• From: Dayton, OH
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 276

Topic: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Well I went right from the accoustic clinic at Hauer's to the Fraze...Some friends or our's got there early enought to get us seats in the 3rd row center stage...We sat with about 20 Joe B. converts that I am responsible for...I drive people nuts about Joe...

After rescheduling his June rainout at the Fraze, Joe and the band returned last night to provide ( I say this after everytime I see Joe) the most thrilling performance that I have ever seen...And I have now seen Joe close to 15 times or so...He had 3,000 fans totally into his performance last night...Most of the songs ended with some of the loudest standing ovations that I can ever remember hearing at the Fraze...By the way, if any of you ever have an opprtunity to see a show there, it has got to be one of the best venues for an outdoor concert in the world...There is just something about the intimacy with the entertainers, the sound system, the lighting, that makes it a special experience...Another thing my wife and I noted when we looked around last night...There were 3 generations of folks in attendence...It was a much younger crowd...

First of all the setlist:

Spike Driver Blues - No offense once again to Libby's You Tube...But live...OMG...What an incredible new opening song...This got the crowd off to a rip roaring start...Joe introduce a new "toy" and played a Theremin during this song and at least one other...He put both his guitar or his hand into this thing and created an eerie siren sound...It was pretty cool and definately got everyone talking to one another...

Bridge To Better Days - Went right into it after SDB...Seemed like everyone was singing along...

So Many Roads - What can you say...A master at his trade at work and so close I could amost reach out and touch him...By the way, Joe really has begun working the entire stage and was getting applause each time he moved to get up close and personal with another section of fans...

Mountain Time - My all time favorite...Worth the price of admission just to hear this one...

Another Kind of Love - Has the place rockin in their seats and on their feet at the end...

Sloe Gin - For me the hightlight of the night...This was the most soulful part of his performance last night...You could feel every word that he was singing...He even did the BB King arms and hands over his chest like he does in Asking Around For You...Very, very, moving...Once again, everyone was singing along...They knew what it was from the first notes from Joe and Rick...A loud and long standing ovation...

High Water Everywhere - I just love to see the newbees see Joe strap on an accoustic and say to themselves, Holly **##, he plays the heck out of that too...This is just a fun song with marching and all...

Your Funeral My Trial - First time I've heard it live...Really had the place rocking...Only thing missing was a 10 year old harmonica player...

Blues Deluxe - He used to do this at Gilly's in Dayton...But this version was much different...Heavy, heavy blues...Unbelievable guitar work...I am so glad that Joe decided to bring it back to life...

Woke Up Dreaming - What can I say...The only reaction that is appropriate is another HOLY **##...A louder and longer standing ovation...Joe worked all sides of the stage...It is amazing how quiet 3,000 people can become to listen to the sneaky quiet parts of the song...

Just Got Paid - After WUD...The roller coaster ride continued...It is fun to see folks recognize so many different parts of these songs...

One of These Days - Rapidly becoming one of my favorites...Had everyone dancing with Joe as he does his jive during the beginning of the song...FUN, FUN, FUN...

Asking Around For You - My wife's favorite...I always get hugs during this one...And my wife, Sharon, can sing the **## out of it too...Highlight was Joe coming to the edge of the stage, without microphone at the end of the song, giving us all one of his famous SHHHHH's, and singing the end of the song with hands over heart to the silent crowd...I think you could hear him all the way to Schroyer Rd. without the mike...

Joe entertained us all for nearly 2 hours...Another great night and great memory...Thank you Joe...

P.S. Sorry for lingering on and on like Libby, but I think you can tell we had a great time...

Peace...

The Other Joe B.l

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2006-12-03
  • Posts: 14

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Super review of the evening, Bizzer...

The show, as always, was FANTASTIC! I was in the front row, tho way on the right side, so my neck got stiff, but it gave me the chance to really listen & feel the DEPTH of each song.

