Topic: It's called growth
I've been reading the posts about the various opinions about Sloe Gin (and You and Me I suppose) and the new textures Kevin Shirley is bringing to Joe's gift. With some fresh perspective I have to weigh in. I just got home from seeing Joe at The Rib America Festival in Indianapolis. It's the 5th show in just under three years. Each time has been awesome and different but not always a progression. The first two with Eric and Kenny were about the same, phenomenal guitar playing and soulful vocals set in a very talented trio that sometimes seemed more like three accomplished players playing together than a band with a singular vision. The raw power-trio textures of the CDs were well represented.
The first show with Bogie and Mark seemed a progression in that there was a clearer focus on Joe's gift being supported by two other great players--more of a band feel. But, the genius (IMO) of You and Me and it's richly textured instrumentation was missing.
Friends, run, don't walk, to the neartest Joe show and be prepared to be blown away all over again. The new band does to the live shows what Kevin Shirley's production does for Joe's vision--it enriches Joe's gift by providing a multi-textured setting that simply shows off Joe's artistic potential in greater detail. Carmine brings out the best of Bogie and I suspect vice versa. They clearly communicate with each other and provide a foundation that is both rock solid and quickly adaptable. Rick's keyboards create subtle soundscapes that seem to release Joe to further explore his range as a singer and guitar player, if that's possible. The result is a more complex artist presenting blues in a setting that is no less visceral and powerful but much more nuanced. (Oh my gosh, I hope I don't sound like some sort of jack-leg critic.) BTW, if you're concerned about the shows not featuring Joe's brilliant playing, relax. There are still those same stunning moments when you just have to shake your head and say, "Wow." There are also some cool twists, stunning acoustic versions of "If Heartaches Were Nickles," and "High Water Everywhere." The live version of "So many Roads" is worth the price of admission alone.
What I saw in Indy was not a boy-wonder prodigy trying to find a forum for his skills. I saw a mature blues man who seems to know exactly where he wants to go and has found the team to get him there. Joe is continuing to grow as an artist and this new offering is expanding into uncharted territory for a blues artist. Anyone who doesn't get it either doesn't want to or just hasn't opened up their mind to the possibilities like Joe has.
I just turned 54 and have been going to concerts since I was 12. Let me take a deep breath and say that what I saw in Indy is the best I have ever seen, emotionally draining and totally fulfilling. It was the confluence of talent, skill, vision, and maturity. Joe is growing. I don't know about you, but I'm going to try to keep up because I can't wait to see where he goes next.
Blessings,
Larry