Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Such is the work ethic of Joe Bonamassa that it barely seems five minutes since he was up on stage in another country, standing undaunted and musically fearsome, proud but very humble, alert and giving, from venue to venue the arc of the story remains one of Blues heaven but the chapters change; the music stays fresh and always convincing, this is the magic of Joe Bonamassa and the fan can only thank the times that we live in that his performances are captured around the world and in such eye popping clarity.
Live At The Greek Theatre is the culmination of a tour that showcased over two hours of the Blues heritage that Mr. Bonamassa took under his young wing, the music of the three wise Kings of the golden age of the genre, Albert King, B.B. King and Freddie King all preformed with diligence, flair and mounting respect in the audience by arguably the man who saved modern Blues from itself, who gave it a clean break from the preposterous and over done period between the golden age and this new silver beauty.
For Joe Bonamassa the experience and the show is clearly one of emotion and rememberance. Not only does he perform tracks from across the board of the three Kings, but it is the personal memories that come through, that are etched upon his face as he wows the Greek Theatre crowd, the recollections of living near the Greek Theatre, of listening with almost meticulous study the ways of the old guard, that make this particular DVD worth investing in and holding the hands of someone you love as each track plays through the television.
Live At The Greek Theatre is one of those experiences that you wish you had been fortunate enough to be at, that the world would cut you a break and offer such a treasured moment to witness first hand; failing that of course to have the ability and showmanship of Joe Bonamassa as he plays Some Other Day, Some Other Time, You’ve Got To Love Her With Feeling, Cadillac Assembly Line, Nobody Loves Me But My Mother and Born Under A Bad Sign, that is enough for now but it will sow the seeds of longing deep into the heart and the urge to see this true Bluesman keep the dream alive.
A tremendously enjoyable concert, capturing the essence of Blues at its very core; A Greek heroic performance by a out and out blues man.
To see intro from the DVD click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i62bzUOYatQ.
Joe Bonamassa Live At The Greek Theatre is released on September 23rd on DVD, Double C.D. Blu-Ray and three L.P. Deluxe edition.
Ian D. Hall