• From: St. Charles, IL
  • Registered: 2013-08-01
  • Posts: 636

Topic: St. Louis 11/15

Wow! That's really all I have to say haha! I went to the show last night and I have to admit I was a little weary because I know Joe's setup isn't the same as how it has always been. I also know he practically has no pedal board, and I was anxious to see what the difference in tone was going to be. I had no idea it was going to exceed my expectations! Honestly, I think it was the best I have ever heard him play/sound. His voice is better than I have ever heard. So crisp and smooth.

The sound he was making coming out of the guitars was a whole other story lol! What I noticed is that he mainly played all les pals, and 2 strats. He told a cool story about one of the strats from the show. I guess he went out guitar hunting earlier in the day and the guy at one of the stores was like, hey Joe, check this strat we have. Joe said he looked at it and was like Holy Sh*t, this used to be my old guitar. I guess he sold his inheritance money from his grandma to buy the 4500 dollar guitar when he was 17! And he ended up finding it here in St. Louis so many years later! It was a cool story!

Anyone who goes to a show this winter is in for a real treat! His tone is better than i've ever heard! I'm soooo happy he added Happier Times to the acoustic set, as well as Double Trouble to the electric. Just WOW! I was talking to a guy in front of me for a while before the show started and we were both excited to hear the new songs he was going to play. After Joe played Double Trouble, the guy looked back at me and we were both like WOW! I could go on and on lol, but always an awesome show and really loving the new rig setup as well. You would never think he was playing with hardly any gear, because the sound he makes is so big!

  • From: NB, Canada
  • Registered: 2014-04-04
  • Posts: 373

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Sounds like an awesome night Erin ..

.. sometimes less is more eh .. lol

Thanks for the great review and JB story!  cool

The BonaMaritimer .. All Dials To The Right!
  • From: Central Illinois
  • Registered: 2014-04-24
  • Posts: 293

Re: St. Louis 11/15

I agree with Erin, he sounded great and it was an absolutely fantastic show.  I will also second the thoughts about Double Trouble, definitely one of the highlights of the show for me, a great addition to the set list.  Happier Time was great and Story of a Quarryman was an outstanding addition as well. 

And my wife and I had the opportunity to meet Erin and Photogal Rhonda before the show which made it even better.  smile  It was just a great night all around!

  • Registered: 2014-11-16
  • Posts: 2

Re: St. Louis 11/15

St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox

The Fox Theatre has to be I'm guessing over 100 years old.  It is quite a site to see.  Head to to, from the second you walk into the building, you feel transported into an era gone by.  It is heavily decorated with intricate columns and ornate symbolism.  Not sure what the influences were when the architects planned this, but there are several Buddah's around, heavy ornamentation and guilded walls (they used the use gold leaf on some of those old buildings) but I believe that all has been removed or changed out. 

Before the show began, the cell recorders were going crazy all over the walls, the ceiling, just everywhere.  I'm sure the ladies powder room was renovated, but I thought the black and gold wash stands were cool, and love the red velvet draperies with fringe. 

Joe opened with an acoustic set that was awesome and his guitar work was as intricate as the building itself.  After a brief break, the Les Paul's came out with a really nice diversified set list of his old and new work. 

One think Jim and I won't take bets on because it's almost a guarantee when Joe plays in St. Louis.  Joe will mention his gig from a long time ago at Blueberry Hill where there were about 10 fans present, and Joe made good on that guarantee again last night.

A really nice thing happened when Joe presented his long lost strat that Dave from Killer Vintage must have obtained for him and he played it for us.  I wonder if he used that strat at Blueberry Hill ?   

Joe played a fantastic show.  The crowd loved it, and as usual, it was all over too fast.  Jim asked the sound guy if he was house sound, and he said no he is Joe's sound man. 

