Palace of Fine Arts Review

I'll put this back in it's "original" place. It might not make as much sense without Shredit's and Lisa G's post/reviews in front of it, but hey, I'm not an editor, just a writer of posts!
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Yeah, what they said.

Ditto!

The night started out odd, with the only food around being slices of salmon on stale bread or small ham sandwiches with slightly fresher bread. I was worried about the crowd at first when I was outside because I kept walking past elderly men in walkers or confused elderly women, only to find out that they were actually trying to find the Exploratarium (which shares the same complex) for a U of M Alumni night. I imagine those people got an earful when Joe came on bleeding through the walls while they looked at science exhibits. for a minute there I was going, "Jesus, Joe skews older demographically than I thought", and hoped that none of these people felt the urge to flash the stage.

It got better when I got into the actual stage area. As soon as you walked in, you could tell the acoustics were very good. You could hear a penny hit the floor on the other side of the room.

I sat in my seat next to an older gentleman and his wife, who both looked at me like I was trouble (smart people), so I struck up a conversation. I found out that this man followed Joe from Las Vegas, where he sees him often in small venues. This guy stated that he "used to perform like Joe does, back in the day", but he wasn't giving out any personal information, so I didn't dig into it. I said, "so, I guess that's a ringing endorsement if you keep coming back to see him" and he smiled and nodded. He then started talking about the tightness of the new group, as opposed to when Joe had "that other bassist". I kept saying, "yeah, Eric Czar", but he just kept calling him "that other bassist". So, I guess he had his issues. He went into them with me, but I don't feel the need to get all catty about it. Suffice to say that it was a good omen to have someone who reeked of Studio Musician sitting next to me, so obsessed with Bonamassa. If you guys know who this fixture at the concerts is, have a smile that I got to sit next to him as he laughed with joy at all of the tricks hot licks that Joe did on the guitar.

Crosby was surprisingly good to hear. I talked with him after the show (I also really wanted to talk to his violinist, Paul, but didn't see him) and told him how good he sounded, considering that it was two guys, one with an acoustic, one with a violin. I found out that it was a stripped-down version of their show. Normally there is a full band. So, it shows some chops to be able to perform with a minimalist orchestration and still make it sound full. Crosby was very nice to speak with, and took his time to listen to what I had to say. He let me know his respect for both Joe and his manager, that Joe had bet the farm on his own record label for his own artistic integrity. I said I was glad I came to Joe so late, then, because I didn't grease EMI coffers when I bought the entire collection a few months back. Instead all my money went right into the artist's collection plate. How can I NOT like a fiercely independent wunderkind who also gives his time to music classes in high schools? I bought Crosby's CDs and went on my way. BTW, if you've only heard Cros on tour this time around, try out the CD. It is a very different sound than what the tour gives you, except for the very sweet and clean vocal harmonies. Worth a listen indeed.

I met the group (ShredIt, JDawg, Derek, Randy) and even Joe's Manager (who I was informed is the son of Frank Sinatra's Manager). It happened just in time, because all I was getting was weird looks for wearing a Street Team shirt (guess it's like wearing new sneakers to school, everyone know you're a newbie). All of a sudden I hear, "Yo! Street Team!" and JDawg introduces himself, then escorts me to see Joe's Manager. He is very nice, sharp, professional. He gives Lisa and I props for hoofing it around the central East Bay politicking for Joe. I kind of blow his mind with a story about how the guitar stars seemed aligned 3 weeks ago, where I was text messaging a friend who was at the East Lansing Jass/ Blues Festival. My friend was telling me who was on stage (Dave Brubeck was about to come on stage) and I texted: "Do you know about Joe Bonamassa?"  She texted back, "He's in front of me right now". It ended up being that just as I was trying to spread the gospel, the festival was simulcasting a feed from the New Orleans benefit (I think that was the benefit), and who was being broadcast out in East Lansing but Joe! This led to a discussion between Joe's manager and Crosby that lets you know how much time is abstract when you are on the road a lot. They could have sworn it was yesterday, noticed that their watches were set on New York time, the works. It was cool to be able to thank Joe by proxy for the great music.

The concert itself: Well, shut my mouth. It's crazy to re-iterate what everyone else has already done so well, but it bears mentioning just how tight the band sounded. I've watched the DVDs and although the earlier lineup was raw in a very interesting way, this band was just incredibly precise and crisp. Bogie was fantastic, as was Carmine (I liked watching Carmine watch Joe during jams, yet never lose the rock solid groove) and Rick.

But a huge mention has to go to the Guitar Technician for Joe. I had just seen the multi-million dollar bloat of Velvet Revolver the week prior, and couldn't believe that with all the fanfare, the shits couldn't have a guitar tuned in advance of being used on stage. This technician was a marvel to watch, tuning and readying guitars to be switched out in mid-song for Joe, and I don't remember one mistake in the quality. Sound was obviously very important to Joe and the band. I noticed Joe go over and turn down his volume when it was overshadowing the keyboards at one point.

My one complaint: we, the audience. Not that we weren't vocal, we certainly were. But what the hell was with all the sitting? Granted, these were the most comfortable seats I ever had at a concert, but I kept standing to feel that cold air of nobody else doing so. Did I miss the notice that we aren't supposed to stand in the Palace? Blues isn't a parlor art. I decided not to be "that guy" that stood up and blocked everyone else, so I would quickly sit down. But I can't help but feel that we were supposed to get a boogie going with all the boogie that was crashing down in waves on us. Ah, well, it's probably just me. I'm a disagreeable guy.

