Scene and Heard

Joe Bonamassa

As Joe Bonamassa grows his reputation as one of the world’s greatest guitar players, he has evolved into a charismatic blues-rock star and singer-songwriter of stylistic depth and emotional resonance. After  twenty years of touring, the thirty two year old  is a seasoned veteran who is comfortable in connecting with his concert audiences. Having just released his 11th album.”Dust Bowl”, Bonamassa has built quite an arsenal of powerful music .

2009 was a big year for Bonamassa. He was awarded the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at the U.K.’s prestigious Classic Rock Roll of Honor Awards and Classic Rock magazine has said, “They’re calling him the future of blues, but they’re wrong – Joe Bonamassa is the present; so fresh and of his time that he almost defines it.” He was also named Best Blues Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. Guitar Player writer Matt Blackett has said, “He’s an old soul, and that comes through in his bends, vibrato, singing voice, and note choices, which – which each passing year – get more restrained and refined.”

In May ’09, he played to a sold out crowd at London’s Royal Albert Hall, arguably the most prestigious concert venue in the world. During the show, Bonamassa’s hero, Eric Clapton, joined him on stage for a joint- performance of Clapton’s hit “Further On Up The Road.” London’s The Independent said about the show, “The man has arrived, and there’s no turning back.” Shortly after, Bonamassa released a 2-DVD live set – Joe Bonamassa – Live From The Royal Albert Hall – which captures the night in full. Guitar Edge gave it five stars and also said, “It is the wallop of his emotional expression, fueled by the rocking energy he derives from that trans-Atlantic connection and driven by his devastating technical ability, that elevates him about his peers and makes him a certifiable blues guitar hero and the face of his blues generation.”

When he began Saturday’s show at The Taft Theater with “Cradle Rock” it was evident that he had full control over his music and the audience of 2,500. His strong voice and powerful guitar captivated the audience as he performed his first three numbers spotlighting his lighting quick guitar solos.

He seemed surprised as he addressed the crowd “Good evening Cincinnati”! “I first played here ten years ago in a place called Bogarts”. A big cheer came from the fans, “Don’t act like you were there, you weren’t I can recognize all ten people who where there”!  “I am so pleased to see 2,500 of you here now”!

Bonamassa’s mixed several song from the new album with music from his last five albums, which all debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues charts. The show was highlighted by his excellent voice and guitar on “Sloe Gin” and one of the best renditions of “If Heartaches were Nickels” I have seen live.

The entire show was a guitar lovers dream. With talented performances like this 2,500 seat venues will not hold his next visit.

Set list

Cradle Rock

So Many Roads
When the Fire Hits the Sea
So It’s Like That
If Heartaches were Nickels
Slow Train
Dust Bowl
You Better Watch Yourself
Sloe Gin
Ballad of John Henry
Lonesome Road Blues
Happier Times
Steal Your Hear Away
Great Flood
Young Man Blues
Woke up Dreaming
Mountain Time
Bird on a Wire
Just Got Paid