nottingham rock city (Page 1 of 2)

Yes, it really was a fab show.

This was my fifth time of seing Joe and the crowds get bigger every time. Slightly different feel this time, more songs and less extended solos I'd say.

For example Mountain Time has the awesome [ no other word for it] indian-inspired intro but the main part of the song is shorter [inc solos]. The slow blues numbers- and there were several [more on that later] had less choruses of solos and included kaeyboard solos.

Just Got Paid had the Zep bits but no violin bits - so less light and shade in that one. There was no slide interlude - The River etc, in fact the only slide all night was on the outro to Ball Peen Hammer on encore number two.

However, don't be disappointed guitarists because, although there were less guitar acrobatics, Joes approach can't be faulted. Some would say it's a more mature style. I'm not sure I'd agree with the term "mature" because I think the New Day Yesterday DVD shows immense marurity- and Joe's extended soloing and his whole mega-pedal-board approach during that phase of his career is an inspiration to us all [and the You Tube videos of Pain and Sorrow still blow me away!]. I'd just say last night reflected Joe's current more song-writing orientated outlook.

Anyway, back to the show: Keyboards and the new bass player really made a difference - both filled the sound out in a way I have never seen at a JB gig before. There were almost jazzy elements to some songs and subtlety in abundance. There were different versions of Don't Burn Down that Bridge [ quite funky] and You Upset Me Baby [ more of a Free feel rather than a walking-bass up-tempo blues number vibe]. There were two encores [ the crowd were very boisterous!], the usual acoustic interlude, and a really fantastic and moody So Many Roads and Sloe Gin - the tone on these songs really was exceptional-especially with keyboard backing.

No drum solo but Bogie really wass a joy to watch - all night.

For the gear heads- as far as I could see:

Amps: Marshall Jubilee, Category 5, Two Rockx2

Effects: 808, DD3, Vox 847, Fuzz Face [used twice for a few seconds] another pedal [ in a LovePedal-sized enclosure COT 50?-not used all night], Lehle Switcher.

Guitars: Tom Murphy LP, Sunburst LP , Goldtop LP, Red Chandler Electraslide, Takamine Acoustic, Alvarez 12 String.

So, all-in-all, another memorable brush with the talent of JB!

Great review there Lightningrt!

Great reviews everybody!  Really nice to hear your first hand experiences.  Keep them coming...

last night was the 4th time for me,the last time i saw Joe in Nottingham was at the rescue rooms.rock city is my favorite music venue,you can pack 1500 people in but still it feels very intermate.we were only six feet away from the front,to watch Joe play is just mind blowing.i cant play guitar,but after 35years of gigging i know a great guitar player when i see one.joe b. is the best i have ever seen.
you can always tell first timers,because most of the evening they are shaking their heads with their jaws on the floor staring in disbelief.anyway just to say last night was awesome and i didnt see one person leaving without a smile on their faces.
lucky me,ive got to do it all again on Sunday at Sheffield it cant come soon enough!

Awesome gig at Rock City last night, who was the guy who opened up for Joe ?

He's got a great voice, really powerful.

Well this is the fifth time that I have seen Joe Bonamassa  and he play another great show. Joe comes a long way since he played to a sold-out show at the runninghorse.

I have seen Joe play at the runninghorse, rescue room, robin (Birmingham), Paris (France), and now rock city. I thought the Paris show last year was better than last night gig, but he still put on a great show.

It was the first time for me last night as well. I was on the front row against the barrier. Totally amazed after the show as to how great JB is.

Like Libby,

Same from me !! A very warm welcome from Holland!!

Andre Wittebroek.