Topic: Rochester, MN - October 17, 2009
This time I didn't lose my scratch paper so I got the set list:
The Ballad Of John Henry
Last Kiss
So Many Roads
So It's Like That
If Heartaches Were Nickels
Further On Up The Road
Sloe Gin
Lonesome Road Blues
Happier Times
Your Funeral, My Trial
Had To Cry Today
The Great Flood
Woke Up Dreaming
Mountain Time
encore:
Ball Peen Hammer
Just Got Paid
Since I was undoubtedly the only regular forum member in attendance (except for Joe, Bogie and Warren, of course) I thought I should write something, so here goes.
It had been just over four years since Joe last played Rochester - August 24, 2005 to be exact - and I know because that was the first time we saw Joe.
This show was held in Presentation Hall of the Mayo Civic Center complex in Rochester. The Presentation Hall is a theater of modern design with staight walls and hard surfaces. It is a somewhat narrow room, with high ceilings and a balcony that seemed like it was a mile from the stage. I would say capacity was around 1000 and if I had to guess how many people were in attendance I would say 600-700. Hard to say for sure because we were up front where it was full and I didn't get up and walk around. The stage was very good though, and the crew had set up Joe's PA and lights. Overall, not my favorite venue, but this was the Joe Bonamassa show and if it's anywhere within 5-6 hours we're going to be there!
At first the sound was a bit "boomy" from where we were IMO (and not unexpected given the characteristics of the room), but Warren did an excellent job of dialing the sound in. By a few songs in, the sound was very good. The light show was used to good effect as well, although some better spotlighting of Joe would have been nice.
The performance itself really was outstanding! Even though it wasn't a full house, the crowd was definitely into it and Joe and the boys certainly didn't hold back! Joe's singing was really exceptional, I thought. The set list, as usual, is a good mix of old and new, fast and slow, in-your-face and subtle. I think "Mountain Time" is very good as a closer to the main set and "Just Got Paid" makes an outstanding finale. Also, some different and interesting song "teases" have been worked into the show. I especially liked the little bit of "Stratus" during "Just Got Paid".
All things considered, another excellent installment of the Joe Bonamassa show!
And since Rochester was the first place I saw Joe I thought I would add a couple of tidbits for my fellow nostalgia buffs. Here's a couple photos from my very first Joe Bonamassa show and a scan of their handwritten set list for that show:
Joe has definitely come a long way in those four years!
I'm going to head your way one of these times for a concert! Thanks again Lee for the wonderful post!