The highlight had to be the acoustic guitar solo for me. I've seen my fair share of 10 minute solos, but never one that felt like a story...no, a novel in three acts. This had meat, continuity and no true dead spots or silence. All that sound from one man with an acoustic with no discernible volume knob. A subtle act of genius.

Anyway, stick a fork in me, I'm done. See you guys soon at the next show.

Thanks be to ScottB. Goode for the excellent coverage and finer details of a magical time!  J Dawg , wha, wha happun?! Shred shreds forum topic posts too???  Or did you trip on Sloe Gin back at the crib and hit delete thinking the cops were coming? I saw a Shredit Truck while I was in the city Wednesday, couldn't help but think of chilling with you guys at the Joe Show at night out there... Sounds like a fantastic time, even sitting down...Scott, Joe can freeze the yapper's of people who seconds ago couldn't shut the heck up, such that they stare like a deer in the headlights. I've seen it time and again and I laugh inside everytime.  He also can so capture an audience that they apparently cannot stand and whoop for fear of poor taste ruining the quality of that to which they bear witness.  I could be wrong, but I personally believe that may certainly be possible, if not true.  Often times for me at the end of a show...."My throat is dry, My knees are weak It's so damned hot, I can't even speak', and I think to myself, "Dang, Joe doesn't think we want another encore, if he only knew it's his fault we aren't yelling anymore"!!!

Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! "
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

I'm so glad it was such a great experience for you guys! When Jane and I saw Joe in Harrisburg it too was in a theater. Like Dawg, I loved hearing every little sound, a great view and a well behaved audience. Good acoustics and lighting. My next show in Baltimore will be rowdy. I love it all. And Dawg, nothing like having a good looking nurse to help you get better!!!! Nothing but LOVE for my left coast Bonabuddys...Cathy

The palace show Kick A$$ thats all i have to say Joe Autographed some posters and talk with us for a few was real k00l anyway here's what one of the newbees had to say about joe that post on the Sonoma blues broads enjoy

sonomatunes] Joe Bonamassa-My New Guitar Hero!

Made it half way through the work week and man did it fly by!
All day Thursday at work, my blues buddy, everytime he'd see me, he'd look at his watch and point, signaling he was counting down to....Joe Bonamassa time!!

He's a huge fan of Joe's and Joe is in fact his guitar hero of all time.
I had heard a couple of his songs here & there, and yes, the guy is good but he really didn't grab me. I even watched his DVD of a concert in Budapest, awesome but still I wasn't feeling the excitement.

We loaded up the van and made awesome time to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. What a beautiful venue. I had never been there before. It was a decent house. After the opener, we finally got our seating arrangements right and what great seats they were. Six rows back and centered.
He has quite a following this guy, Joe. Just turned 30 years old, I heard. Yep, just a baby.

I have to say right now that this was probably the show of the year for me. It was spectacular. The best guitar show ever for me. Good thing I was restrained in a seat that was surrounded by people because if there was a dance floor....I would've been floored all night long!
The chairs were comfy, rockin', and springy, so that helped in some chair-dancing. I spent a lot of time jumping up because he would hit a nerve in me and I just couldn't stand it, it was so intense. He hit many nerves during his show. He was hitting nerves I didn't know I had.
During his slow numbers, I was layin' back in my seat using my blanket with sleeves as a pillow. It was so cool & comfy just layin' back watching him, feeling it, taking it in, closing my eyes with that guitar just penetrating through me.
The guy plays like no one I've ever seen or heard. A real show and nuthin' but Joe.... Joe..... and more Joe.

He pulled out an acoustic and played the hell outta that thing. He played some blues, classical, jazzy stuff and more blues on it and it was superb. I don't know where the guy learned how to play like that and where he comes up with the stuff but he's simply amazing.
I hear his father was a guitar dealer or something. Maybe that helped;-)
He's got a load of originals and his voice is great too.
He made a fan outta me on this night. He played more blues than I thought he'd play. Loads of it.

Nice venue and the sound was good. Couldn't hear his voice on the first song but after the second song, an instrumental, all was good.
His band tight and I think we got a couple of token keyboard solos and one great drum solo!
Yep, nuthin' but Joe playing and can he play.
It said 'Joe Bonamassa' on the ticket and by golly, that's what we got. No jammin', no BS, just guitar.
The best guitar show I've seen yet, hands down.
I was checking out the crew I was with while Joe was playing and most were literally on the edge of their seats. I was too.
I thanked my new blues buddy for turning me on to him. I had no idea but now I do. I didn't have the cash on me to pick up his new CD, 'Slow Gin' but I will get it soon. It's been #1 on the blues charts for at least four weeks now.

I was at Backdoor yesterday picking up a CD to send to the kid, and my special order "House Rockin' & Blues Shoutin' - Celebrating 15 years of the Rhythm Room". While there, I looked for Joe Bonamassa but he wasn't in the blues section. I looked in the rock section and there he was.
I couldn't get it yet but just wanted to make sure he was there. They tend to put lots of blues in the rock section I've noticed. My next CD is gonna be one of Little Johnny Taylor. He makes me melt when I hear him.

The drive home was lots of talkin' of the show and most were out for the count 'cept for me of course, and my blues bud. We had eyes wide open. Dropped off the gang and went home to get some shut eye before work but I was amped. It took awhile to fall asleep. Had to turn on the TV for that always makes me sleep.
Got a few hours before that alarm went off and I should've been fried but I wasn't. I was still amped from the show and it kept me going strong all day. Those are the kind of shows one doesn't mind losing sleep over.

Thank You, Joe for a real show. It's what I'm always on the prowl for and by golly....you delivered.

Later,
Mo

[img]http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/bluezman4u/th_joeBautograph.jpg[/img]