Moscow (second show - 17 march 2012)

Hi everybody!
This is some kind of a review coming to you from Moscow (you know, not Moscow, ID, but the biggest one). I'm not very good at writing in english, so please excuse me for grammar, etc.

Good blues-rock concerts are pretty rare in Moscow, so I always try to catch something. In 2008 I was exploring show schedule and saw this guy, Bonamassa. Whole two concerts! Must be something really good, I thought. Also Moscow Int. PAC is serious place. Listened to a preview of last album (Sloe Gin), it was cool and not just something ordinary. Reminded me of Gov't Mule which I like very much (don't think they'll ever come to Russia, by the way). But - bad luck - I had to miss it. Then just a year later - wow! Joe was coming back so soon. Show was great (21 february), though my seat wasn't so great - a little behind (not the best angle to watch and listen a guitarist). Best moments for me were Sloe Gin (amazing guitar intro), Happier Times and Woke Up Dreaming.

Last autumn it was no question, would I do it or not. Picked myself good seat to 17.03 immediatly (little bit to the left and it was no mistake - Joe played most of his solos on the left part of the stage). By the way, some people say that ticket prices in Europe are MUCH lower than in Moscow. What can you say about that? Prices for JB (16-17.03) were from $17(behing the stage) to $170 (or 12-125 euros). Interesting that the first row wasn't the most expensive - $100. Ok, back to the show. Here's the setlist with some personal impressions:

01 - Slow Train
In some ways first song of the show is always the best. And this one works perfectly as opener. It's like unexpectedly dive into cold, storming sea. Feels like a shock.

02 - Last Kiss

03 - Midnight Blues
Good song to calm down a little bit after first two. Definitely one of the best.

04 - Dust Bowl
Pity that Joe plays only two songs from new album. I would like to hear Black Lung Heartache or Last Matador too.

05 - You'd Better Watch Yourself

06 - Sloe Gin
Without long guitar intro and I like version from 2010 more. But it doesn't mean that this one is not excellent.

07 - ...talking
Joe said about "fourth time". 2008, 2010, 2012. But when was the first time in Moscow?

08 - The Ballad of John Henry
That termenvox effect destroys your brain! This is great! :-D

09 - Lonesome Road Blues

10 - Song of Yesterday
I'm not a fan of Glenn Hughes and BCC (personal taste), but enjoy Bonamassa songs on BCC albums. I like this live version even more than studio one. It's much softer.

11 - Steal Your Heart Away

12 - Blues Deluxe
Highest point of the show! Amazing how Joe feels and enjoys every note he plays. So does the audience.

13 - intro

14 - Young Man Blues
Just like good old times.

15 - Woke Up Dreaming
I like version I heard in 2010 more, maybe because it was first time?

16 - Just Got Paid
Usual rocking ending. Joe was wearing furry hat during the encore. It must be pretty hot. Why does everybody think that it's russian national clothing? Well, some people (I talked with some german, french and english fellows during my vacations) still truly think that you must fly 8 hours from Europe to Moscow, there's wild bears in the streets and snow in summer. Very funny.

About the sound. This hall was originally designed as classic organ hall. Maybe that's because it has much reverb, I don't know. Not good option for blues and rock in my opinion. At the end of the hall sound can be muddy. However, in the first rows it was excellent. A wall (or most likely a stream) of sound that is all around you. I could feel the space. Stereo effects (termenvox and delay of Joe's vocal) sounded great. Mix was good too. Only hammond was very low. Anyway you can hear it yourself - I uploaded a recording on Dime (and video too).

OVERALL: fabulous experience. Possibly my best show in 2011-2012. As good as Robert Plant. I'm not sure, who was better. Thank you very much, Joe! I hope you'll keep them coming. Next time (2014?) I'll try to visit both shows.

P.S. A personal request to Joe: is there any chance to hear "Jockey Full Of Bourbon" in setlist? I like Tom Waits too