Hi all-
The Buffalo show was just what expected. Joe had high intensity, tenacious blues rock driven guitar playing, and all members of the band playing as one very cohesive unit for the packed house. One added bonus for the show was the great lighting production and the massive computerized backdrop that was changing colors, pictures, and other designs throughout each song.
Ballad of John Henry- He came on stage with a huge smile and was ready to put on a fantastic show for the people of Buffalo. The song started strong and Joe and the band got stronger throughout the song. Also, they kept changing the backdrop colors and made the show seem expansive while Joe was rippin’ it up.
Last Kiss- He played his signature Les Paul for this song. The lighting crew lit the backdrop in red. What an awesome song to hear it live off his new album! It is such a pleasure to see Joe as he’s playing six songs of his new album.
So many roads-This is one my favorite songs live. Joe really puts his feelings in this song and it shows with his nearly mournful guitar work and vocals.
Mountain Time-Of course, this is the song Nico where always has to go to the restroom so I missed most of it. From what I heard from a distance, though, he played it with great passion. When we came back in Nico looked at me with raised eyebrows and pointed on stage and told me he liked the green backdrop that also had mountain tops up on the screen.
Another kind of love- One word for this song: Smokin”. That’s the whole story.
Sloe Gin-Sloe Gin blew my mind. He put so much heart and soul into this song that I just sat back and enjoyed it. It was powerful & passionate yet tentative, underscoring the content of the lyrics, and he kept that power throughout the whole song (tentative was gone by that time!). It was probably one of the best performances of Sloe Gin that I heard him do. Also, the lighting crew set the tone also by darkening the stage and putting a spot light on Joe.
Great Flood-This was my first time hearing this song live. I loved that Joe can slow things down and still keep the audience on their toes. The backdrop was all in blue and white wavy lines to symbolize water, which suited the mood of that song.
Lonesome road blues- Joe was phenomenal on this, a total pleasure to hear live.
Happier times- Of course another song from his new album and his vocals were superb during the song.
Your funeral my trial-At this time, everyone seemed to get their bodies moving and people were almost going to dance in the aisles.
Blues Deluxe- The new version of Blues Deluxe is awesome!! Before Joe started playing Blues Deluxe, Joe stood at each section, played a riff, gauged the cheers of each section, and then reached into his pocket for some pics out into that section. He did it three times and looked like he was having so much fun on stage. The lighting was all blue throughout the song.
Woke up dreaming-Joe is never disappointing when he straps on that acoustic guitar and plays his heart out when performing Woke Up Dreaming. After the song, he got a tremendous standing ovation and when he was going into Just Got Paid he told the crowd to continue to stand. Nobody sat down until the concert was over. The backdrop during Woke Up Dreaming was blue with clouds.
Just Got Paid- He strapped on his flying “V” guitar and was on fire throughout the whole song. The lighting crew actually put up flames on the screen, the whole crowd was on their feet cheering, very cool.
**********Encore*************
Ball Peen Hammer-This is one of Nico’s favorite songs and Joe was beginning the great encore for the crowd. Great to see Joe bring back the acoustic guitar in the encore.
Story of a Quarryman-Joe tells a great story with his vocals in the song and especially with his guitar work.
Asking Around for You- Joe, near the two hour mark, never ceases to amaze me that he can put so much of his heart and soul into this song. I have heard this song live so many times, but he never lets us down. It is a pleasure to hear Rick’s keys showcased and of course when Joe backs away from the mic to sing for everyone it is truly a treat.
It was a fun night in Buffalo and can’t wait to see Joe and his band on Sunday in Columbus and Wednesday in Greensburg.
Take care,
Dean
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