A new review after a lengthy hiatus, and it’s a real treat to dive back into the world of live music. Joe Bonamassa, the New York-based guitarist and singer-songwriter, has been a quiet but influential voice in the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and hard rock scenes for over two and a half decades. With a career spanning over 25 years, Bonamassa has released 15 solo albums on his J&R Adventures label, and has collaborated with notable artists like Beth Hart. Bonamassa’s music draws inspiration from a range of heroes, including Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, and Jimmy Page. He has recently embarked on a five-date UK tour, which culminated in a sold-out show at the Brighton Centre. I was fortunate enough to attend the concert, which was a testament to Bonamassa’s exceptional musicianship and stage presence.
The Pre-Show Experience
As I entered the Brighton Centre, I was struck by the lack of a support act, but this was more than made up for by the electrifying two-hour set that followed. The band, consisting of Joe Bonamassa on electric guitar and vocals, Josh Smith on electric guitar, Calvin Turner on bass guitar, Lamar Carter on drums, Reese Wynans on keyboards, Jade MacRae on backing vocals, and Dannielle Gaha DeAndrea on backing vocals, took to the stage at 8 pm, backed by the sounds of The Bar-Kays’ ‘Soul Fingers’. The setlist consisted of 12 tracks, with a mix of original songs and covers. The opening track, ‘Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again)’, was a high-energy performance that showcased the band’s tight chemistry and Joe’s incredible guitar work. The song’s driving rhythms and soaring solos set the tone for the rest of the set.
Key Highlights
• Powerful Balancing Act: Joe and his band demonstrate a powerful balance of musicianship through communication in solos and great syncopated hits that close the song out. • Chilled Opening Section: The Bobby “Blue” Bland number, ‘Twenty-Four Hour Blues’, features serene vocalisations from Jade and Dannielle before the band reaches a fever-pitch crescendo. • Pink Floyd-esque Sound: ‘Self-Inflicted Wounds’ incorporates a slow 6/8 groove and angelic synth strings brought to the mix by Reese Wynans, giving it a slightly Pink Floyd-esque quality. • Bluesy Throwback: ‘Well, I Done Got Over It’ is a traditional blues track, but Joe’s stupendous soloing brings the crowd to a frenzy. • Keyboard Wizardry: Reese Wynans’ erratic keyboard performances on ‘Pack It Up’ are truly mesmerizing.
The Encore
The band returned to the stage for an encore performance, treating the crowd to a fan-favourite rendition of ‘Sloe Gin’. The song featured chilling electric piano tones, euphoric chord changes, and a monumental bridge that left the audience in awe.
About the Band
Joe Bonamassa is an accomplished musician, with 15 solo albums under his belt. He has collaborated with notable artists like Beth Hart and has drawn inspiration from a range of heroes, including Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, and Jimmy Page. The band’s lineup includes:
* Joe Bonamassa – electric guitar, vocals
* Josh Smith – electric guitar
* Calvin Turner – bass guitar
* Lamar Carter – drums
* Reese Wynans – keyboards
* Jade MacRae – backing vocals
* Dannielle Gaha DeAndrea – backing vocals
The Setlist
The setlist consisted of the following tracks:
* ‘Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again)’
* ‘Twenty-Four Hour Blues’ (Bobby “Blue” Bland cover)
* ‘Well, I Done Got Over It’ (Guitar Slim cover)
* ‘Self-Inflicted Wounds’
* ‘I Want To Shout About It’ (Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters cover)
* ‘The Last Matador Of Bayonne’
* ‘Pack It Up’ (Freddie King cover)
* ‘The Heart That Never Waits’
* ‘Is It Safe To Go Home’
* ‘It’s Hard But It’s Fair’
* ‘How Many More Times’ (Led Zeppelin cover)
* ‘Sloe Gin’ (Tim Curry cover)
Overall, Joe Bonamassa’s performance at the Brighton Centre was a masterclass in musicianship and stage presence. The band’s exceptional chemistry and Joe’s incredible guitar work made for a truly unforgettable experience. As a fan of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, I was blown away by the energy and passion that Joe and his band brought to the stage.
