Nashville Black Friday Special

Well what can you say when you return to Music City and they are singing your praises, and your songs?  Joe Bonamassa rolled into Nashville with his band and had the Polk Theater audience at the TPAC eating out of his hand from the minute he walked out onto stage blasting the opening cut from his first solo album, which harkens back to 2000's A New Day Yesterday.  The mood just intensified as he and the band ripped So Many Roads, with Joe's soloing scorching the eyeballs of the many newcomers, who had "heard of" him, but never seen and heard him.  His reputation had finally preceded him in a huge way.  I had much pleasure watching the crowd roll in, getting their casual drinking and casual merchandise gawking underway.  I had to set the record straight to someone coming to the show with the wrong impression, i.e. Stevie Ray like syndrome.  I let them know they were not in for another Stevie Ray appearance, which put them off a little but I knew the content of the evening's act would set the record straight for them once and for all.  Met some really interesting folks-someone from the Gibson factory attending a repeat time with a gal wearing a Buffalo, New York sweatshirt (they had been at TPAC for Joe's last appearance, but were not attending together, but now it was natural since they run in the same circles, not only that he had actually been to my hometown even though he was a local, not a prior upstate New Yorker like she had been), someone originally from Utica, actually nearby New Hartford, New York who ironically had never seen Joe Bonamassa before (and was wondering how "country" Black Country Communion was, only to be told they are hard rock, only to ironically recall having seen Glenn Hughes with Deep Purple as his very first concert ever).  I strolled out back stage area and saw what looked like all 3 members of Ryan McGarvey's outfit ( and was) hop out of a van parked in front of the buses and jog across the street to the back stage entrance, just in front of me.  Had a little chat with them about their show later and the hope to make it.  Great bunch of guys, all of 'em.  The receptionist called for Warren for me since Ryan's group was off to see Joe.  The time was getting tight, so it was back to the front and into the theater lobby chatting it up again.  Met a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and seeing Joe for the very first time and excited about it.  The lines to the merch table were BIG and business was brisk.  Helped out with recommendations as usual.  The lines to get drinks were ridiculously large now with uh, 12 minutes to midnite looking like it might be 12 minutes late.  I knew what was coming as I spread the word the show will go on on time, and many paid heed, as drinks were allowed in.  Finally headed inside and got to myseat and said a few hellos, and we were off and running, Joe Bonamassa band style-nonstop action. I think the setlist was as follows:

Cradle Rock
So Many Roads-had them whistling and roaring in earnest
When The Fire Hits The Sea-delivered with a solid backbeat and front end punch
So, It's Like That
If Heartaches Were Nickels-extra special soulfully rendered
Slow Train-really got them stirring, a great new tune that spins the head and dazzles the ears
Steal Your Heart Away
Sloe Gin-once again an otherworldly performance, roused them to their feet!
The Ballad Of John Henry
Happier Times
Never Make Your Move Too Soon
The Great Flood
Young Man Blues
Woke Up Dreaming-everyone on their feet for a greatly appreciative standing ovation
India/Django/Mountain Time

Encores:
Bird On A Wire
Just Got Paid-Up rocking and had Nashville catching their breath after as much as the  band

4th row directly aligned with Joe last night Nashville, TN, sound was a fantastic, a dream, sweet, kudos to Warren.  The slight building, crescendo of Bird On A Wire got a little muddled vocally, although the musicianship doesn't approach overzealous, but it spilled over the clarity, and I know it was only in the orchestra seats, which was floor level and directly behind the seats rose and the vocals were clearer.  All vocals otherwise floor level floored me, even though I could discern a teensy, tiny, bit of knackered, none of which detracts from their greatness. Rick's blend brought out even more exotic and subtle tones than usual, and the rhythm section was perfectamente! The interplay between Carmine and Joe on Young Man Blues tore the roof off, leaving no doubt how good the bass is in this combo!       

After show gathered out back again, big crowd dwindled with the ever dropping temperature with
#1KYFan & husband, (never fished out Jerrdog or Sandy Girl) Dennis, Sherry, Wharris family including the young man with tons of both respect AND taste, Bogie is his new favorite drummer, since his signature sticks were bought, handled by Bogie and signed again, in person! Joe, the sweet back door receptionist,  unsolicited, said that was very good, she was beaming as she left in her scooter chair, and said to me she enjoyed you, REALLY enjoyed you very much on her MONITOR, and what was your last name again??!!  Joe and Sandy strolled out and Joe said he'd be right back, and to sentimental me, the two looked so sweet scooting across the street holding hands almost a la John & Yoko to let Sandy on the bus.  Made it on down to the Exit In just in time to catch Ryan McGarvey's last 2 songs, extended versions of Mystic Dream & If 6 Was 9, with Ryan at his best albeit it unfortunately to just a precious few (nearly empty by then).  They still sounded and played good.  Ryan & the guys had caught much of Joe's show, and Joe was actually going to pop over to theirs, but he gear reload took longer than anticipated and therefore precluded that jam!    However, Good time chats went late into the morning...Met some musical connections of course  !

Last 2 weeks of the tour folks get out there and root 'em on home!!!

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! "
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.”