1 Topic by RICjunkie (edited by RICjunkie 2008-05-21 16:05:49)

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Topic: Upstate NY Joe fan

I’m a newbie (Tom) who discovered Joe about 2 ½ years ago.  I was into a heavy CD buying binge on Amazon, picking out a few CD’s of Joe’s contemporaries.  Well, if you have ever shopped on Amazon.com you know how the robot tracks your history and keeps making recommendations… CDs by this Joe Bonamassa guy kept popping up…

Who is this guy?  Hmmmmm…. Well, it didn’t take long for me to get hooked.  I clicked on one (I think it was “A New Day Yesterday, Live) and even though you only get a 30 second taste of each track I was stunned. My only thought was “Holy %$#@, this guy is FANTASTIC! How come I’ve never heard of him????”  It took about two weeks for me to get all of his CDs and DVDs that were available at the time.  (Still don’t have any of the Bloodline stuff tho).

In July of ’06 Joe played a free concert in Rochester, NY.  I saw him out in the yard prior to the gig, walked over shook his hand and introduced myself.  It was a great show, although the organizers only gave him about an hour.

At my annual Vegas vacation the next January, I had the “Rockpalast” DVD going on the widescreen TV and got a couple of friends hooked on Joe.  That turned out to be a good thing! One friend from Phoenix had a fistful of tickets for his March ’07 show there.  I was working in Tucson at the time and gave him a call. And yes, he DID have an extra ticket for me. (I’m 100 miles from Phoenix, I have a full tank of gas, and I’m wearing sunglasses…)  That show was fantastic – a very small venue (maybe 400 lucky fans packed into that bar). We were about 20 feet from the stage and Joe and his band smoked for 2 hours.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share this with you. And I did live in the Holy Land from 1983-1989 (Utica NY). I find myself wondering if one of those 8 year old maniacs tearing through Sangertown Square mall then was a future Blues guru…

Well, I keep dragging acolytes to his gigs and I'll have a few more along with me when he plays Art Park this August. 

Can you change my tag to "Bon-Apostle?" Thx TB

Major Tom to ground control...
  • From: BEAVER PA
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 179

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

If I had a dollar for every time i've heard... " I cant believe I've never heard of this guy before", I would never have to go to work again. I know I said it myself a couple of years ago. Have fun here there are alot of great people that hang out here.   Darrin

Tell me about the car i saw parked outside your door ? Tell me what you left me waiting two or three hours for ? Tell me why when the phone rings, baby, your up and across the floor ? Please dont keep me wondering no more.....
  • Libby
  • Libby
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Sunny Southern California
  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 1,551

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

RICjunkie wrote:

a heavy CD buying binge on Amazon   - ME TOO

Who is this guy?   - ME TOO

I was stunned.   -  ME TOO

My only thought was “Holy %$#@, this guy is FANTASTIC!   -  ME TOO

How come I’ve never heard of him????”    -  ME TOO

(Still don’t have any of the Bloodline stuff tho).   -  Check ebay

I did live in the Holy Land from 1983-1989 (Utica NY).   -  LUCKY!!

Well, I keep dragging acolytes to his gigs and I'll have a few more along with me when he plays Art Park this August.   -  GOOD FOR YOU

Tom,

Welcome to the Forum!!!  You fit in quite nicely as we have ALL said, felt and DONE the things you decribe!!  It's universal !!!!  You forgot the requisite "Where have I been??"

We're a fun bunch!  Sit back, enjoy!  And - you should join the Street Team!!!

smile  Libby  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: West Yorkshire, England
  • Registered: 2007-08-02
  • Posts: 1,587

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

HiRICjunkie. Welcome to the forum. I had exactly the same kind of experience about the same time, but it was Paul Jones' radio show which brought Joe to my attention. Hopelessly happily, healthily addicted now. Hope you enjoy yourself here, sure you will.

Tripsy  smile

5 Reply by RICjunkie (edited by RICjunkie 2008-06-08 11:27:16)

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Libby wrote:

[
Welcome to the Forum!!!  You fit in quite nicely as we have ALL said, felt and DONE the things you decribe!!  It's universal !!!!  You forgot the requisite "Where have I been??"

