ACL Live at the Moody Theatre presents an evening with Joe Bonamassa.
Joe Bonamassa took the stage in support of his new album “Dustbowl” in front of a sold out crowd in Austin on Friday night. In very short order it was easy for even a newcomer to his music to realize why Billboard magazine named him the number one blues artist of 2010. Simply put, this fresh-faced 34 year old plays like an 80 year old man who’s been playing his entire life. He consisted of an abundant experience and lots of heart. Apparently Joe was something of a child prodigy I have come to learn. With a guitar in hand by age four, Hendrix and Stevie Ray note for note by age 7. Joe found himself opening for BB King by 12 years old, and hasn’t taken a breather since.
His performance at ACL Live on December 2nd was nothing short of spectacular. He quipped onstage that of his 12 albums and 134 recorded songs he’s had precisely “zero hits”. After naming “The Ballad of John Henry” as his beacon of light and the “closest thing [he's ever had] to a hit”, he then launched into a particularly soulful rendition of it. Thankfully, Austin, Texas does not concern itself with charts, figures and awards when it comes to supporting artists.
In fact: this little city is known for being one of the most open-minded and eclectic group of rabid music lovers in the country. The humble blues phenomenon was welcomed with open arms. 2,300 pair of them to be exact.
After a guest appearance and shred-off with Austin’s own resident blues god Eric Johnson, the two traded licks over blue standard “Crossroads” with Joe on vocals as well as two additional songs. Bonamassa referred to his relationship with Johnson as one of “master and apprentice”, and was sincere in the statement, but my ear found the two to be on quite equal footing.
After a flamenco inspired solo, a dueling banjo style trade with drummer Tal Bergman, monolithic amounts of blues swagger, two encores and a blistering version of ZZ’s “Just Got Paid” (a thoughtful choice for a Texas crowd) followed by a copious standing ovation it was time to call it a night. In a mere two hours I just got schooled by an artist who I’m confident will be referred to as a legend one day.
Check out a snippet of their show here:
Tour dates, albums and merchandise available at: JBonamassa.com
Photographs by Robin Lardie
