Photo: Joe Bonamassa by Martine Ehrenclou
By Martine Ehrenclou
Blues/rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, two-time Grammy nominee Joe Bonamassa and his superb band of legendary musicians, performed at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles on August 1, 2021. This show was chosen for The Greek’s re-opening night in celebration of its 90th birthday after it closed for well over a year due to the pandemic.
One of today’s top live performers, Joe Bonamassa is a favorite for music lovers worldwide and known for constantly touring. Hailed the world over as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Bonamassa has been a major force in redefining the blues/rock genre and hurling it into the mainstream.
Seated in the outdoor venue, the crowd simmered with excitement. This concert had been rescheduled twice due to the pandemic, and those of us that held on to our tickets, were more than ready to see the blues/rock guitar master himself and hear songs from his new album, Royal Tea, and others.
The stage went dark and the theme song from “Welcome Back Kotter” blared through the speakers, a welcomed dose of humor after a long, suffering year with halted tours because of Covid-19. To be back in one of L.A’s cherished outdoor amphitheaters, known for great sound, a friendly vibe and canyon setting, was something I’d longed for.
Dressed in a dark, textured suit with a colorful sequined design on the shoulders, Joe Bonamassa appeared on stage, guitar in hand, along with bassist Michael Rhodes, keyboardist and three-time Grammy winner Reese Wynans, drummer Greg Morrow, and backing vocalist Jade MacRae. Each of Bonamassa’s band members are acclaimed in their own right. At the sight of them, the audience blasted applause, hands in the air, filling the venue with a sound I’d sorely missed.
Photo: Martine Ehrenclou
Without a minute to spare, Bonamassa and his band launched into “Oh Beautiful,” Joe singing acapella before the band kicked into high gear with the blazing rocker from his album, Different Shades of Blue. With hints of Zeppelin and Hendrix, there was plenty of hard rock riffing to satiate guitar fans. Joe’s vocals were also in peak form, his voice soulful, compelling.
Without a word, Joe and the band took flight with another rocker with groove “Love Ain’t A Love Song,” which featured MacRae on harmonies and Bonamassa killin’ it on vocals and guitar. Reese Wynans took a spin on the Hammond B3, all expert chops and style.
Slowing things down a bit, Bonamassa slayed “Midnight Blues,” now playing a gold top Les Paul after changing out from the previous Strat. His voice sounded beautiful, his playing masterful. Sometimes, I think Joe is at his guitar best on slower blues songs, slinking his way through the tune by the great Gary Moore. Expert drumming by Morrow and bass by Rhodes continued, a pocket almost like no other.
Although a rock vibe permeated the evening, bluesy songs from Royal Tea such as “Lookout Man” with crunchy guitar licks and a crack band graced the evening. Always a fan of Bonamassa’s blues, it was a pleasant surprise to hear his new work performed live from Royal Tea and other albums spanning nearly 10 years with more of a rock and British blues vibe.
The crowd was feeling it now, the energy bubbling all around us. When Joe and company performed “Just ‘Cos You Can Don’t Mean You Should” from Redemption, Joe’s riffing magic sent the crowd into a frenzy, followed by Wynan’s organ solo. A fantastic performance with energy through the roof. Just about the entire audience jumped to their feet, giving Joe and the band a standing ovation.
After the cheering died down, Joe took a minute and welcomed everyone and introduced the band. He referenced the pandemic, and spoke of its inherent isolation, saying “In the last year, I never thought I’d walk out on this stage again.” His words were eye opening. Of course, we’d all dealt with it, but to hear Joe say it, enhanced his humanness.
After that, Joe loosened up a bit more, making self-effacing cracks about one of his songs, and joked with the audience about Los Angeles, saying, “It’s a sunny place for shady people.” He nailed it and the crowd knew it.
More show stoppers continued, with people shouting for Joe from the audience during his guitar solos. The set concluded with “Ballad of John Henry” with Jade MacRae singing in the way only this very special vocalist can.
The stage dark again, thunderous applause permeated the area as we waited for Joe Bonamassa and the band to return. For the encore, they reappeared with two epic songs, the last being a rousing “Crossroads” (Clapton), performed to an entire audience on its feet.
If you haven’t seen Joe Bonamassa live, you’re in for a real treat.
Watch Joe Bonamassa’s Guitar Solo
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Sounds wonderful Martine!!
Well written, I can feel the great vibe from here.
Can’t wait to go to a concert! We’re going over to Bottle Rock in Napa for 3 days of music at the Jam Cellars stage Sept 3 – 5
Thanks Martine!
Questions: Was any explanation given as to why 60% of the listed band members on the JB website were absent?
Weren’t you curious as to why Anton Fig, Lee Thornburg and Paulie Cerra all “top drawer” musicians were not performing?
S.P
Joe uses a few different drummers, not always Anton Fig. Sometimes it’s Tal Bergman and Greg Morrow. I was curious about the absence of Lee Thornberg and Paulie Cerra. If you were there, you heard Joe say that they weren’t sure Jade was going to make it from Australia. The pandemic has put restrictions on many things. I think the musicians present for this concert were all top drawer.
I went to the show in San Diego on Tuesday night and Joe and the band were fantastic! I must admit I was disappointed and surprised that Anton Fig, the horn plyers, and backup singers were not present as they were listed on his website as the current band.
I am from Tn. My husband bought me and my niece tickets I flew to LA to see this concert. It was awesome. The atmosphere was perfect. You could just tell that Everyone was so happy to be at a concert. At one time every head we seen was bobbing to the beat. It was definitely worth the trip and ranked high as a favorite for sure.
I’m sure I will love the playing tomorrow at Red Rocks, but I’m also very disappointed that Joe is only sporting half his band. I’m flying in from another state just for the show and if it had been revealed that there was no brass, and only one backup singer (Jade is great though), and NOT the full band I see on every video I watch every day, I may have waited another year to go. Costs big bucks these days.
I was at this show. The ambience was perfect. A lovely evening….surrounded by people in line and at our seats all very psyched to see a live performance again…and so friendly….
The Greek Theater is one of the great outdoor venues in the country…and to sit outdoors with a relaxing beverage, while surrounded by awesome music is a treat beyond description.
Joe came out on fire. It was as though he was held back by Covid and had a ton of pent up energy he had to release…and we benefited from his unleashed energy! And the audience was responsive and gave back a lot of pent up love and energy that was held back for months. So the beautiful symbiosis began between performer and audience that marks a truly great performance and appreciative audience.
Jade McCrae was stunning and in wonderful voice. As she lilted to the music you could tell she felt beautiful in the moment and loved by the audience.
I have seen Joe five times now. He is the best around these days…I always feel like I get my money’s worth.
Check out his concerts on DVD/Blu Ray…awesome performances and a great way to prevent “withdrawals” until his next tour. Thank you Joe.