Orlando 12/10/2012

This will be the 3rd time I've seen JB in the last 4 years, and the first time w/ Tal on drums.  It's also the first time at the bigger, nicer Bob Carr center.  The previous times I saw him he was at the Plaza, which is also a good venue, just smaller.

Wow.  I dont know how he does it, but every time I've seen Joe he gets better, and the show gets better.

Loved the acoustic intro set.  I thought the DTTD tunes he played worked well on an acoustic, and it was a nice way to warm up.

Loved the Slow Train intro for the electric set.  It really got the crowd pumped.  Sounded great on the Firebird.

He did "Dust Bowl" early on, and his solo was one of the coolest I've ever heard him do.  Really jazzy, very dynamic, and very different from the record.

I absolutely loved his funky version of "Look Over Yonder Wall."  Really unique.

His "Just Got Paid Today" medley closer was a blast, and I loved the nod to Whitesnake.  Hilarious and fun.

Overall I was struck by 1) how different the arrangements were compared to either previous tours or the recorded versions and 2) the diversity of tone.  The band had such great dynamics, bringing it up and down.  Every song took you on a journey.  You just can't put on a better show.  It's amazing to see an artists (and band) grow so much in only a couple years, especially when they were simply great to begin with.

His guitar playing was, as usual, a freaking clinic.  He was just so ON.  Tal was amazing as well, and I loved the fact that he got a drum solo.  It added to the diversity of the set and he made it a lot of fun.  Carmine and Rick were spot on as always.  I think the crowd was a little more into it and rowdy than at the Plaza, which is a little odd since it's a more "upscale" venue with more expensive drinks. Still, it's a testament to Joe and the band - the definitely brought it, and the crowd (myself included) ate it up.

One of the best shows I've ever seen, and just a little notch above his show at the Plaza a year or two ago.  It's crystal clear why Joe is such a great guitar player and musician - he never settles.  If he were as good as he was 3-4 years ago, he'd be great.  But year-in, year-out he just keeps getting better.  Pretty amazing, actually.