We're a fun bunch!  Sit back, enjoy!  And - you should join the Street Team!!!

smile  Libby  smile

Actually I have been checking this site for the last couple of years, but only looking at the tour page to see where Joe will playing. I'm sorry I hadn't joined the forum until recently.

Aside from wearing JB tee shirts, how does anyone recognize other forum members at his gigs?
I'd suggest maybe a neon colored cap with "JOE" or "JOE'S Forum", etc. on it. 
Let me know where to send my $25! :-)

If the blues gods are smiling upon me I will be back from Detroit in time for Joe's show in Rochester 6/21.   And I did take the week off in August to see him in Lewiston, NY.

I hope to bump into some of you at his shows!

Major Tom to ground control...
  • From: connecticut
  • Registered: 2008-06-16
  • Posts: 2

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

WEll I'm also  new here and just discovered Joe..

Great find!

guitarmagazine's Website

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

OK I have to ask...what is RIC..If it's addictive, I want to know about it! lol  Glad you decided to join in and share your story. Thanks. Each new tour seems to ramp up a notch. Watching this evolution is part of the fun. Can't wait to hear your review.

Guitarmagazine...A big welcome to you also. Bring your friends...we've got plenty of room!   Cathy

8 Reply by CarljMD (edited by CarljMD 2008-06-16 17:17:10)

  • From: Frederick County, MD
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 857

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

cathysiler wrote:

OK I have to ask...what is RIC..If it's addictive, I want to know about it!

Cathy:  Unless I'm mistaken (which happens a lot lately) I believe his nickname comes from Rickenbacker Guitars, as pictured in his avatar.  Here's a larger picture.

http://www.rickenbacker.com/model.asp?model=330

The guitars were used a lot by such popular artists as the Byrds....known for their "jangly" sound.  Tom Petty also uses a few.  The basses are legendary but you'd have to ask BJJ who'all used 'em.

Keep on RIC'n.

CarljMD

Takers get the honey, givers sing the blues
  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Glad you "found" me Carl. Nice chatting with you last Tuesday. I'll try and make it tomorrow.

Cathy - the Rickenbacker addiction happened early this spring. I drove up to Rochester to catch a flight to Chicago, found out my flight was cancelled (typical of O'Hare in winter) so I drove up to the House of Guitars.
I had just gotten my annual profit sharing from work and it was burning a hole in my pocket. I had wanted to get a model 650 Dakota so I put a down payment on one. Typically with Rickenbacker if you special order a guitar it takes a year or two to get it unless you have connections (like if you're Tom Petty or Chris Squire).  About 2 months later I'm going through the Rickenbacker site and I found an announcement that the 650 Dakotas were discontinued for model year 2008.  The 650D is a real looker - maple neck through to the tail piece and black walnut wings with a tung oil finish. You can check them out on the Rickenbacker website; or sometimes one will come up on EBay. Anyways, once I found that out I went back up to HOG and applied my deposit to a 330 12 string they had in stock, and it went home with me. This was on a Friday. The following Monday I was headed through O'Hare up to Minneapolis and had a 3 hour layover. I went online to see if there was a RIC dealer in the twin cities. Bingo! They were featuring a model 620 online. (the one on my avatar) When I got up there I pulled it down off the rack and plugged it into the same Fender amp I had at home and...  Well that one went home too.  So I was in the Rickenbacker-of-the-week club for that weekend.  They really are super guitars. I'm surprised that more name artists don't play them. The 620 has the fastest neck I've ever seen (two truss rods too) and the same neck through body design for additional sustain.

Anyway, I can get a maple neck through guitar with walnut wings and a tung oil finish from Carvin for about $1500; about what the 650D RIC would go for if they still made them so that might be my birthday present to myself next year.

I'm trying to get home in time on Saturday to see Joe in Rochester. Wish me luck!

Slainte all,
Tom

Major Tom to ground control...
  • Registered: 2008-08-02
  • Posts: 6

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Hi, Kind of new to this thing but not a new JB fan.

