Wow, what a terrific show!! 
I was still finding my way back from the lady's room and to my seat during half of the first song, but as soon as I sat down I became so mesmerized by Joe's playing that I was almost to the end of the second song (So Many Roads, always a favorite of mine) before it dawned on me that I hadn't even so much as glanced at the other three top-notch musicians on the stage! Sorry guys! But rest assured, once I started taking notice, I couldn't have been more pleased with each of you. I echo all the same praise Tony Conley gave everyone in his 3/22 blog ( http://rockguitardaily.blogspot.com/201 … f-his.html ), as well as many others here who have been posting reviews since the new tour began. I agree that Joe, Carmine and Rick are sounding better than ever (and that's including Joe's vocals). And our newcomer Tal? The man can freakin DRUM! 'Nuff said! And the sound mix was perfect throughout. I was in the back right corner of the orchestra level and everything sounded great back there. Nice stage lighting too.
I enjoyed every minute of the show, but some of the definite highlights for me were, in chronological order: So Many Roads, If Heartaches Were Nickels, Dust Bowl, Sloe Gin, The Great Flood, Woke Up Dreaming, and Just Got Paid. These are some of my favorite songs, and this was a stellar live performance of all of them. So many other people have already described the show and the new level they're playing at, I won't bother repeating what's already been said. I just wanted to say I was particularly glad to get those songs. Is it just me, or does anybody else wish he'd bring back Bridge To Better Days? It's got a great riff, awesome solo, it rocks, it has an uplifting message, it's a Joe original, I always thought it had potential commercial appeal, and I bet these days they'd execute it even better than in the past. It's one of several songs that made me a fan in the first place. Just some food for thought.
Once in a while there is discussion here on the forum about whether Just Got Paid/Dazed & Confused should remain on the setlist as a staple, when he's been doing it for so long now and eliminating it would make time for a couple more songs. I've always been of the opinion that it should stay, because when I attended my first Joe show (not really being familiar with Joe's songs yet), he blew me away all night, but it was THAT song moreso than all the others that really hooked me and made me want to tell people about him. There used to be an awesome 14 1/2 minute version of it from the 2007 North Sea Jazz Fest appearing on JB-TV that I used to post and send people links to, but it disappeared back when the JB-TV format changed... I never understood or could get an answer why, when it was such a great representation of the song (both musically and the professionally shot video), and all or most of the other 2007 North Sea Jazz Fest songs remain on there. The 2009 version (and any others I've viewed) isn't quite as good, imo. Prior to me finding that performance, I had been posting and sending people a link to a fan video, but it wasn't very good quality video/audio, and at this point he doesn't even really play it like that anymore. And that brings me to my next point... I know this song has evolved over the years and can change from night to night, but I gotta be honest and say that all or most the performances I've seen and heard within the past year or two, while still great, just don't quite do it for me like it used to. I don't think this is just because I've been around a few years now and the "wow factor" is waning... he actually plays it differently than he used to. I remember more Dazed & Confused content in there, more theremin, and he'd miraculously use his hands/fingers to perfectly recreate what I guess would be the violin/cello bow sounds. Now I will say his overall playing is way better now, but I miss all that extra stuff I remember. So these days I have mixed feelings about whether or not that song should be swapped out for a couple others. If he'd go back to playing it like he used to, I'd have to say keep it. But if not, then I might vote to swap it out at this point. Or maybe not. It's still an important crowd-wowwer, I know.
Ok, while I'm at it... Woke Up Dreaming is another one. That was probably the second most impressive song from my first show (I'd never seen such fast and accurate acoustic picking!), and it's another one that compelled me to spread the word about Joe. I used to post and send people the link to the YouTube video where Joe plays it impromptu on a borrowed guitar at a music store signing... it was good for my purposes because it was relatively short, but included the lyrics and all the key musical parts and changes, and it showed off his talent in raw form without mics and PA, and up close and personal. Here, I just found it, for those who may not have seen it before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5B3FYUBPyo Anyway, this is another song that naturally lends itself to continual evolution and nightly flexibility, but while I love the lyrics and the main riff and the various tempo changes, and the picking is amazing, at some point it starts to become less of a song and more of a demonstration. I would like to see it remain a setlist staple, but a shorter version of it. That would make time for another song... maybe even a new equally impressive but different sounding acoustic song. Just a suggestion.
I would've liked to have heard more than two songs off the new CD, especially since most the reviews are saying this is his best album yet. Dust Bowl was great... such a cool, groovy song, I love it. But Slow Train was somewhat boring to me... nothing wrong with it, it's a fine song, I enjoyed it like I enjoy most all blues, but it just didn't grab me... though maybe it'll grow on me. Seems like practically everyone names Prisoner as a favorite off the new release... why isn't that one on the setlist? I was also surprised Joe didn't give the new CD a plug or even mention it at all, especially given the timing of the release the day before. Not everyone out there is aware yet, Joe, and you have the platform and a captive audience! A simple, quick, humble "My 12th CD was just released yesterday, and this is a tune from it..." would be exciting, impressive and informative for the newcomers in the audience. I don't know, maybe he does mention it at some shows, but not last night, which I thought was odd.
