It was a refreshing night packed full of bluesy rock-and-roll at The Palace Theatre in Columbus, Ohio as world-renowned guitarist Joe Bonamassa performed an extensive “evening with” set on Monday, Nov. 3; marking the first night of his new U.S. Fall Tour.
Opening with the title track from his 17th album Breakthrough, released this summer, Bonamassa and his stellar six-member backing band brought the heat throughout the 13-song setlist.
Each song showcased the flawless guitar playing skills of blues rock titan Bonamassa as he often stepped away from the mic to make his way to the side of the stage, mesmerizing the crowd with solos that possessed the mind and body; guitar notes that force your eyes to close and make your arms and hands fly upward.
Although nobody can match Johnny Lang’s guitar face or Este Haim’s bass face, Bonmassa’s visage was often transformed when he dug deep into his jaw dropping solos.
The crowd was lively, encouraging the virtuoso to give it his all; and indeed he gave it his all, leaning over to make his guitars—every song or so featured a different guitar—fiercely wale and cry. Fans sporadically hollered, clapped, finger whistled and shouted: “Yeahhh, Joey!” and “Let’s Go, JB!”
Bonamassa transported the crowd to what seemed like a crowded smokey Chicago nightclub with his take on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Double Trouble”—a song version that’s as bluesy as it gets, packing a punch with backing piano from legendary keyboardist and organist Reese Wynans, who is well-known for performing with the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Fans often sang along to choruses: “But, I Done Got Over It! Lord, I Done Got Over It!” and “I’m Gonna Pack It Up! I’m Gonna Give It Up! I’m Gonna Put You Right Out Of My Mind!”
Bonamassa was as suave as ever with his shades, distinct blue suit and Buddy Guy-like polkadot shirt. He sometimes grabbed a towel in front of the drum riser to wipe the sweat off his brow or to sneak some water.
An hour into the set, following an organ solo by Wynans and a fierce guitar solo by Josh Smith, the guitar hero introduced his fellow musicians and lovingly joked about disinterest in hearing new songs.
“We’re playing a few new songs, but the guy in the back just wants to hear “Sloe Gin” and move on,” laughed Bonamassa.
“Sloe Gin” closed the show and the setlist also included: “Drive By The Exit Sign,” “Trigger Finger,” “24 Hour Blues,” “Heart That Never Waits,” “Driving Towards The Daylight,” “Shout About It,” “Million Miles,” “Happier Times.”
Drummer Lemar Carter (Demi Lovato, Andra Day, Babyface, Joss Stone, Mick Jagger) crushed his parts along with bassist Calvin Turner, who grooved side to side and bent his knees throughout the set.
Not only does Bonamassa’s breathtaking guitar solos stand out, but so does his soulful voice; as was evident during ballads paired live with wide smiling, finger snapping backing singers Jade MacRae and Juanita Tippins.
It was a tranquil, soothing, night to remember—full of impeccable songs laced with blues, all styles of rock, and even some country twang.
With the tour just kicking off, there’s plenty of time to catch one of the 22-dates on this memorable run.
Tour Dates
https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
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