strat Coach is referring to is the Mary Kaye Joe is using on the first song "This Train." It's kind of cream colored and has a maple neck, but it may take on a different hue in the colored lights
https://www.flickr.com/photos/anitrasda … ed-public/

He is also playing a second cream colored one on the encore of "Hummingbird". And that one has a darker colored neck

Thanks for the great review of the show Coach. Always nice to here reports from others.

  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

DougH wrote:

Coach, how was the stage volume with these big Fender amp's, just a bit worried the wife will find them too loud, esp the Theremin

I didn't have a problem with the volume at all, but YMMV. Joe is still using Clearsonic baffles around his amps, which do a fine job. Joe didn't use the theremin in Omaha last night, so I'm guessing it's not going to be part of this tour...

Enjoy the show!  cool

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO
  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

nmagcorn wrote:

I believe the Strat Coach is referring to is the Mary Kaye Joe is using on the first song "This Train." It's kind of cream colored and has a maple neck, but it may take on a different hue in the colored lights
https://www.flickr.com/photos/anitrasda … ed-public/

That's the one! Thanks!

nmagcorn wrote:

He is also playing a second cream colored one on the encore of "Hummingbird". And that one has a darker colored neck

Yes, the one he used for "Hummingbird" looked like an aged Vintage White with a mint pickguard and rosewood neck...

nmagcorn wrote:

Thanks for the great review of the show Coach. Always nice to here reports from others.

You're very welcome! Happy to share, just as I'm happy to partake of all those cool videos you guys make...  big_smile

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO
  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Thanks for the blue-chip review, Coach! smile

That certainly looks to be a great concert hall design!!!  I wonder how good it can sound?! hmm


Rock ON & Keep Them Faithfully following,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”
  • From: Indianola, IA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 4,429

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Hey Coach!!

I loved your review and pics!!!!  Great job on the seat location!!!  You need to get that picture framed! So happy you had so much fun!  You must still be floating on Joe Cloud #9!!!!

luv ya, Patty

P.S.    I had hoped to make that show, but the stars didn't align right...work, work, work....  I always loved seeing you and Matthew Rotundo at the Omaha shows!  Another time.....

"I'm not nice to any guitar!"      lol
                 Joe Bonamassa 05-03-12

JBLP CHILD #184
  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Nice review Coach, but was Peyton Manning there? He's always screaming about OMAHA!!!

                                                                              LOL!!!

                                                                              J Dawg

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint
  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

pattyluvsjoe wrote:

Hey Coach!!

I loved your review and pics!!!!  Great job on the seat location!!!  You need to get that picture framed! So happy you had so much fun!  You must still be floating on Joe Cloud #9!!!!

I am indeed. And I'll definitely frame the pic, along with the ticket and the wristband, to add to my "brag wall." wink

pattyluvsjoe wrote:

P.S.    I had hoped to make that show, but the stars didn't align right...work, work, work....  I always loved seeing you and Matthew Rotundo at the Omaha shows!  Another time.....

I looked for you, but I know how life can get in the way sometimes. Yes, we'll no doubt cross paths down the road. I count on YOU to lure Joe back to our neck of the woods soon!  big_smile

Love you, too...

ohiodawg13 wrote:

Nice review Coach, but was Peyton Manning there? He's always screaming about OMAHA!!!

                                                                              LOL!!!

                                                                              J Dawg

I'm a Kansas City Chiefs fan who lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa, so I've spent a fair amount of my life cursing both Peyton Manning AND Oma-HAW (as Peyton would pronounce it)...  big_smile

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO
  • From: Kansas City, MO USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Rocket wrote:

Thanks for the blue-chip review, Coach! smile

That certainly looks to be a great concert hall design!!!  I wonder how good it can sound?! hmm

Glad you enjoyed it. As for the concert hall, it is clearly designed with music in mind. Not all venues are. I'm hoping Joe liked it enough to play there again...


Rock ON, Rocket!  big_smile

Terrance Shuman
Kansas City, MO
  • timb
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  • From: Central Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-05-09
  • Posts: 315

Re: Omaha, NE 5/4/16

Coach305 wrote:

I didn't have a problem with the volume at all, but YMMV. Joe is still using Clearsonic baffles around his amps, which do a fine job.
...

Those are a great idea. I was at another show that desperately needed them.

That show reminded me that it's better to put foam earplugs in your pocket and not need them than to not put them in your pocket and wish you'd had.

So for those that have concerns about someone finding it too loud, I suggest just bringing earplugs just in case. Something like this: http://amzn.com/B00Y8LBCUO/ (I searched for the cheapest with prime shipping that weren't an add-on item, or check your local hardware/home store. smile

timb's Website