For me, the Fox sound is really good, but for some reason for me, and I felt this way last time he played the Fox, there is alot of mid level echo or noise, or whatever you call it, but I struggle to hear the guitar.  Joe's vocals were perfect and the volume on Joe was superb, as was the bass.  The bass player, looks like the same person he has had for some time now, he is a superb, rock solid bassist. We love him, and Joe's drummer is bad to the bone.

You've come a long way, you've worked so hard to go from an audience of 10 to 3,000.  Hard work + talent = success.  You deserve it. 
ALL THE BEST,
Jim and Kathy Bigott

  • From: Baden Württemberg / Germany
  • Registered: 2012-04-13
  • Posts: 703

Re: St. Louis 11/15

kathybigott wrote:

St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox

The Fox Theatre has to be I'm guessing over 100 years old.  It is quite a site to see.  Head to to, from the second you walk into the building, you feel transported into an era gone by.  It is heavily decorated with intricate columns and ornate symbolism.  Not sure what the influences were when the architects planned this, but there are several Buddah's around, heavy ornamentation and guilded walls (they used the use gold leaf on some of those old buildings) but I believe that all has been removed or changed out. 

Before the show began, the cell recorders were going crazy all over the walls, the ceiling, just everywhere.  I'm sure the ladies powder room was renovated, but I thought the black and gold wash stands were cool, and love the red velvet draperies with fringe. 

Joe opened with an acoustic set that was awesome and his guitar work was as intricate as the building itself.  After a brief break, the Les Paul's came out with a really nice diversified set list of his old and new work. 

One think Jim and I won't take bets on because it's almost a guarantee when Joe plays in St. Louis.  Joe will mention his gig from a long time ago at Blueberry Hill where there were about 10 fans present, and Joe made good on that guarantee again last night.

A really nice thing happened when Joe presented his long lost strat that Dave from Killer Vintage must have obtained for him and he played it for us.  I wonder if he used that strat at Blueberry Hill ?   

Joe played a fantastic show.  The crowd loved it, and as usual, it was all over too fast.  Jim asked the sound guy if he was house sound, and he said no he is Joe's sound man. 

For me, the Fox sound is really good, but for some reason for me, and I felt this way last time he played the Fox, there is alot of mid level echo or noise, or whatever you call it, but I struggle to hear the guitar.  Joe's vocals were perfect and the volume on Joe was superb, as was the bass.  The bass player, looks like the same person he has had for some time now, he is a superb, rock solid bassist. We love him, and Joe's drummer is bad to the bone.

You've come a long way, you've worked so hard to go from an audience of 10 to 3,000.  Hard work + talent = success.  You deserve it. 
ALL THE BEST,
Jim and Kathy Bigott

Really enjoyed your first post, your wonderful review, thanks.

6 Reply by RJ

  • RJ
  • Silver Member
  • Offline
  • From: Fort Wayne, IN
  • Registered: 2012-07-29
  • Posts: 60

Re: St. Louis 11/15

kathybigott wrote:

St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox

The Fox Theatre has to be I'm guessing over 100 years old.  It is quite a site to see.  Head to to, from the second you walk into the building, you feel transported into an era gone by.  It is heavily decorated with intricate columns and ornate symbolism.  Not sure what the influences were when the architects planned this, but there are several Buddah's around, heavy ornamentation and guilded walls (they used the use gold leaf on some of those old buildings) but I believe that all has been removed or changed out. 

Before the show began, the cell recorders were going crazy all over the walls, the ceiling, just everywhere.  I'm sure the ladies powder room was renovated, but I thought the black and gold wash stands were cool, and love the red velvet draperies with fringe. 

Joe opened with an acoustic set that was awesome and his guitar work was as intricate as the building itself.  After a brief break, the Les Paul's came out with a really nice diversified set list of his old and new work. 

One think Jim and I won't take bets on because it's almost a guarantee when Joe plays in St. Louis.  Joe will mention his gig from a long time ago at Blueberry Hill where there were about 10 fans present, and Joe made good on that guarantee again last night.

