FANZEYEVIEW
Joe Bonamassa + Sandi Thom - LCR Norwich 2nd December 2009
This was my 8th time at seeing Joe Bonamassa and his fine band. I decided to get up to the venue early so that I could get all the cds/dvds signed and perhaps a couple of photos taken with the musicians, mission accomplished all Joe and band as well as Sandi .
What doesn't get much press, if any , is that Joe is holding guitar workshops at the venues of the gigs for 90 mins before he & the band soundcheck. I caught the last 20 mins of it and he just gives others inspiration to play by telling them about how he learned and persevered. Giving guitar tips and general enthusiam for his craft. These workshops included in the crowd schoolkids and guitar pupils from college classes., very similar to his Blues for Schools campaign in the USA, how many musicians at his level do that especially while on tour?
Doors open and into the venue and parked at the front centre.
Sandi Thom and her band were wonderful, the best support I've seen with Joe. She played tracks from her new cd 'Merchants & Thieves'. She has taken a more pleasing musical direction since her infamous internet basement gig debut. Only downside for her during her set was a guitar malfunction which she took with a shrug and a smile.
Joey time next, and he did not dissappoint the expectant crowd. Starting from the side of the stage with 'The Ballad Of John Henry'.
Playing songs from all his catalogue and switching guitars virtually everytime. Bogie on drums was especially on great form, his performance on 'The Great Flood' was exceptional.
All the expected classics were done. A crowd cheer at the opening keyboard bars of 'Sloe Gin' were followed by total silence as Joe delicately worked through the guitar sequence.
'Woke Up Dreaming' is fast becoming a classic not only for Joe but for guitar music in general. His acoustic work on the 10 min song is phenomenal and had the crowd cheering and clapping at various sections of the acoustic workout.
Two song encore followed the finish of the main set, concert finishing with Joe's rock tribute 'Just Got Paid' medley. Giving the Flying V a vicious 12 mins on stage.
After the gig I managed to acquire Joe's setlist and guitar pick. This time during his gig I paid attention mainly to his guitar action and it was mesmerising seeing the strings bending and then vibrating then as well in that position, it was a joy .
Setlist:
Ballad Of John Henry/Last Kiss/So Many Roads/So It's Like That/If Heartaches Were Nickels/Further On Up The Road/Sloe Gin/Lonesome Road Blues/Happier Times/Bridge To Better Days/Story Of A Quarryman/Great Flood/Woke Up Dreaming/India-Mountain Time/ Ball Peen Hammer/Just Got Paid
A great night of entertainment. Joe as many know is back in May 2010 on tour with Black Rock cd to promote. Sandi Thom is back touring UK in April 2010 check her out she is worth a listen.
http://s458.photobucket.com/albums/qq310/ramp62/Joe%20Bonamassa%20and%20Sandi%20Thom%20Norwich%2002%20Dec%202009/
What doesn't get much press, if any , is that Joe is holding guitar workshops at the venues of the gigs for 90 mins before he & the band soundcheck. I caught the last 20 mins of it and he just gives others inspiration to play by telling them about how he learned and persevered. Giving guitar tips and general enthusiam for his craft. These workshops included in the crowd schoolkids and guitar pupils from college classes., very similar to his Blues for Schools campaign in the USA, how many musicians at his level do that especially while on tour?
Doors open and into the venue and parked at the front centre.
Sandi Thom and her band were wonderful, the best support I've seen with Joe. She played tracks from her new cd 'Merchants & Thieves'. She has taken a more pleasing musical direction since her infamous internet basement gig debut. Only downside for her during her set was a guitar malfunction which she took with a shrug and a smile.
Joey time next, and he did not dissappoint the expectant crowd. Starting from the side of the stage with 'The Ballad Of John Henry'.
Playing songs from all his catalogue and switching guitars virtually everytime. Bogie on drums was especially on great form, his performance on 'The Great Flood' was exceptional.
All the expected classics were done. A crowd cheer at the opening keyboard bars of 'Sloe Gin' were followed by total silence as Joe delicately worked through the guitar sequence.
'Woke Up Dreaming' is fast becoming a classic not only for Joe but for guitar music in general. His acoustic work on the 10 min song is phenomenal and had the crowd cheering and clapping at various sections of the acoustic workout.
Two song encore followed the finish of the main set, concert finishing with Joe's rock tribute 'Just Got Paid' medley. Giving the Flying V a vicious 12 mins on stage.
After the gig I managed to acquire Joe's setlist and guitar pick. This time during his gig I paid attention mainly to his guitar action and it was mesmerising seeing the strings bending and then vibrating then as well in that position, it was a joy .
Setlist:
Ballad Of John Henry/Last Kiss/So Many Roads/So It's Like That/If Heartaches Were Nickels/Further On Up The Road/Sloe Gin/Lonesome Road Blues/Happier Times/Bridge To Better Days/Story Of A Quarryman/Great Flood/Woke Up Dreaming/India-Mountain Time/ Ball Peen Hammer/Just Got Paid
A great night of entertainment. Joe as many know is back in May 2010 on tour with Black Rock cd to promote. Sandi Thom is back touring UK in April 2010 check her out she is worth a listen.
http://s458.photobucket.com/albums/qq310/ramp62/Joe%20Bonamassa%20and%20Sandi%20Thom%20Norwich%2002%20Dec%202009/