What else can I say about the show? It was sold out before showtime. The audience reaction was quite enthusiastic and appreciative from beginning to end. I loved how everyone stood up during the whole Just Got Paid encore... I finally got to move and groove a little!
The Sovereign PAC is a real nice theater with good acoustics and comfortable seats. Another thing that always strikes me about that place and I feel it deserves a mention... they have absolutely the best bathrooms of any music venue I've ever been at... HUGE (I heard one lady say her whole house wasn't that big!), with PLENTY of stalls, sinks, extra countertop areas, and mirrors, and everything is always extremely clean and well-stocked. Well I can't speak for the men's, but that's how the women's is. And that's just downstairs... there are more bathrooms on the 2nd level.
Oh yeah, Joe made a comment last night that it took him 22 years to get to Reading, as if it was his first visit... but that ain't right... I know he was there about two years ago. I didn't end up making the show myself (I did Hagerstown instead), but I remember reading reviews about some sound issues and/or an extra low ceiling... might've been at a hotel or something, I'm not sure anymore. Also might've technically been Wyomissing, but that's smack up against Reading, so same thing. I seem to remember it being part of the Berks Jazz Fest, unless that was yet a prior Reading appearance. But he was definitely there at least once before. The difference in the type and size of venue he played (and sold out) this time compared last time is a true testament of his growing success in these last couple short years... well deserved and congratulations, Joe!
It was good to meet and chat with both the new and familiar faces at the pre-show gathering. Unfortunately I was kinda limited to my end of the table and there were many I never got to meet. That was a HUGE group, and a LONG table! Well, for anybody down there who may have spotted me but didn't know who I was, I was the one with long layered brown hair and glasses, wearing the multi-colored tie-dye t-shirt with an acoustic guitar design on the front and back. Manoj, thanks again for handling the arrangements.
As already mentioned, Joe told the audience a little around-town adventure story starring him and his girlfriend and ending at the Ugly Oyster, a pub he seemed to highly recommend. And audiophelia was apparently already a fan of the place, judging by his pre-show post. Those of you who stopped in there, what was your impression? I googled it and the menu looks good and it's closer to the venue too. I'm thinking maybe we should keep it in mind for the NEXT Reading pre-show meet-up, whadaya'll think? There's also the Peanut Bar... I always hear good things about that place too and apparently their prices are very reasonable.
I can't close this without a follow-up thank-you to RickB for so generously providing me the ticket to a show I didn't think I'd be able to attend. He even bought me a mid-level priced seat (and I'm betting he would've gone with the highest ticket if those hadn't already been sold out at that point) before I had a chance to tell him a cheap seat in the upper balcony would be fine. And yes, I definitely enjoyed it enough for the both of us! I didn't request the meet & greet, but I was hoping to see Joe at his bus post-show. The only thing I wanted to tell him was about how Rick had "paid forward" the great deed Joe had recently done for him in San Diego... that is, Joe set Rick and his party (including his mother) up with 6 free primo seats, after they'd arrived at the venue only to find their ticket order had somehow been cancelled, and they couldn't buy more because it was a sold out show. I wanted him to know Rick was more than just appreciative... he put his money where his mouth is and "paid it forward". And hopefully someday, in some way, I'll be able to do the same for somebody else. I never did get to see Joe, but I'm hoping somebody reading this with access to him will make sure he knows. Oh, and about him playing Reading before too. What the hell, just tell him to read my whole review, haha! 
Holy hell, I'm sorry this got so long... if you stuck in this long, thank you! It's funny, because in recent years I've really gotten away from writing show reviews... you might even say I've developed an aversion to it, like it's a chore... even when I have stuff I'd really like to say! But I believe I promised Rick a review, and it seemed like the least I could do, so here it is. I'm glad I did it, in part because it gave me a chance (or more like forced me) to express what I've been thinking for a while now (the good and the bad) about Just Got Paid and Woke Up Dreaming. Perhaps that would've been better subject matter for another discussion thread, but seeing the live show is what prompted me to finally speak up, so it became part of the review.
A big THANK YOU to Joe, Carmine, Rick, Tal, Warren, RickB, and all my fellow Bonabuddies who came out, for such a great evening! I now have 9 shows under my belt, and this just might've been the best one yet. Or maybe that was my very first one, in 2007... as they say, there's nothing like your first time, haha! 
--Vik 
But, it's the thought that counts and I was thrilled to exchange a few words with Angela.
Maybe you can relay what your wife diagnosed you with....BonamassaADD... (of course, not to make fun of anyone with ADD, Manoj's wife line of work as a physician had her diagnosing him.) Sing Sick In Love to your wife, believe me she'll let you be obsessed with Joe, instead of putting you in a straight jacket call her in as the doctor. (listen to the words and crank it up - just love that song) This is what I have to say to you Manoj ~ You got it bad, a bad case of Joe! You are officially addicted. 
