Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

The air is filled with the sound of expectation, the faithful 3000 inside the M & S Bank Arena that adds an extra sense of gravitas to the historic view of the skyline of Liverpool’s waterfront can feel the intensity of solemnity radiating from the back of the stage as the momentum and the drama of music that emanates from the guitar of Joe Bonamassa is ready to deal all the aces in a night of high value and atmospheric pulses that went on to rock the space inside the venue with passion and the sound of freedom.

Appreciation for an artist can be measured in many ways, but it is to the art of the Blues that the attendee can feel the zeal and enthusiasm in the release of the spontaneous applause just for the sound of the resonating chord played with certainty and truth; and it is to that the Godfather of modern Blues finds himself during an utterly fantastic evening of music and one given to the audience as an experience never to be forgotten.

Those spontaneous outbursts of admiration and gratitude were fuelled by the sound of a guitar dominating the air, the sound of an angel given form with strings and aided by some of the most splendid musicianship around, this is the proof of the longevity and constant virtuosity of Joe Bonamassa.

Across a set list that included Dust Bowl, 24 Hour Blues, Self Inflicted Wounds, Heart That Never Waits, Is It Safe To Go Home, How Many More Times, and the sheer inexhaustible radiance of Sloe Gin as the final track of the evening, Joe Bonamassa, alongside the technical cool and flair of Josh Smith, Reese Wynans, Calvin Turner, Lamar Carter, Jade MacRae, and Danielle De Andrea, captured the hearts and minds of the faithful and the deserving in such a way that the sound conveyed would have sent the audience home with dreams of colourful notes filling the air and unrepentant joy gifting them peace, solace, and a hunger for more Blues in their lives.

A welcome return to Liverpool for the Godfather of modern Blues, a truly engaging and fiercely delivered evening of music.

Ian D. Hall