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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

I thought my comment would create a stir, but I thought I would express my honest opinion of the Civic gig. I still stand by those comments. It is reassuring to see there are others who agree with me. There were 4 people who were either side of me who walked out of the Civic venue. I would not have found out about Joe as soon as I did had it not been for the Robin and my willingness to read a few words in their magazine, by taking a chance and making the effort to go and see if the printed words were right I would not have found Joe as soon as I did. I would not have spread the word about him as soon as I did, also I don't think I made such a daft comment about their involvement in his rise so far. I recal Joe standing on stage at the last Robin gig and making a comment very similar to what he did at the Civic about the rise in audience figures the last time he played. What a shame he did not live up to his words spoken on the stage of the Robin and returning there. Let his followers from over the years see him at the venue, let the others who have never attended the Robin go to the Civic. Yes, the Robin2 does have some really gifted artists play there and it is a shame it is not supported better, people just do not seem to want to look 'outside of the box' and see these up and coming artists and support them in their early days. The Robin has opened my eyes to some superb musicians over the years I have been visiting there and I know that some youngsters I have seen very recently will go on to make it. It is those people who attend and spread the word and help to raise awareness of the artist, among other things. I hope to keep on discovering new artists before they move on to bigger things. I hope they do not forget their roots. I accept that there will be some in the audience at the Civic who will spread the word about Joe, but I do wonder if they have experienced the Joe Bonamassa I have and the experience I have was much better than that I experienced at the Civic last week.
I have no connection at all with The Robin2 I just enjoy good music. See you there very soon.
A wonder if there will be a dvd released of the RAH gig?

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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

mike787 wrote:

Well, here goes...
Sorry, Wolverhampton Civic did not do it for me. Don't get me wrong, Joe put on a great show, but the sound quality was awful. Too much of an echo and Joe's vocals could not be heard and I was in the stalls in the middle. I have seen Joe previously in all his shows at the Robin over the years and the sound quality was far superior.
Joe deserves the sucess, but he would have done much better selling the Robin2 out 4 nights on the trot that one night at the Civic. The Robin also deserves the gigs for helping to put him where he has got to. Thank you Robin2.
I guess it is the end of the close up and personal gigs now, but at least I have experienced them and he has signed my cd's and given me the plectrums in the past. I have superb memories that drowned out the gig at the Civic.

Well Mike, the civic was my first time of seeing Joe live and all I can say is, if that was the sound quality being awful!!!! Then, WOW you obviously have extremely high standards!!!
I was personally blown away, but like I said it was (unfortunately) until now, the only opportunity I have had to see him live.

Luckily for me, a friend of mine has just won us tickets to see him and the boys tomorrow night at Sheffield via Planet Rock................ let's hope it's up to standard aye!

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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

Greenose, don't panic. I was playing Devil's Advocate. Like you, I hope that isn't the road he goes down. It would be a  great shame and loss if he did. My girlfriend said after the Gateshead gig that she was glad we saw him in the Ferry playing to about 500 people because the atmosphere was definitely better than in the bigger venues.

As I said in another post I've been to some incredible gigs in small venues and I much prefer them to those in larger venues. Arenas may pack in the crowds but you lose so much  in the way of atmosphere you may as well go home and watch the DVD for all the difference it makes. Give me the Ferry over the SECC every time (or the Queen's Hall or Picture House to Murrayfield, if you like). I'm still looking forward to the RAH, though!

'Try as you might to keep a lid on a good time, you can't do it. When people want to have a good time....' - Billy Gibbons
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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

Sair, take a look at what is up and coming at the Robin2, take a chance. One guy soon to appear has been referred to as the new Hendrix, how does it go...he who dares wins!  I have never seen a guitarist as good. Samples are on a well known video posting web site should you not wish to go in blind.

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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

You must be reffering to Carvin Jones, he is an excellent guitarist  but I wish who would not fool around so much and calm it down a little and maybe sing less too.
Saying that there is a first class support act which is well worth the entrance fee alone, dont miss them. So for entertainment value its a good night smile.

mike787 wrote:

Sair, take a look at what iists up and coming at the Robin2, take a chance. One guy soon to appear has been referred to as the new Hendrix, how does it go...he who dares wins!  I have never seen a guitarist as good. Samples are on a well known video posting web site should you not wish to go in blind.

Martin
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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

You are spot on mbcl. The guy is breathtaking, I've never seen a guitar played so fast. Vocals leave a bit to be desired, but what a showman! I could not believe my eyes when he played both guitars at the same time at the one gig. I agree with your comments about the support as well.

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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

Hey – I’m back from the wilderness in North West Scotland, so I thought I’d revisit this thread (seeing as I started it).

Some very interesting exchanges here, which I’ll return to in a moment. First I’ll expand on my experience on the night.