I put up my first posting in the General area about seeing Joe in 92' in Ithaca, NY with Buddy Guy. (The Haunt) I don't really want to calculate back how old he was, but he was just kid. How amazing.  I had the opportunity to see SRV and his brother in the Holiday Inn in Midland Texas in 82" and both of these shows rank as my 1 and 2. Rank order switches back and forth (depending on my mood of course.)

I'm going to make every effort to get to the Artpark show in Lewiston NY on the 19th/08.  If it’s cool I'm going to bring my Nikon D-40.  And wheel my wheelchair as close to the front as possible. God I hope I can get an unobstructed view!!!

This will be my one and only summertime gig...Can't think of any better, so I hope I see you there.

Come up to me and say hi!  Really...I don't bite, I might grumble a bit and complain about the dude with the fat (A) blocking my view! smile   

I am so psyched about the coming show and JB in general.  The song "Pain and Sorrow" got me through a very difficult time in my life, (if you would like to know more I'll talk with you.), and should Joe ever read this all I can say is "Thank You". 

What a gift he has given to us all!

No doubt that the blues, and music in general is such a wonderful thing! At times we all connect with the blues; I think its just part of the "human condition." 

For me having Cerebral Palsy all my life has seen me up and down for 48 revolutions of the planet. And for now I'm very happy, relatively healthy, and extremely grateful.

I love JB and hope to interact with many of you.  Forgive any spelling errors, or other boo boo’s.

Best wishes to you all.  Take care…enjoy the ever shrinking summer.

It's all good.   

Peace,
Jon

*Tripsy, if you should see this.  I appologize in reply to your post in the "General Area"  I called you Tipsy, sorry.

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Hi Jon - I'll try to get close up front myself; I'll be with a couple of friends so hopefully they won't make me too late to get a good spot.  I'm 50ish, 6 footer and I'm planning on wearing my red tour shirt and a Gibson ball cap.
Hope you can make it!

Cheers!
Tom

Major Tom to ground control...
  • Registered: 2008-08-02
  • Posts: 6

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Hi Tom,

I'm and on again, off again bass player, (off far too long).  I almost bought a Ric 401 in the mid 70's.  Heaviest bass I've ever lifted.  Great instrument.  My one and only bass is a 76' Guild 302-B.  Nice but not great.  I got a couple of basses at HOG.  A Honer, which was known as a "Cheeseburger", copy of a Steinbergr.

If I'm lucky enough to make the Artpark show.  I hope I can get upfront; I will be in a Black Quickie wheelchair.  Sport model. Low back no handles etc...

Not sure what I will be wearing.  Don't have any cool Joe gear yet!

If I make it...fingers crossed.  I suspect that I will be among just a few wheelchair users who might be there.  Being in the chair is generally a great for identification purposes. 

Had to give up a potential life of crime... smile The only safe place...Nursing homes and hospitals, guess that's a good thing!  Boosting grandma's purse isn’t that great anyway smile

See you at the show. 

Peace,

Jon

Even though it's old(er) material, I would give a wad of $$$ to hear "Pain and Sorrow.",  And, an even a bigger wad of $$$ to meet and thank Joe personally!

  • From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

DACJon wrote:

Even though it's old(er) material, I would give a wad of $$$ to hear "Pain and Sorrow.",  And, an even a bigger wad of $$$ to meet and thank Joe personally!

We seem to have a dual introductory thread here, so it's a big welcome from me to both Tom and Jon!

Jon, in case you haven't seen this yet, here's the next best thing -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoJyg9HcaZw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMblbi8f … re=related

Since I only went through the jaw dropping and mind boggling experience of 'discovering' Joe last year, I also haven't seen him do P&S live and would give anything for the chance to do so now. As for meeting Joe to thank him, I know so exactly what you mean!!! Joe's music in general, and Sloe Gin in particular, got me through an extremely hard time in my life last year. Joining this forum and meeting and becoming friends with some of the posters here helped me the rest of the way through, so I see Joe's 'gift' to me as literally life-changing and priceless! Now I'm just a happy, smiling fool. big_smile

I was fortunate enough to have a lengthy chat with Joe and thank him after the show in Den Haag in March. If you hang around front of stage after the show you're attending I'm sure you'll also get the chance to talk to him and discover, as I did, that he is modesty and generosity personified. Joe is not only a stellar musician, he's also one hell of a human being!!!