A really nice thing happened when Joe presented his long lost strat that Dave from Killer Vintage must have obtained for him and he played it for us.  I wonder if he used that strat at Blueberry Hill ?   

Joe played a fantastic show.  The crowd loved it, and as usual, it was all over too fast.  Jim asked the sound guy if he was house sound, and he said no he is Joe's sound man. 

For me, the Fox sound is really good, but for some reason for me, and I felt this way last time he played the Fox, there is alot of mid level echo or noise, or whatever you call it, but I struggle to hear the guitar.  Joe's vocals were perfect and the volume on Joe was superb, as was the bass.  The bass player, looks like the same person he has had for some time now, he is a superb, rock solid bassist. We love him, and Joe's drummer is bad to the bone.

You've come a long way, you've worked so hard to go from an audience of 10 to 3,000.  Hard work + talent = success.  You deserve it. 
ALL THE BEST,
Jim and Kathy Bigott

The bass player is none other than the original Carmine Rojas who played for David Bowie and Rod Stewart.  One of the best bass players ever IMO.  When Joe gives him the chance to let it go, you know you just heard one of the best there is.   

Great Review!   I will be seeing them in Fort Wayne Monday night.

7 Reply by wvgirlinky (edited by wvgirlinky 2014-11-17 17:18:17)

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Fox Theatre St. Louis 11/15/14- This was our Seventh time to see Joe so we knew what to expect but
Joe Bonamassa is not one to deliver the same thing every time Got to see Erin and Photogal( Rhonda) from the forum prior to the show.  Rhonda had great seats for herself and her family.   Erin and her friend were front and center almost.  I heard she gave Joe the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek.  Also got to meet a cool dude we met on twitter named Keith.  He is from the area where we live but now resides in St. Louis area.  We also had my husband’s best friend with us. Got to share the  Joe love.
First the set list was almost perfect.   

Acoustic Set –
Dust Bowl
Jellyroll
Different Shades of Blue
Black Lung Heartache
Happier Times
Jockey Full of Bourbon
Dislocated Boy
Ball Peen Hammer
Athens to Athens
Electric Set-
Hey Baby Intro
Oh! Beautiful
Hidden Charms
Double Trouble
Gave Up Everything for You
Story of a Quarryman
Love Ain’t A Lovesong
Sloe Gin
The Ballad of John Henry
Encore-
Django/ Mountain Time

The only song I would have changed is Sloe Gin  and put in Blues Deluxe instead but that being said, Joe was his most wonderful self.   The stage looks empty with out the big Marshalls and company.  The tweeds gave a wonderful tone and a deep dark flavor that I must say I liked. 

The opening with Dust Bowl set the bar for the night.  One of the best things ever in my opinion.   The party was on.  Of the acoustic set  all were good but perfection and nirvana was achieved on Black Lung Heartache and Happier Times.    Athens to Athens was so much fun.  I think they were all laughing and smiling at this point.  Just so sad to see the guys go.  Have so enjoyed seeing Mats, Gerry and Lenny.  They are top notch.  But sure I will welcome the horns next year.

The new electric opening with Hey Baby was a great way to go.  Right into Oh  Beautiful man, Joe’s voice was smooth and strong.  He can hold the notes and his range has increased from the first time we saw him 3 years ago.  Highlights  were of course hearing the new songs.   Hidden Charms was fun and then we all agreed Double Trouble was again perfection.   We knew it was going to be killer. The singing set the mood and then he said watch out and oh my.  Just beyond words.   I do not know what or how he does it but he made those guitars dance and sing.   Speaking of guitars, Rhonda told the story of the old Fender turning up that Joe had owned as a kid.    He slayed it.   Just shows me it is not the guitar but the guitarist that gives me chills.   Really liked the new songs and the addition of Story of a Quarryman  was so refreshing.   The only moment I must complain about was during John Henry. Joe had slowed it down and was showing his artistry on the new guitar(she is so lovely) and stupid drunk dudes can’t stand silence and kept hollering out.   Who knows why.     Joe used a guitar I was not familiar with on Django Mountain Time.  It was Blue with White.  My husband said it was a Fender Telecaster but not sure.  Missed seeing the Dark Lord but with the retro vibe I guess he used another vintage one.  Cudos to this audience on the encore.  The last three shows when Joe played Django  everyone was hooting and hollering and standing.  This group sat down and was quiet and reverent to this lovely song.  Class act from start to finish. Tal and Derek were also fabulous.  Well Done to all the band.  Worth every penny and more.  Thanks Joe.

