• From: Tupelo, MS
  • Registered: 2008-04-28
  • Posts: 15

Topic: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

First I want to say a big THANK YOU to those that insisted I get to a live show. Just a few months ago I posted an introduction saying I had just recently discovered Joe Bonamassa and that I was hooked.

Last night a friend and I drove the 5 hours from Tupelo to Chattanooga for our first live show. We found the Bud Light stage and supported the stage sponsor by getting some Bud Light and settled in for the show. I will butcher any attempt at a set list or what guitars were played. We were blessed to be as close as anybody to the stage and had one of the best live show experiences. I started life as a Parrothead and loyal follower of Jimmy Buffett. I will end up in Parrot Hell for this statement, but I'm not sure that Jimmy puts his heart and soul into every note the Joe does. A guy standing next to me who had about 10 beers to many, said, "You see that? That sweat? That is his soul. He came here to play just for me and you!" Although my new found drunk friend might have had some help with his moment of clarity, you actually felt like Joe was there to play for you. I can only imagine what it would be like at a venue and not a festival. My favorite part of the night was when the rain began. The rain starts to fall and Sloe Gin starts extra effort put into each time the line "Standing in the rain" comes around. It was amazing.

You will have to forgive me,  I am leaving many songs out, but the songs I remember are from the two albums (showing my age) CDs I own. In no particular order:

-Bridge to Better Days
-High Water Everywhere
-So Many Roads
-Sloe Gin
-Your Funeral and My Trial

Normally when the band takes a break the drummer is the one left on stage for a solo. Not at a Joe Bonamassa show, Joe stays on stage for a solo and the band takes a break. They finish the set and come back for one encore.

Billy Gibbons from ZZ Topp fame was back stage for the show. ZZ Topp is playing the festival tonight. We went back to the bus and talked to the Bass player and the keyboardist who I assume are Carmine Rojas and Rick Melick but I can't swear to that. We had our picture made with Joe. We told Joe we drove from the birthplace of Elvis for the show and he says, "Ahh, Memphis!" roll We corrected him and we were all better for the experience.

Amazing experience and we were on top of the world for our drive back home.

Chris

Don't take life seriously, no one gets out alive.

Elliott730's Website

  • From: Netherlands.
  • Registered: 2006-04-27
  • Posts: 2,186

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

NO THANKS Chris, we all had that experience before!

A Joe show is always extraordinaire and special. It doesn't get better than that.

Thank you for the nice review and up to the 100!

Andre Wittebroek

  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 2,350

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

Hey Chris, I am glad you put all your energy into seeing Joe Live.  It is always well worth the effort, drive or however you get there.  Even though it was probably a shorten set, Joe never disappoints.  It would be interesting to see what Billy thought of Joe, especially playing Just Got Paid. 

Thanks for posting your review...

Music is good for the Soul...

4 Reply by Shawn Grant (edited by Shawn Grant 2008-06-12 21:12:25)

  • Registered: 2008-06-12
  • Posts: 2

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

I drove from Knoxville just to see Joe. This was my first bonamassa concert and far from my last. It was amazing and was beyond my expectations. I got some amazing photos of the concert.
It was a thrill to see Joe after the show and talk to him. He is very nice and down to Earth and that made my Bonamassa experience great. I saw Billy Gibbons as well. You know he thought Joe was great.

To add to the song list chris mentioned:
Django which merged to Mountain Time, one of my favorites
New Day yesterday
Woke Up Dreaming which was the best acoustic guitar playing I have ever heard in my life.
Just got paid today which merged to Dazed and Confused.
I know I am missing some.

Thanks Joe for the great show and for keeping the blues alive.

  • Registered: 2006-11-02
  • Posts: 164

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

Did he do Don't Burn Down That Bridge?

6 Reply by Elliott730 (edited by Elliott730 2008-06-12 21:43:24)

  • From: Tupelo, MS
  • Registered: 2008-04-28
  • Posts: 15

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

I would like to be able to tell you, "YES he did!" But the truth is I don't know. I wasn't familiar with the song (shame on me) so I went and watched a couple of the videos on You Tube. There was plenty of excellent guitar playing on other songs I wasn't familiar with, but I don't remember those vocals.

Although I've been hooked from the beginning, it is now my mission to learn all things Joe Bonamassa from the first note. cool

After rereading the post from LarryT, I CAN say "YES he did!" lol

Don't take life seriously, no one gets out alive.

