Very nice photos Jim. You caught some great facial expressions.
I spent some time composing my thoughts about the evening. Hope the bot is kind today as the story rambles on a bit.
Yes, the magician was at work last night. I could listen to hours of Joe on acoustic alone. It was a perfect evening. The weather was mild (for W. PA in March) so traveling to the Burg was quick. Passing by the Cathedral of Learning and then the Carnegie Museum we saw the Bonabuses and the excitement escalated.
Found a parking space on a side street, first spot, right in front of the building. Just like the Harrisburg show, we seem to be engulfed in some mysterious 'good luck' spell whenever we go to a Joe Show. Walked to the Union Grill for a pre-show meal and, not surprisingly, heard quite a few Joe comments, as we were waiting for a table. A fellow sitting alone by the front windows, had a conversation with the next table. Seems like he was a true believer and was on to Canada next. I bet he's a forum member. People walking in were surprised by the crowd and were told "There's a concert, some blues band. Joe Somebody." She said it again as we were leaving so I had to tell her "Bonamassa, Joe Bonamassa" That way she'll have a clue when the Grammy nominations are announced this year.
The Carnegie Music Hall is a lovely, small theatre, very ornate. The crowd of 2000 was the usual mix of old farts, teenagers, old hippies, twenty-something couples, middle aged retired military (just a guess), long hairs, shaved heads, yuppies and everything imagineable. The music reaches the masses. Bought my copy of Dust Bowl and headed up to the 2nd balcony seats. Just as we reached the door the lights went down and the cheering began. According to my phone it was 7:58. No sneakers for this gig. More formal as suited the venue. They just jumped in with the music and never stopped.
I focused on Joe right off and immediately found out the flaw in the venue. If he moved to the very front of the stage we could not see him at all. A few steps back, and I still had to look through the heads in front of me to get a glimpse. So I just closed my eyes and focused on the sound. My X-chromosomes said "A bit on the loud side, but nice balance." Personally I would like to have the guitar sound bumped up. That's why I go to the live show. To see and hear a master guitarist at work. But although I couldn't see onto the stage too well, I could feel. The bass was vibrating my seat so not only were my ears happy, other parts were getting "a feel" for the music. Thanks Carmine.
I didn't write down the set list but it was probably the same as prior shows. Loved Dust Bowl, but again I wished the guitar sound was a bit more prominent. Joe's voice is getting more full and expressive. Rick was taking care of business in his black chapeau. Always right on. Tal has no problem fitting in. Not a shy bone there. And I finally understand the 'Jack Black' reference from another post.
We were getting frustrated with some of the latecomers who couldn't find their seats, mostly because someone else was sitting there. Standing up, moving over - leave, come back and make everyone stand up again... it was excessive. Be forwarned, I'm taking duct tape or perhaps a taser next show. Seriously, it might be useful to have the folks at the merchandise booth announce 15, 10 and 5 minute warnings to find your seat. Close the bar 10 minutes before and open it back up a half hour later.
Getting past the annoyances it was a great show. Well worth the ticket to hear Woke Up Dreaming live and embellished. Too soon, Just Got Paid started and the folks in front of us stood. I could only see Rick on stage then and noticed him take off his hat, and it seemed, reluctantly replace it with a mortar board with tassel. Peeking through the bodies in front of me I could see they all were sporting the hats. So from Cheddar Heads in Wisconsin to Graduates in Pittsburgh. Why? I guess they spent the prior day off at the Cathedral of Learning across the street. An appropriate choice for a guy who's been throwing in alot of flavors from other countries into his music. The Cathedral's Nationality rooms showcase the art, decor, traditions and ethic heritage of 26 different countries. Or maybe they just watched the co-eds on the Pitt campus. Either way, they passed with flying colors.
Thanks Joe and company for a great evening of music.
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