West Palm???

I asked Joe's manager (Roy) about the West Palm show last night.  This was an outside performance.  I think he said there was about 800 people there and that Joe had a really good time.  The weather down here has been nice, so I would guess it was pretty cool. 

Susan

My 70's high school blues loving buddy who originally turned me on to Joe was at the WPB concert..front row and loved it.

Just two weeks ago I showed my older brother the Rockpalast DVD and he immediately went online and bought tickets to the West Palm Beach show. In turn he told a fellow Georgia grad about the Athens concert and his friend went to that one and was wowed.

I received a call Friday night from my brother after the show and he was as high as he could be on Joe B's performance.

I am revved up! I have never been to see Joe and I have my front row "A" seats for Joe's Hard Rock show tomorrow night!!

My good friend for 33+ years, the legendary Carmine Rojas (bassist extraordinaire) is on the road again.

He is part of the Joe Bonamassa entourage, one of the most emotional and hard-hitting, hard-rocking blues bands I’ve seen or heard in many years.  That’s high praise coming from me, a grouchy old R&B blues survivor.

I journeyed to W. Palm Beach on Friday afternoon 11/30/07 to see my old friend and to see what all the fuss was about.  I didn’t know.  I only heard.  Yeah, yeah, sure, whatever you say.

  NOW I KNOW.  Later that evening during their “scorched-earth” performance I was transfixed, all the way to the hair on my arms and the back of my neck that refused to lay quietly in its place.  It’s been a long time since a young guitarist has given me goose bumps AND HOPE…not sure I understand that, yet.

Joe, I told you as much, backstage after Friday night’s performance.  You were gracious & professional, thanking me for what I’m sure you hear all the time.  Being who I am, it is unusual for me to sound like a slobbering groupie.  I hope I was not annoying.  I made it brief then went and ate up some of your sandwiches.

Eating yeah, some things never change.  Shut up, Carmine.  Tengo a comer.

Yes Brothers and Sisters, he is a guitar virtuoso, but he also sings his **** off.  Yet he is not what I would call a shredder.  Every note he plays means something and he has surrounded himself with an incredible group of pro musicians and a pro crew and he works his audience to a rabid frenzy.

I see Carmine’s touch all over this theatrical experience.  I’m sure el Rojas would agree with me that his job is made easier and more enjoyable by one amazingly good drummer whose name is Bogie Bowles, my brother in a very special spiritual way, whom I met Friday night.  Bogie…We’ll talk again!

A phenomenal keyboard man from Sidney, Australia named Rick Melick, rounds out this foursome with both the Greg Allman & Jimmy Smith type organ layers of sound AND the funky, boogie tickle of the piano.  I hear both classical music & dirty blues influencing this man’s keys work.

Two days later I am still blown away by the talent and the intense, raw emotion of  “Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa” and his killer band.  One band!  One sound.   Joe, I looked to see if you have six fingers on each hand.  You deserve your success and more.

I was very impressed by the road crew, including the driver, who don’t get their propers often enough.  I really hope you guys got some of that Sweet and Sassy Salsa I left for the PR.

Respect to you, road dogs, one and all…from someone who knows.

Nice opening act…Crosby Loggins, you sir, are in excellent company.  It was a pleasure to meet you and talk with you.  All the best young man!  I mean that.  See you soon.

Kenny, be proud.  MY kids are musicians, too.

Tuesday, I will ease on down to the Hard Rock Cafe in Whorlando and see you all again.  This time I’ll bring the fox that keeps me coming home.  Ms. Tia, herself. 

Peace and Merry Christmas…Much Love

Jeff

Welcome Jeff and thanks for the insight and review!!! I love that you used the word "hope" to describe how Joe makes you feel...That's my exact feeling..Hope that tomorrow's Blues will not just survive but flourish!! This forum is a mighty grateful one to all involved with the tour. The best part is that we are supporting fine human beings!!!!  Namaste, Cathy

Jeffe
Thanks for the most excellent review.  It's good to be alive, is it not?! I see a lot of hope in all honesty, in the amateur musicians of a younger than me age bracket.  Kinda reminds me of the '60's when most everyone (all ages) was into music and even if not greatly talented beyond a G & C chord on a guitar, was enmeshed in a peaceful, loving, & exciting way of life despite the bleak world surroundings...But the professionals today, yes there is great hope, an increasingly bright and spreading light of hope, and Joe Bonamassa is one of the brightest, if not the very brightest few, drawing the faithful, joyous, musically entwined flock to greener pastures where we want not, except more of their therein light!!! What I really liked about your opening was seeing your friend, AND seeing what all the "fuss" was about.  And now you know! And you are here among the knowing! SO, mi hermano,

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.”