Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa is a legend. The fans say it, the press say it and every guitarist who ever played a note says it. Why? He has sold over 3 million records, played with every icon of the blues genre and continues to produce live shows across the globe of the finest quality.

Joe rolled into Glasgow on the eve of tonight’s gig to the sound of Glasgow enjoying an Easter weekend in a way only Glaswegians can. His warmth for Scotland goes back years and it’s interesting to consider whether he would have expected to be playing in a venue such as this when he first started out on the road.

Tonight, the venue is full and the mood is upbeat as an unusually warm weekend has cheered even the most dour gig-goer. Speaking to punters in the foyer, it’s clear the audience knows its music and many are almost fanatical about the man himself. Bumping into the members of Scottish blues rock band King King is testament to the respect people have as the band have literally got off a plane after a tour of the Netherlands.

Bonamassa steps onstage unseen as the lights are turned off in the arena. Torches can be seen lighting the path for the band to take their places. In an instant, the lights illuminate and the band start the engine with opener ‘Tiger In Your Tank’ - a particularly strong choice that sets the tone for the night.

Joe doesn’t waste time between songs and choreographs the start and finish of tracks with a raised hand or nod to drummer Anton Fig. You can see the enjoyment in the faces of the band with horn section Lee Thornburg and Paulie Cerra exchanging jokey signals with backing singers Jade MacRae and Mahalia Barnes. At the front of the stage, bassist Michael Rhodes steps forward to share some of the limelight whilst keys player Reese Wynans is apparently having a ball especially when duelling with Bonamassa.

The set is almost all uptempo but there are moments where the pace is slowed and then the feel in Bonamassa’s playing really is heard in all its glory. There are opportunities for the other musicians to flourish too with solos spots adding an extra ingredient to the evening’s recipe.

Bonamassa stops for breath eventually after a sublime rendition of Sloe Gin to say hello. Nine songs in and the crowd are ready to say hello too. Bonamassa talks about his familiarity with Scotland and boasts that he can even understand the Scottish mumbles. Ironically, a shout from the crowd isn’t understood….by anybody!.

The night continues again with another stable of prize songs finishing with ‘Last Kiss’ with its shuffling drums and dirty guitar. The crowd are on their feet now - with Bonamassa’s encouragement and many step forward to the stage for a more personal experience. Leaving the stage with thanks provided, the crowd know better than to head for the exits and they are rewarded with the return of the frontman himself.

Bonamassa opts for an electro-acoustic guitar and plays the frenetic ‘Woke Up Dreaming’ - a song so intricate and full of passion that many guitarists will no doubt be considering hanging up their trusty six string. The band return eventually for the final song of the performance. ‘Mountain Time’ which starts beautifully and builds into an emotional finale which receives a standing ovation.

This has been the first night of the European tour and I have to say - it was special. Legends rarely appear but tonight the warm Glasgow evening witnessed one in the flesh.