Erin and Kathy both correct it was a great venue and wonderful show

adding this edit to comment on Different Shades of Blue, totally left out of my comments.  It was so good as an acoustic song. Lovely

mary

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Thanks for the great reviews folks. I see Joe is mixing it up well from show to show so there is always a fresh variation. Loved the story of the "found friend" after all these years.
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2013-11-12
  • Posts: 59

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Thank you for the interesting reviews, Kathy and Mary.  I'm getting all fired up!  Joe's getting some crap weather for this tour.  Safe travels Joe!

  • From: Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2011-04-03
  • Posts: 593

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Great reviews! I sure hope Story of a Quarryman stays in the set list next spring. I love that song!

I read in some article from Joe's newsletter that he had a deviated septum repaired - hence his voice is even better cuz he can breath again.

LIVE MUSIC IS BEST
  • From: Kansas City
  • Registered: 2013-11-27
  • Posts: 52

Re: St. Louis 11/15

That story about him finding his old guitar is freaking awesome! That's like that commercial where that girl gets a hold of one of BB Kings Guitars and gets it back in his hands. What are the chances? If I was the owner of that store where he found it I would have just given it back to him for free, just so long that he played a song for me!

12 Reply by DocRock (edited by DocRock 2014-11-20 00:09:44)

  • Registered: 2014-11-12
  • Posts: 4

Re: St. Louis 11/15

My very first Joe B show! Amazing... doesnt touch it. 5th row center. Couldnt ask for more. I thought it was a fantastic show in a fantastic venue. I love the look and acoustics of the Fox. Loved your review! I took a bunch of video with my S4 phone (so so video quality....audio is better than the video for a phone, imo) if ya wanna check it out.

youtube.com/user/DocRockk/videos

  • From: St. Charles, IL
  • Registered: 2013-08-01
  • Posts: 636

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Very cool! I remember hearing someone yell "I must be dreaming" haha, what a coincidence it was you! It was a great show, glad you got to capture it on video! I don't think I was too far away from you actually!

DocRock wrote:

My very first Joe B show! Amazing... doesnt touch it. 5th row center. Couldnt ask for more. I thought it was a fantastic show in a fantastic venue. I love the look and acoustics of the Fox. Loved your review! I took a bunch of video with my S4 phone (so so video quality....audio is better than the video for a phone, imo) if ya wanna check it out.

youtube.com/user/DocRockk/videos

  • From: NB, Canada
  • Registered: 2014-04-04
  • Posts: 373

Re: St. Louis 11/15

Thanks for the wonderful reviews folks!

Kudo's for the vids Doc .. that buzz is gonna last awhile smile

Had my 1st back in May .. lol

Cheers!  cool

The BonaMaritimer .. All Dials To The Right!

15 Reply by DocRock (edited by DocRock 2014-11-21 22:23:57)

  • Registered: 2014-11-12
  • Posts: 4

Re: St. Louis 11/15

edragoo...

How cool that you heard me!? That means Joe likely did too! :-)

I rarely shout stuff out, but in that moment, that's what I was feeling and I had to let Joe know...ya know? LOL...Sometimes it was so quiet, except for his guitar, you could hear a pin drop! You rarely get that at a show. He had us all HYPMO-TIZED! LOL Glad you enjoyed the videos. I will see this man any and every chance I get, from this day forward.