Elliott730's Website

  • eva
  • eva
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: germany
  • Registered: 2007-03-15
  • Posts: 1,885

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

Chris, I´m so happy you went and saw the show!! Now you know what we´re talking about, right?! wink

Eva

  • Libby
  • Libby
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Sunny Southern California
  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 1,551

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

YOU are VERY welcome Chris!!!  It was our great pleasure to steer you in the right direction!!!  I had to go back to your original thread and pull some quotes - we were PRETTY firm in our convictions, weren't we??!!!  So glad you LISTENED!!  Woooohhhhhooooo!!!

Excellent review, by the way.  I could feel every drop of that brand new feeling of AWE!!!  He is simply THE GREATEST, isn't he?  AND you got to meet him and hang with the boys?!!!  That is some first time you had there Chris, some first time!!!

Now, when's your next show??  I'm flying from California to OHIO for mine!!!!

smile  Libby  smile


cathysiler wrote:

Hi Chris. Good to hear the Sirius show is bringing new fans. Be careful, you can go bankrupt buying all the great music Joe plays. If you don't own the entire Joe catalog, start now. You're going to want it all, including the upcoming Live CD. I'm glad you found your way to the forum and hope you continue to share. Oh..get to a show!!! It's a life altering experience!!!             Cathy

Libby wrote:

Welcome to the forum Chris.  Indeed, it is a FUN place to hang out and share with like-minded folks.  I would add that you should consider, in addition to ALL of the CDs, purchasing Mr. Bonamassa's DVDs, as well.  I will conclude by SWEARING to you that THE best money you will ever spend on music, EVER, will be that which you spend to go see Joe Bonamassa perform LIVE.  Get your tickets, and get yourself UP CLOSE.  Prepare to be awestruck.

smile  Libby  smile

Libby wrote:
Elliott730 wrote:

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and advise on how to get the most out of the Joe Bonamassa experience. He will be close in June. Once in Alabama and once in Tennessee. I will do everything in my power (probably not) but I'll try real hard to get to one of those shows.

Thanks again to everyone.

Chris

NO, NO, NO Chris - no probably......gotta make it a PRIORITY!  After food, water, and paying the bills, of course......I'm not recommending irresponsibility, just FOCUS! 

smile  Libby  smile

Elliott730 wrote:

Okay, I understand. I must focus all my energy to seeing Joe live! Thanks for setting me on the right path.

Chris

Tripsy wrote:

Hi Chris, Welcome to the forum. Your life will never be the same again now you have discovered JB. Libby's right you simply have to get to a live show ASAP.

Tripsy  smile

I know that Joe could play one of those kid's guitars with the plastic strings and make it sound good-
Bill S.
  • From: Tupelo, MS
  • Registered: 2008-04-28
  • Posts: 15

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

eva wrote:

Chris, I´m so happy you went and saw the show!! Now you know what we´re talking about, right?! wink

Eva

Eva,

I'm happy I went and Yes I know what you are talking about. I'm looking forward to seeing a full set outside of a festival setting, but at this point I will take what I can get.

Chris

Don't take life seriously, no one gets out alive.

Elliott730's Website

  • From: Tupelo, MS
  • Registered: 2008-04-28
  • Posts: 15

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

Libby wrote:

Now, when's your next show??  I'm flying from California to OHIO for mine!!!!

smile  Libby  smile

Libby,

Yes you were pretty firm in your convictions but I'm thankful for it and I tell somebody everyday.

As for my next show, I wish I could tell you tonight in Birmingham, AL and then tomorrow night in Alex City, AL, but my 20th year High School reunion is this weekend and I have been threatened by numerous people if I don't attend. roll But I still have until this afternoon to make up my mind about Birmingham.

Meeting Joe and the Band was a bonus. I know taking pictures and signing autographs is part of show business, but I'm sure fans can be pretty demanding. We waited our turn and Joe was more than happy to sign, pose and smile for everyone. Great time!

Don't take life seriously, no one gets out alive.