(As for Tipsy/Tripsy, we have a very convenient 'edit' button in the lower right corner for just such little typos.)

And Tom, now you've gone and got her all excited about another guitar! big_smile

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
  • From: West Yorkshire, England
  • Registered: 2007-08-02
  • Posts: 1,587

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Hello again Jon,

Don't worry about calling me Tipsy, that name fits occasionally tongue

Look forward to hearing about the gig at Lewiston, it's going to be brilliant and I'm sure you will get the chance to meet Joe.

Take care .....Tripsy smile

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

DACJon wrote:

Hi Tom,

Even though it's old(er) material, I would give a wad of $$$ to hear "Pain and Sorrow.",  And, an even a bigger wad of $$$ to meet and thank Joe personally!

Jon,

It's doubtful that Joe will dust off "pain and sorrow" (although there are several in the forum who think that it is his best effort ever) but we can always hope.

I'll try and get in the queue myself after the show. I'd like to get an autograph. Not that I'm starting a Bonashrine or anything smile
That's one of the great things about Joe - he really appreciates his fans and makes an effort to accomodate us after his gigs if possible. 

I don't know where my Rickenbacker addiction came from; maybe that Pete Townsend was one of my first guitar heroes? You don't see many Guild basses or guitars either. A high school friend had a fretless Guild bass back in the 70's - he toured with "Paul Revere and the Raiders" for a couple of years but haven't seen him in about 30 years.  Funny thing is I was watching a Muddy Waters DVD yesterday and the show from Copenhagen he had traded in his trademark Telecaster for a Guild guitar. In the liner notes it was mentioned that before that show Muddy had inked a deal with Guild.

See ya at the show!

Major Tom to ground control...
  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

I also wanted to add that you should check out the chat on Tuesday nights. There is a link under the "general topics" section to it. Things usually pick up around 9PM eastern. If you get into the room and no one is there, please stay for a while as surely it won't be too long.

Major Tom to ground control...
  • Registered: 2008-08-02
  • Posts: 6

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Tom,

Ditto on all you wrote. 

Not likely that Joe will dust off P&S.  But that sure would be great. I now more clearly understand his connection to the English influence that he often speaks of. And his Strat phase.  Very Troweresque, among others.

I'm an old Who fan, especially John.  Great player with a very unique style.

I tried a Steinberger fretless and knew that I was not good enough to make it worth purchasing at the time. Fretless is a whole other animal. That was at HOG.

I'm not sure if it still exists but the PBS station here in Buffalo had hosted the North American Guitar festival. Just in the past few years.  The winner a couple of years ago played a fretless six string, not a bass, It was totally unique, never heard anything like it.  I have it on VHS somewhere...One of those performances that just make you go Wow...Very Trippy.

I to will be in the line at the front of the stage.  It would be cool if Joe would ink my copy of ANDY.  Plus, I really do want to thank him.

Gotta run,

See you at the show!

Jon

Thanks for the chat room info, will try and make it there.

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Upstate NY Joe fan

Jon,

Dig it! John Entwhistle is way up there on my list of favorite bass players with Stanley Clarke (met him in a bar in Clearwater, FL about 25 years ago. RTF wasn't even playing), Chris Squire (there's that Rick thing again) and Billy Sheehan (gotta include a fellow Buffalonian!) - Guess I have make an exception for Rick James too (Played a Rick AND was from Buffalo!) Honorable mention to Eric Czar - never saw him live, but he smokes on ANDYL and Rockpalast videos.

I just sent a message to Melissa via Facebook to see what she can do about getting us to see Joe after the show. She's the Street Team coordinator.

Major Tom to ground control...