March 8, 2026 – Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa delivered a masterclass in guitar tone and musical storytelling at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, turning the historic theater into a cathedral of blues for a sold-out crowd along the Jersey Shore.
We’ve shot and reviewed Joe Bonamassa numerous times and were grateful he chose our photo (@coucouphotography) to use as the promotional material for this event. So naturally we were excited and honored to receive our photo pass and review ticket for yet another opportunity to capture one of the greatest blues/rock guitarists of all time .
From the moment the lights dimmed and Bonamassa walked onstage—suited sharply and armed with one of his many vintage guitars—the audience knew they were in the hands of a seasoned blues craftsman. Bonamassa was backed by a very tight and polished band featuring Calvin Turner on bass, Lamar Carter on drums, Josh Smith on guitar, new-comer Lachy Doley on keys and complemented with the powerful and harmonic talents of backup singers Danielle DeAndrea & Jade MacRae.
Bonamassa opened with “Break Through”, a fiery instrumental groove that quickly showcased the signature mix of precision and emotion that has made him one of modern blues’ most respected guitarists. Along with “Break Through”, Bonamassa showcased a lot of newer material earlier in the set which blended seamlessly with classic blues covers and some fan favorites. Bonamassa’s playing moved effortlessly between scorching solos and restrained, soulful phrasing. Each guitar change—of which there were many throughout the night—brought subtle tonal shifts, from biting Chicago-style blues to thick, overdriven British blues-rock.
Highlights of the evening included a slow-burning rendition of “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” where Bonamassa stretched the song into an extended jam filled with expressive bends and fluid runs. Another standout was the gritty “ Drive Past The Exit Sign” which drew cheers from the crowd as the band locked into a deep groove. Songs like these demonstrated his deep respect for blues history while still feeling fresh and electrifying.
The atmosphere inside the Basie Center was intimate and the setting allowed fans to fully appreciate the nuance of his playing. The historic theater—originally opened in 1926 and later renamed in honor of jazz legendCount Basie—provided excellent acoustics, making every note ring clearly throughout the room.
The crowd, a mix of old and some young were on their feet in applause at the end of every song and dancing in the isles during the soulful shuffles and funk-tinged rhythms. One of the most striking observations of the night was Joe Bonamassa’s rare ability to get an older theater crowd out of their seats and dancing—no small feat for a seated venue like the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Blues shows often attract devoted listeners who prefer to sit back and absorb the music, but Bonamassa’s groove-heavy arrangements and dynamic stage presence slowly transformed the room from a quiet listening environment into something closer to a roadhouse party.
Bonamassa’s band was equally impressive. Doley on keys added punch and soul, particularly on the funk-tinged numbers, while the rhythm section provided a solid foundation that allowed Bonamassa to stretch out during improvisational passages. The chemistry onstage felt effortless, the mark of musicians who have spent countless nights touring together.
Midway through the show, Bonamassa addressed the audience with his characteristic dry humor, thanking the Red Bank crowd and reminiscing about his long touring history in New Jersey and particularly at the Count Basie Theater having opened for B.B. King there in his more formative years. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, clearly aware they were witnessing a guitarist at the peak of his powers.
As the set moved toward its finale, Bonamassa leaned into heavier blues-rock territory with extended solos that brought the audience to its feet. The encore delivered one final surge of energy, closing the night the with famed “Sloe Gin” showcasing a triumphant blend of soulful blues and soaring guitar work.
By the time the house lights came up, it was clear that Bonamassa had delivered exactly what his fans came for: an evening of world-class musicianship rooted in the traditions of the blues but performed with modern power and precision. For the crowd gathered in Red Bank, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder that the blues are alive, evolving, and capable of filling a theater with electricity.
Joe Bonamassa’s ability to connect across generations is one of the defining aspects of his live performances. While many in the crowd grew up on classic blues and rock, his blend of vintage tone, modern production, and high-energy arrangements kept the show from feeling like a nostalgia act. Instead, the performance felt alive and communal—less like a formal theater concert and more like a shared celebration of blues music.
If Sunday night proved anything, it’s that Joe Bonamassa remains one of the most formidable live guitarists of his generation—and the historic stage of the Count Basie Center for the Arts was the perfect place to witness it.
For more info please visit: http://www.jbonamassa.com