My highlights were:

- "Sloe Gin" & Blues Deluxe".  Just SO much power within the stories. Joe's take on each punches both straight to the gut... I have a hard time keeping my eyes dry.

- "Spike Driver Blues" was a nice, fresh addition. Don't know if I've even heard it before.

- The toy you mentioned (Theremin), which I've never seen before, was WAY-COOL!

- Was able to get the new live album (Awesome...Thanks so much!)

- Got out early so we had time to hang out by the fountains & soak our feet...lol

Glad to hear so many were able to go to Hauer's...we were running late & couldn't make it. Maybe next time...

Live As If Life...Actually Matters...
  • From: Dayton, OH
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 276

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Sketch,

Too bad we missed you...The Theremin was really cool...At the clinic Joe mentioned that it was not new space age technology, but that it has been around forever...I would be interested in hearing what other guitarist use one during their shows...

Joe B.

  • Registered: 2008-08-19
  • Posts: 32

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Great review of the Fraze show ,  thanks!  It was my, along with my teenage sons 3rd show, but it was my wifes first .... she was blown away by Joes talent , as we all were at our first show.   The theramin was a neat addition to the show.  This is the same device Jimmy Page used to use to do the psychodelic part of "whole Lotta Love".  Joe used it on "Spike Driver Blues" and on the "Dazed and Confused" part of "Just Got Paid".   It looked like he was having fun with it, waving his hand and guitar neck around it like a magician.

  For the fellow guitar geeks out there ... He did play the Stonetree for "Spike Driver Blues" ,his usual assortment of  LP's including "Mountain Time"...there was no Gigliotti sighting, I thought it sounded better on the LP myself.  I did not recognize the guitar he played the slide part of " One Of These Days"  it was a natural finished, Melody Maker looking guitar, probably another custom. 

  I wanted to go to the Hauer Yamaha Demonstration but I was afraid the line would have been around the block by the time I would have made it there... 5 o'clock if I made good time.  How was the crowd there?   if I would have made it in ... don't tell me!

  I agree the Fraze gets two thumbs up,  great place for an outdoor show.

Hi Tom and Barbara!  Rock On!  Jeff and Debbie

  • From: Dayton, OH
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 276

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Jeff and Debbie,

I also posted a review of the clinic...I would say about a 100 showed...All the seats were gobbled up and the late comers were standing in the rear...Joe arrived at 5:30 sharp...Sounds like you guys enjoyed the show as much as we did...

The Other Joe B.

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

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Hey Bizzer..Never shorten a review on my behalf. I love all the details and appreciate the efforts, would NEVER call it lingering. Thanks for all the info and I got a kick out of how much enthusiasm was jumping from the screen. It may take days for you to hit the ground. Cathy

  • Registered: 2007-08-31
  • Posts: 13

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

I must agree with the others on the show. Joe always does a great job and gets better with every show. Set list was great and love the new opening song. The end of "Asking Around For You" was great. It has always been a favorite and THAT version kicks! Hope he keeps it.
I really do have a complaint about Fraze though. It is a great venue and provides a nice place to see a concert, but the people who work there need to work on their people skills. First, they took a camera away from a guy sitting across the aisle from us because it wasn't a "point and shoot" camera. He had a release signed by Joe and had a press card, but it wasn't from Fraze. They were rather rude to him. They gave us a hard time about our Easy Share cameras until we managed to prove they were "point and shoot" models. "John", the guy in the middle section kept chasing people away as they took photos near the stage. I didn't see anybody who hindered others view or were in the way. Guess he just wanted to "be in charge".
After the show, I asked if Joe was coming out to sign stuff as usual and I was told, "No autographs, no meet and greets, Joe got in his Limo and left". He told us to leave that they were locking the gates. I have seen Joe maybe 10-12 times and only the Fraze shows did he not come out to the stage or merchandise table to talk to fans. Didn't know Joe started taking limos either. Always had a nice coach before....
Now, I know it was Monday, but this is the second time I was treated badly at this venue. One lady who walked out with us told us her little boy wanted his plastic guitar signed, but they wouldn't let him bring it in. He was probably about 4 or 5. They said they drove 240 miles for the show. We drove about 100. Like I said, real nice venue, but I won't go to another show there. Hara, Nutter Center, UD, not Fraze. I will travel a long way to see Joe, but not to Fraze.
Oh yeah, being able to get the new CD a day early....PRICELESS. It is great!

