Re: Southampton Guildhall show
Posted this review and links on Planet Rock for the many thousands of fans who still seem to be unaware of the Joe Forum!
Joe Bonamassa at The Guildhall, Southampton, Tuesday 1st December 2009.
Set List:
Ballad of John Henry (MusicMan Double Neck, 2 humbuckers and a single)
Last Kiss (Bigsby)
So Many Roads
So It's Like That (JB LP with creme plastic)
If Heartaches Were Nickels
Further On Up The Road (R9 with different controls for bass and treble, like JB LP, flipped neck pickup a la Peter Green)
Sloe Gin
Lonesome Road Blues (Rossington)
Happier Times (Ross. Capo 3)
Bridge to Better Days (Firebird)
Had To Cry Today
The Great Flood (JB LP w/ creme plastic)
Woke Up Dreaming (Capo 1)
Mountain Time (John Petrucci Music Man)
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Encores:
Ball Peen Hammer (new Music Man double neck, 12 and 6 string, 3 humbuckers on the 6 - but never touch this neck)
Just Got Paid/Dazed and Confused Medley (Gibson Flying V)
Once again I was privileged to witness another flawless performance by the man I believe to be the greatest exponent of the guitar of our age.
And - even better than that, I was able to take photos from the pit!
The Guildhall is a great little venue and Joe could have filled twice over. The sound was near perfect for me - clear as a bell and not distorted. Best since Colston Hall and significant improvement on RAH as clearer and less loud.
If you haven't seen Joe before try to get a ticket and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. I predict it will take you about 30 seconds to realise what you have been missing.
For me, Joe's acoustic work is just, if not more, interesting, listenable and fascinating to both watch and listen to than his varied electric.
But - Sloe Gin was the highlight of the evening for me - totally flawless, effortless and only requiring practice 5 to 8 hours a day for 24 years to perform. How hard could it be?
Not sure about the 18 string doubleneck but it was interesting. Loved the gold top, honey burst LP and new albert lee, plus ruby tulip guitars.
Interesting new developments in the amps too.
Criticism? Well, I missed the RAH Django intro and I always hope to hear 24 Hours again - it takes 20 minutes so maybe we won't, but I hope! And - I loved Stop! at RAH and Cardiff and was surprised that it was dropped. However, I know this song in particular has been a contravertial choice with the fans - bit like Marmite.
Below are 2 links to slideshows of the pictures I took - first from the pit and then from the crowd, - and this time, I think they are rather good, but you be the judge.