Review & Photographs by Diane Fleischman
For many fans two years may have seemed like eternity for the return of Joe Bonamassa at the State Theatre in Easton. Tuesday night Bonamassa appeared leaner not only in physical stature, but also in band members compared to his acoustic show back in January of 2016. “Last time looked so different, we all sat down”, he commented, to the sold-out crowd. For this tour, it’s a full on electric show, which showcased Bonamassa at his finest.
Donned in a blue pin stripe suit, Bonamassa favored the left side of the stage, and dipped towards the center for a few occasions. The stage was set almost to mimic big bands, with podiums for the two horn players. The show kicked off with “King Bee Shakedown”, followed by “Evil Mama” and then “Just Because You Can”.
During the powerful performance of “No Good Place for the Lonely”, Bonamassa ripped through an incredible guitar solo, so intense, it brought the crowd to their feet as they cheered and clapped in awestruck approval.
It was a little better than halfway through the set that he briefly removed his trademark sunglasses and spoke as he introduced his all-star band. The essential core of his band performed as a tight ensemble, with Reese Wynans on keyboards, the legendary drummer Anton Figs, Michael Rhodes on bass, Lee Thornburg; trumpet, Paulie Cerra; saxophone, and the best back up singers from Australia, Jade MacRae and Juanita Tippens. Bonamassa is not one for the chit chat of banter, it was time to return to the music.
Also mixed into the set were concert favorites, “How Deep This River Runs”, the pounding “Slow Train”, and a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Boogie With Stu”. Bonamassa insisted that the audience rise to their feet and boogie along. The set came to a close with “Last Kiss” and “How Many More Times.” Bonamassa returned for an encore performance of “Hummingbird”.
This year is a busy one for Joe Bonamassa and company. Their touring calendar is full, bouncing between the States and Europe throughout the year. His mentor, BB King, who lived by the rule of ‘you’re only as good as your last performance’, Bonamassa incorporates his version of the mantra to a “T”, leaving behind a trail of smoking guitars and ecstatic fans everywhere he goes.
Joe Bonamassa | Links
Website: https://jbonamassa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JoeBonamassaTV
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBONAMASSA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joebonamassa/
