March 20, 2022 – Count Basie, Red Bank NJ
Review and photography by Estelle Massry
At 8 o’clock sharp the theme song from “Welcome Back Kotter” blared through the sold out theatre. The guitar virtuoso and his band then walked out silently on the dark stage as fans prepared for what would be a hypnotic experience… “The Guitar Event of the Year”.
Joe dressed in black with his trademark dark shades and slicked back hair, electrified fans with “Evil Mama”. There was so much love in the audience straight from the first note. Few artists have established such a devoted fan base as Bonamassa has. It is very impressive.
One can alway rely on Joe assembling the best of the best, absolutely outstanding musicians and singers. I was mesmerized by the beautiful backup vocals of Jade MacRae & Danielle De Andrea who were seamlessly in lock-step with one another throughout the entire performance. Bonamassa never disappoints!
Joe is a master of contemporary blues. One of the top 5 guitarists alive today and the world’s most high-profile guitar collector. All of these vintage guitars mixed with his talent is pure magic, legendary guitar riffs of blues/rock. Bonamassa meticulously displays outstanding showmanship and phenomenal guitar playing. One can feel his soul pouring through his body, down to his fingers, delivering pure magic through his guitar.
It’s astonishing how Joe can transition from soulful blues to full on rock & roll – powerful is an understatement . Two hours of nonstop, goosebump performance to the point where I could barely hold my camera.
“Royal Tea” is the fourteenth solo studio album and has been nominated for a Grammy Award as “Best Contemporary Blues” album, deserving of royalty!
For more info please visit http://www.jbonamassa.com
Setlist
- Evil Mama
- Dust Bowl
- Love Aint A Love Song
- Midnight Blues
- The Heart That Never Waits
- I Didn’t Think She Would Do It
- Just Cuz You Can
- Pain and Sorrow
- Notches
- Lonely Boy
- Ballad of John Henry
- Woke Up Dreaming
- Mountain Time