Firstly, the sound mix was pretty good, but not perfect. I’ve seen Joe twice before and I would say that this was the least convincing mix – but it was not sufficiently poor to detract from a superb show.
Joe has developed into a top notch performer. The show is slick, well lit, and the new band layout added interest (OK – I was also a little disappointed as we had booked our tickets left of centre – where Joe used to stand. Martin on the other hand………..  )
From the moment Joe walked on stage the atmosphere was electric.
If  there’s one thing (other than his guitar playing) that sets Joe apart from the rest, it has to be stage presence. He commanded that stage from the word go – I heard someone say afterwards that you couldn’t take your eyes off him for a moment for fear of missing something. The snappy suits and shirts impress me too (commented on in another thread recently) – it all adds to the slick professional approach and the feeling that Joe wants to make an effort in all departments. (I think BJJ posted a youtube clip of EC recently playing live in a baggy, grey, sweat stained t-shirt and what looked like a pair of jogging pants – please! – people are paying good money!)

The set rocked along at such a pace that when I looked at my watch after what I thought was about half an hour, it turned out to be an hour and a half. Highlights for me were once again the acoustic section (Woke up Dreaming/High Water Everywhere) and Blues Deluxe (Joe the showman again). Then into the encore and the heart melting India/Mountain Time pairing, which just gets better and better.

The band were just terrific, but special mention from me for Bogie, who gave us a masterclass in drumming – great stuff!

Also – thanks to Rick for mentioning my beloved Wolves (that’s a “soccer” team for our US cousins) – promoted to the Premier League for next season. (And they play in gold and black – just like the JB Les Paul).

Of course the best part of the night is leaving the venue with all those first-timers shaking their heads in disbelief and saying how they’ve “never seen anything as good as that”. Oh, and getting to meet Joe briefly after the gig and getting some pictures signed.

Martin – Your Photos are stunningly good – I must talk to you about cameras in London.

So to the debate on the bigger/smaller venues.

All hail to the Robin2 !!

No – seriously , the Robin is a great club, I go there regularly, and would encourage anyone in the Midlands to get yourselves over there and support the great Blues-Rock acts they showcase. However, they did not put Joe where he is today, and to say that Joe should restrict his shows to smaller auditoriums is like saying to hell with ambition, lets stop here. Joe’s increasing popularity and ceaseless touring is bound to take its toll at some stage – the answer can only be found in larger venues. I would however like to see more venues with standing as an option on Joe’s tours.

Duncan – a well made point about the RAH. Hope Joe doesn’t  do an Eric and never venture North of Watford. I mean – would EC ever play Llandudno? (Apologies to our Welsh friends if I have misspelled that – I have difficulty pronouncing it aswell. But If it’s good enough for Joe then I’ll be there too.)

Oh , and Mike – Carvin Jones is no Jimi Hendrix.
I’ve seen CJ (at the Robin), and suffice to say I won’t be rushing back. Fast doesn’t equal good! (He was so fast that I can’t remember a single song lasting more than two and a half minutes!)

Gasp for air (sorry, but I have been away from the forum for a week)

My - are we spoiled with this Bonamassa guy!

Ian

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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

In response to Icon's post, if the Robin did not help to put Joe to where he is now, I do wonder why Joe played there so many times and why he chose to return to the Midlands for this gig and so close to the Robin. He could have played the B'ham Acadamy for the last gig rather than the Civic. It is well known that there are large, world famous acts who assume a fake identity and play a gig at a small venue for one night specials, it would be nice if Joe did that with the Robin, I'm sure Mike and the guys would let their regulars know, they know who attends and supports these acts year after year.  Joe will go to the next size venue in the very near future, don't get me wrong, he deserves it and he will go on to much bigger things. He has signed the cd's I bought from him at the Robin and my dated ticket stubs, I have his plec'. I just hope he does not forget his roots. Re Carvin, we differ in our opinions, he is a bally good guitarist, a tremendous show man, shame about the vocals and the management. He is gifted.

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Re: Wolverhampton 23 April 09

mike787 wrote:

In response to Icon's post, if the Robin did not help to put Joe to where he is now, I do wonder why Joe played there so many times and why he chose to return to the Midlands for this gig and so close to the Robin. He could have played the B'ham Acadamy for the last gig rather than the Civic. It is well known that there are large, world famous acts who assume a fake identity and play a gig at a small venue for one night specials, it would be nice if Joe did that with the Robin, I'm sure Mike and the guys would let their regulars know, they know who attends and supports these acts year after year.  Joe will go to the next size venue in the very near future, don't get me wrong, he deserves it and he will go on to much bigger things. He has signed the cd's I bought from him at the Robin and my dated ticket stubs, I have his plec'. I just hope he does not forget his roots. Re Carvin, we differ in our opinions, he is a bally good guitarist, a tremendous show man, shame about the vocals and the management. He is gifted.

Have a little perspective.  he could have never played that venue once in his career and probably be where he is now.  Remember, that is one about about 50 or more cities he has played in across the world.  it all adds up.  I like small venues too and actually agree with you that an artist like him playing civic centers is basically a waste of time because of the nature of his sound and the show.  Much better playing more nights at smaller venues, but I think you are putting way too much emphasis on what that did for his career.  I don't know anything about the robin, but I think I know enough to tell you there are venues like it all over the world. 

Hope he does not forget his roots?  if you have heard his latest albums, I would not count on that.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fCdNsm7gvu8

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