Mine was tonight. It was originally billed as Buddy Guy and George Thorogood, but a look at the ticket with GT's name only told the real story. During the 11-block-or-so walk from fabulous dinner to Hammerstein Ballroom, the skies started to open. Result: some soaking wet concertgoers. It took Buddy's scorching riffs to eventually dry everyone off!
But first things first. Opening was the fabulous slide master Elvin Bishop -- who somehow rose above the aura created by his hot pink, hot green and white shirt -- to play some tremendous blues and New Orleans grooves. Highlight: "What the Hell Is Going On?" Lowlight: Fish-fish-fishin'. Surprise highlight: "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" -- then again if I realized that was his song in the first place I wouldn't have been so shocked. No, I would have, cause the slide killed! See for yourself:
Around 8, Buddy appears -- and he looks like Samuel L. Jackson's twin. As it is 8, he's not even one sheet to the wind yet... and for the second time this year one of Chicago's legends tells New York that he was expecting NY to be his favorite gig. (First was Liz Phair during her Exile in Guyville show.) Poor Chitown, really taking it on the chin.
He delivers a fabulous rendition of "Best Damn Fool" and "Out in the Woods" from the new album, Skin Deep. And with the downpour outside creating the pre-show mood for him, "Feels Like Rain" was particularly sweet and soulful. And, much to ark's expected dismay, "Who's Gonna Fill These Shoes" proved to be a real crowd please -- I'll admit myself to shrieking when Muddy and B.B. and Stevie Ray are name-checked in the song.
Buddy really got the crowd on his side (well those who were, let's say, paying less attention to him than the guy who took their tickets) when he made his way through the crowd as a medley paid homage to BB King and Muddy Waters. Not just the front half, mind you but through the entire venue -- including right past me and Liam. Even blew on the $3 harmonica as he went by, got the slimmest of smiles at that from him. He went up to the second floor, frightened a little kid by playing in his face and had the cell phones tracing his moves throughout.
And then he drove the audience even madder! There was a joyful "Boom Boom" for John Lee Hooker... But then ... I couldn't have even fathomed this one. The unique take on "Strange Brew." LOVED IT! This should be released!!!! (The below doesn't pay it justice at all, but it's on the right path.) And then a step further, Buddy wailed on some riffs by "Voodoo Chile." Topped off by ... I've seen Buddy play "Sunshine of Your Love" with a drumstick ... BUT NOT BY SLAPPING A TOWEL AGAINST HIS GUITAR. And it still sounds like it should... don't know how it's even possible.
As all great concerts do, it left me wanting to see Buddy again tomorrow! Oh well, whenever he does come back... there I will be. Oh, and just try following THAT Georgie.
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