  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Sorry Eric... I hate Limos by the way.. I always go by bus...  parked near to the venue..  I always come out post show unless I am sick... which I hope everybody would understand..  sorry you were treated rudely..    I never would do that to the fans.. I am too grateful for what I have.. see you next time... 
Joe Bonamassa

  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

There you go Eric. Know any other entertainers that give it to you first hand?

                                                                                                                    J Dawg

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint
  • Geoff
  • Geoff
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Moreton, Wirral, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 1,603

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

My point exactly!

Geoff O

Visit my Casino Images website http://www.casino-images.com/

Geoff's Website

  • Registered: 2008-02-14
  • Posts: 2,578

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Sorry Eric... I hate Limos by the way.. I always go by bus...  parked near to the venue..  I always come out post show unless I am sick... which I hope everybody would understand..  sorry you were treated rudely..    I never would do that to the fans.. I am too grateful for what I have.. see you next time... 
Joe Bonamassa

That's a great attitude Joe. smile I hope you are feeling well when I see you at Gateshead, as I didn't get to see you after the gig in Glasgow in February.

"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
  • From: Youngstown, OH
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 343

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Indeed, Joe & Co.'s performance at Fraze was absolutely exemplary!  I missed the first half of Spike Driver Blues, though, as I attempted to reason, negotiate, and finally plead with the security staff to let Nico bring his little guitar in but they absolutely would not budge-- even though he brought it in without incident the other two times we saw Joe there.  In theory, it's a wonderful venue; the setting, sound, stage lighting, etc., but the abrasive & condescending nature of the staff--both in my interactions with them and that which I witnessed--is rather off-putting.  I personally got my photo pass without any problem (unlike last time), but I saw one staffer actually put his hand in front of someone's lens because he thought she was taking too long to snap a pic with her camera phone!  As Eric said, utilization of some people skills would be a step in the right direction.

As Bizzer said, it was indeed a thrilling performance and during the many walks to the restroom one takes when attending a concert with a 5-year old I also noticed a multi-generational crowd throughout the venue--all of whom seemed equally appreciative and enthusiastic!  Very cool to see, and hopefully we'll have a repeat of that Friday night here in Youngstown.  The staff will be human, though, I'm sure of it! :-)

"The Blues is like a tonic for all that ails you."  BB King

Rock ON & Keep the Faith!
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 302

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Hey Jeff & Deb.  Loved your review of the show!  Sounds like you guys had an awesome time at the Fraze.  So glad Debbie went and that she had a blast.  Keep on posting.

                                             Barbara wink

  • From: Dayton, OH
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 276

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Melissa,

Sorry to hear what happened to you and Nico at the Fraze...How can we get them some forceful feedback...With behavior like that, they risk losing a good thing...

Joe B.

  • From: Youngstown, OH
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 343

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

They have a feedback form on their website (fraze.com) and there is also an email address listed.  I used it to tactfully & objectively relate my experience (not just this one, but also unrelated issues from the last two shows) there.  It really is such a nice place for Joe to play and there's such a good show of support for him in the area that I would hate for fans to be deterred by the demeanor and tactics of the staff there.

"The Blues is like a tonic for all that ails you."  BB King

Rock ON & Keep the Faith!
  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: 3,000 Witness an Unbelievable Performance at the Fraze

Ahh!! That's why it's called MOJOEHIO!!! Thanks for sharing.

Rock On & 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.”