I've seen Joe many times over the last few years starting with the Borderline London gig which seems a long way away now up to the recent RAH gig. My first time though at Norwich to see him. I decided to make a day of it . Getting to the venue about 1pm I bumped straight into Sandi Thom who was very charming wrapped up in a green coat. Had a lovely chat with her about her career and hopeful future in the business. Joe then appeared and we took photos, and signed all my cd's and of course the RAH dvd. He even came out again after sorting out his laundry for a brief chat. The roadcrew are a great bunch, chatting away about the tour . The rest of the band then rolled up and had a great chat with them and photos. A special mention for Rick who after getting my cd's signed by himself and Carmine then took into the venue my supermarket carrier bag containing items for Bogie to sign, what a sight 
Rick then came out later for a more informal chat about non music stuff which was great.
What doesn't get much press, if any , is that Joe is holding guitar workshops at the venues of the gigs for 90 mins before he & the band soundcheck. I caught the last 20 mins of it and he just gives others inspiration to play by telling them about how he learned and persevered. Giving guitar tips and general enthusiam for his craft. These workshops included in the crowd schoolkids and guitar pupils from college classes., very similar to his Blues for Schools campaign in the USA, how many musicians at his level do that especially while on tour?
After the soundcheck , which at the time I was queuing up outside with others, Rick went walkabout and decided to walk through the front entrance with a plate of food. He said ' Hello Roger , How are you doing? Not long now before we start.' The look on peoples face was priceless and I must admit to sporting a rather smug look for a few minutes.
All I conclude about the gig is that it is the best I have seen Joe since Dublin a couple of years back.
Doors open and into the venue and parked at the front centre.
Sandi Thom and her band were wonderful, the best support I've seen with Joe. She played tracks from her new cd 'Merchants & Thieves'. She has taken a more pleasing musical direction since her infamous internet basement gig debut. Only downside for her during her set was a guitar malfunction which she took with a shrug and a smile.
Joey time next, and he did not dissappoint the expectant crowd. Starting from the side of the stage with 'The Ballad Of John Henry'.
Playing songs from all his catalogue and switching guitars virtually everytime. Bogie on drums was especially on great form, his performance on 'The Great Flood' was exceptional.
All the expected classics were done. A crowd cheer at the opening keyboard bars of 'Sloe Gin' were followed by total silence as Joe delicately worked through the opening guitar sequence.
'Woke Up Dreaming' is fast becoming a classic not only for Joe but for guitar music in general. His acoustic work on the 10 min song is phenomenal and had the crowd cheering and clapping at various sections of the acoustic workout.
Two song encore followed the finish of the main set, concert finishing with Joe's rock tribute 'Just Got Paid' medley. Giving the Flying V a vicious 12 mins on stage. Nice to see he added 'Stratus' to the workout.
After the gig I managed to acquire Joe's setlist and guitar pick. This time during his gig I paid attention mainly to his guitar action and it was mesmerising seeing the strings bending and then vibrating then as well in that position, it was a joy .
Setlist:
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/Bridge To Better Days/Story Of A Quarryman/Great Flood/Woke Up Dreaming/India-Mountain Time/ Ball Peen Hammer/Just Got Paid
A great night of entertainment. Joe as many know is back in May 2010 on tour with a new cd to promote. Sandi Thom is back touring UK in April 2010 check her out she is worth a listen.
Song Of The Day Award - If Heartaches Were Nickels, never sounded so good