Elliott730's Website

  • Registered: 2008-06-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

First timer here! I was at Joe's show at Riverbend and it was freakin' incredible. I was one of those that rushed the stage, I was standing right next to the stack of speakers he stood on during"Sloe Gin" in the pouring rain and said"Its not fair for ya'll to get wet and not me". He didn't say much more all night. He didn't have to-He said it all with his fingers. I'm not much of a traditional blues fan, but and incredible musician is an incredible musician-no matter what the genre is! Thats the great thing about Riverbend. I live here in Chattanooga, and went to this years festival 5 different nights seeing everyone from America, The Ohio Players,Mark Farner(of Grand Funk),Futireman(of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), and many more. After seeing Joe on Wed. night, we went down to another stage and saw another phenomenal guitarist named Monte Montgomery. What an incredible night! i only had enough cash to buy one CD-so I bought "You n' Me"-and I've been wearing it out."Bridge to a better Day"-the song he opened the concert with is awesome. The Led Zep cover"Tea for one"is another highlight, but its all good. I can't help with the set list either cause I wasn't familiar with his stuff at the time, but the encore"A new day yesterday" I think-segued into a song VERY familiar to me-"Wurm"(the end instumental part of YES' "Starship Trooper").Yes just happens to be my favorite band of all time. A perfect ending to a perfect show. i can't wait to see him again-maybe a longer set-but his 75min. of FIRE at Riverbend was better than most anyone else's 2hr. or longer shows!!!!! I'm hooked!

12 Reply by Rocket (edited by Rocket 2008-06-26 14:40:18)

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

Elliot, Shawn & Smokin Joe Rules (is that Smoking Joe Frazier or Smoking Joe KUBEK you are talking about???), thanks for the comments-you guys made my day!
An outstanding review, and that drunk guy gets a new entry onto to my tag line...
Even if it should be "...You & Me" wink

Rock On and Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
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.”
  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 2,350

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

smokin joe rules wrote:

First timer here! I was at Joe's show at Riverbend and it was freakin' incredible. I was one of those that rushed the stage, I was standing right next to the stack of speakers he stood on during"Sloe Gin" in the pouring rain and said"Its not fair for ya'll to get wet and not me". He didn't say much more all night. He didn't have to-He said it all with his fingers. I'm not much of a traditional blues fan, but and incredible musician is an incredible musician-no matter what the genre is! Thats the great thing about Riverbend. I live here in Chattanooga, and went to this years festival 5 different nights seeing everyone from America, The Ohio Players,Mark Farner(of Grand Funk),Futireman(of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), and many more. After seeing Joe on Wed. night, we went down to another stage and saw another phenomenal guitarist named Monte Montgomery. What an incredible night! i only had enough cash to buy one CD-so I bought "You n' Me"-and I've been wearing it out."Bridge to a better Day"-the song he opened the concert with is awesome. The Led Zep cover"Tea for one"is another highlight, but its all good. I can't help with the set list either cause I wasn't familiar with his stuff at the time, but the encore"A new day yesterday" I think-segued into a song VERY familiar to me-"Wurm"(the end instumental part of YES' "Starship Trooper").Yes just happens to be my favorite band of all time. A perfect ending to a perfect show. i can't wait to see him again-maybe a longer set-but his 75min. of FIRE at Riverbend was better than most anyone else's 2hr. or longer shows!!!!! I'm hooked!

Nice write up and welcome to the forum.  Joe is playing in Atlanta this fall at the Center Stage.  October 11th is on a Saturday.  Only a short drive on I-75, come on down!!!

Music is good for the Soul...
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

I agree.... Great reviews! I think the very best way to "find" Joe is thru a live show. That has to be a shock to your system!!!   Smokin Joe..The addiction is wonderful and we will enable you all the way! Maybe the "Blues" is more than you think it is...Please read the "Sirius Joe News" thread and look at his choices for his Blues Show. Welcome to all things Joe...you're going to like it here:)    Cathy

  • Registered: 2008-06-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, TN 6-11-2008

cathysiler wrote:

I agree.... Great reviews! I think the very best way to "find" Joe is thru a live show. That has to be a shock to your system!!!   Smokin Joe..The addiction is wonderful and we will enable you all the way! Maybe the "Blues" is more than you think it is...Please read the "Sirius Joe News" thread and look at his choices for his Blues Show. Welcome to all things Joe...you're going to like it here:)    Cathy

Thanks, and you're right. Most shows I go to I'm very familiar with the artists even if I haven't seen em live. Plus I usually cheat and read the set lists on line,etc. Joe was a complete surprise. I wasn't even planning on seeing him until the day before when I read an article in the local paper that talked about him playing with B.B.king at age 12, and all the blues awards He's won. I knew I wasn't a big blues fan, but any great guitarist is my cup of tea. I was hooked after the first song He played-"Bridge to a better day".
I hope to make that show in Atlanta in November!!!!