Hi Everyone – I normally use the ‘reviews’ section to comment on how our own gigs went, but thought I’d tell you about the concert I went to on Friday night. As the title suggests it was Joe Bonamassa at Sydney’s State Theatre, and it was great! This is the third time I’ve seen Joe live now, and I’d certainly go again next time he comes over here. This time Joe opened with a few acoustic numbers, including a great cover of Bad Company’s ‘Seagull’ as well as the title track of his latest album, ‘Driving towards the daylight’. Then as the lights dimmmed a little the rest of the band came out, and when the lights came back up Joe had one of his trademark Les Paus’s in hand, and they kicked off the ‘main’ electric part of the set with ‘Slow Train Coming’. The support had been one-man-band Claude Hay – well worth checking out, by the way – doing some rootsy influenced songs with a slightly acoustic flavour, and Joe’s opening had continued the theme to an extent – so Slow Train Coming was like an explosion!

The band were on top form and just kept it all coming – plenty of great solos from Joe of course, but good tight backing from the other guys all night too. Complaints? Well, being the third time live and after watching plenty of DVD performances, we did notice that some arrangements were slightly shortened – but that did mean more songs could fit into the set list, so you can take that how you want. Joe’s guitar got a bit too loud in a couple of songs for me, almost overpowering the band (and yes, I’m a guitarist!) – but only occasionaly, and predominantly the sound was great!

To wrap it up, it was a great night. A good support act, and a great show by Joe and the band. I happily forked out for (another) t-shirt, plus a DVD! If you ever get the chance to see Joe, my strong advice is to take it – you won’t be sorry.

Mark.