Down the Plug in Sheffield

Expectation can be fueled by the enthusiasm of others and in this case the members of this forum (to be expected after all this is Joe’s Site) and my Brother (an enthusiastic chap where guitars are concerned) all gave me sufficient reason to believe that this gig was going to be special night for a Bonamassa first timer. Ultimately recommendation can lead to disappointment on both sides whereby the recommender feels they may have sold things a little too strongly and the recommended is let down if things do not meet expectation. I am delighted to say that Joe and his cohort’s performance at Sheffield’s “The Plug” did not disappoint in any way, Joe’s talent is prodigious and no amount of practice and training can produce such ability, it is, quite simply, a gift few are born with.

The Bonamasive were all expectant excitement as Joe and the Band opened with “Bridge To Better Days” and an attention grabbing slab of blues rock it is. If the intention of an opener to set the agenda for the rest of the gig then this aperitif laid a promise of a smörgåsbord of delights to follow and the 1100 strong audience were hungry and ready to gorge themselves.

A chugging, marching riff laid the foundation for the next song I think it may have been “Walk in My Shadows” (correct me if I err) and the thumping bass drum that accompanied it had my internal organs dancing and my jaw dropping. Such was the quality of the solo it elicited spontaneous applause. This was followed by the sublime “So Many Roads” a glorious piece of work and whilst I try to avoid comparisons this immediately bought ZZ Tops “Blue Jean Blues” to mind and with it the on stage genius of Billy Gibbons. A very favourable comparison!!

My note taking was abandoned for a while (it is very difficult in half light whilst goggle eyed with amazement so I beg your forgiveness) so I resume my set list a couple of songs on with “Sloe Gin” its spellbinding tempo changes and magnificent solo made it another triumph. “Ball Peen Hammer” showcased Joe’s mastery of the 12 string, was the man born with a guitar pick between his fingers?

The acoustic gymnastics which accompanied the next outburst showed a speed of hand and technical excellence which is bewildering. I suggest Joe gets that banjo picking inbred from the beginning of “Deliverance” on stage, has a duel and kicks his sorry ****!! Showing off? Damn right!! And why not, if I could perform like that I would want to show it off.

The quite, quite beautiful “Django” preceded the raucous boogie of “Just Got Paid” and this elongated cover was my highlight of a night of many highlights (including an excellent venue) It had subtlety, power and grace and I trust Billy and the boys (?) approve of the makeover. The first encore featured “One of these Days” and this was devoured by the audience.

Many hoary old Blues Men are adamant that to sing Blues convincingly you have had to suffer any manner of personal tragedy and heartbreak, and the Lyric to the deeply personal “Asking Around for You” would indicate that the writer (there are joint writing credits to this song so I do not know if Joe penned the words) have suffered some deep felt personal loss. It was a beautifully delivered number. “Highwater Everywhere” and “You Upset Me” concluded a glorious two hours.

It is often easy for virtuosity to lead to self indulgence at the expense of audience awareness. Joe and the band ensure this is not the case.  He has ability way beyond the reach of most and his joyfulness at been able to share his talent is very evident. He has made sure he has surrounded himself with musicians who can underpin his playing with their own very considerable abilities. A very smart move!! It was a memorable night and I look forward to seeing him again, perhaps a sign outside the venue declaring “BEWARE GENIUS AT WORK” or even "Bonamaster In Progress" would be fitting but I somehow feel this may not be in keeping with Joe’s apparent lack of ego.

Thanks for a memorable night and thanks John for the recommendation.

Steve (Rockinhorse)