[ Closed ] Joe at Western MD Blues Festival 6/2/06 (Page 1 of 2)

HOLY$H*T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got turned on to Joe about two months ago and have been counting the days to last nights show. I'm a guitar player, guitar snob and a pretty critical dude, especially about things I know something about (or at least think I do!).

One of my biggest beefs is players who make it so far in their career, obviously have talent and skill and then kinda start resting on their laurels, not really putting out the love and energy that maybe they used to. As I said, Joe is new to me, so I have no idea what he was like at Hagerstown last year, or anywhere else for that matter.

If last night was in any way a step back or down for him then, wow, then I don't know what to say.

This guy, from note one on, put out. Energy, skill, passion, technique, taste. He left me, as a member of the audience, feeling like I got what the guy had and that's ALL I ever ask.

The tonal qualities he got out of his rig and his various guitars was simply a treat, note after note, lick after lick. Joe's approach to the blues, the most played, most copied and repeated and sometimes trampled to death form of music there is, brought a freshness and creativity and, frankly, an azz kicking vibrancy that is simply not only NOT expected in such a simple and explored form of music well into it's mature years but is actually stunning none the less, expected or not, when you come across it.

My critical side says 'well, the boy didn't exactly reinvent the wheel, so, let's not get carried away here.' My fan side says 'that may be true but the first wheel was stone, then wood, then they put metal bands for durability on it and finally rubber with all sorts of styles for the rims'.  Every step of the way, a BB King, a Buddy Guy, a Clapton, a Hendrix, a Vaughn comes along and makes a big change in the basic wheel, so to sepak, a distinguishable new signature on the genre. Well, Joe, to me, has brought that level of change. Call it a new tire that runs just fine in the rain, so to speak!

Anyway, enough blather. Joe blew me away. I wanna add kudos for his singing. It fits what he does. His voice ws as strong at the end as it was at the begining. His stage presence is good as well. Props to his bass player and his drummer. KILLER snare, my man nd strong playing all night!!! The band is talented, into it and tight.

Great reviews Carl and Larry.  Can't wait to see "So Many Roads" performed.  Crowd interaction goes a long way...

Great reviews of Joe's performance last night by Carl, Jane and Scott.  Even lots of rain, thunder and lightning can't stop Joe from having an incredible show.  Certainly a night to remember and well worth the four hour trip to Hagerstown.  Jane I am so glad I got to meet you.  Melissa always great to see you.  Carl sorry I missed you but I did look for you in the front row because that is where I sat and I did not see your, "Always on The Road" shirt.  And Don and Jocelyn glad we sat next to you you both were a lot of fun to hang in the rain with. 

Joe, you Bogie and Mark were really great last night.  So good to see you guys.  Bogie, thanks for signing my Blues Fest program.  You are the best!  Love you guys in Pittsburgh, Barbara

Carl...thanks for the review. I caught the last two shows of the spring tour and "So Many Roads" wasn't on the setlist then. Can't wait for the next show I see. Unfortunately, it might not be until December (or later).

Welcome aboard Amberwoods....   Joe plays up in that area quite a bit, but don't just limit your travels to Michigan, it's fun to go to some surrounding states to travel and see him play, you will never be disappointed.

Whew,what a weekend.I was at the beach in Ocean City MD on Saturday and Monday,the NASCAR race in Dover DE on Sunday,and last but not least(actually first),Hagerstown MD on Friday for the BLUESFEST which basicly turned out to be just JOE's band with the exception of a couple of the Deb Callahan's band's tunes (all due to the weather,but more about that later).After reading your reviews of the show,I feel compelled to say I am sincerely sorry if i was one of the fans that spoiled the show for you.I was there way too early and decided to kill some time before the 4:30 start by having a few Jim Beam and Cokes at a bar across the street.Well as you know it was pouring down rain at that time,and some folks came in and said there was going to be a 1/2 hr delay.Don't recall what time it quit raining,but it was too many drinks later. Deb C. took the stage only to be cut short by the elements.Back to the bar.More Beam and Jameson whiskey.Ok now it quits raining again,and this is where it gets scarey.I go over to the venue and there is no one off to the right of the stage barrier,so i drunkenly decide to sneak backstage.I meet Joe and tell him how much a$$ he kicked in Pittsburgh a few months ago and we each go about our way.I just hung out there before I was asked to leave for not having credentials.I know i could have waited till after the show when he would have gladly met me or anyone else,but my mind was not thinking that way.I asked around for forum posters,but I only got a few "i read it but dont post" answers.If i had only went to the parking garage!I ended up standing in the center isle right up front for the show.I do not look anything like SANTA Claus nor did i have anything to spill on anyone the whole time.I sang along and I did bump into the lady in the white rain coat in front of me a few times but i was just getting into the excitement of the show.Not trying to invade anyone's space.I had on a black wind breaker olive hat and was wielding a black and white umbrella.If you remember me for any of my actions that night i am truely sorry.If you dont remember me that is what i am hoping to hear.....I cant sum up the show any better than you guys did,especially Larry Gude.Well said my friend! Only thing missing was the gold sparkle guitar,but that black guitar was one of the finest looking pieces of musical equipment i have seen before.Well I could go on forever but I'll end it here.By the way Jane H, i like the pic of the band taking their bow at the end of the show you have by your name now........DARRIN

there were two older guys with whute beards and one kept yelling Go Joe about a thousand times with a beer in his hand..so I doubt that was you..regardless that goes with outdoor shows...he moved to front of stage after awhile so lost track of him...was a great show and it is still great that Joe comes out after each show...I am big in the Frampton fan club and it is very tough to every get close to Peter..met him several times and a great guy as well..he has helped Joe very much and the Frampton FOF are huge Joe supporters..check out Frampton.com message board.

scottphilly

Wow, I finally made the drive, yes, that's right, drive, back to Fort Worth from Maryland and the show!  Was great to meet Jane, was so funny too, you got it just right Jane.  I had my niece and nephew with me (bonovirgins) and he bought every cd there that night.  Instant fan, but I told them they would be.  Joe, thank you sooooooo much for meeting us outside the bus, I think they thought I didn't really know you.  They talked about it all the way back to Baltimore, thru tons of rain.  Loved the little "extras" you tossed into the show also, the Spoonful and Sunshine of my Love were fantastic.  All in all, was one of the best shows I've seen, and I've seen a few now.  Will catch Joe and the boys in Ardmore next, and then the next week in Dallas.  Rock on folks, we KNOW Joe is!!!