Photos by Andrew Mather, Editor-In-Chief/Primary Photographer
Story by Sean Roberts, Live Music Reporter
World-known Joe Bonamassa didn’t disappoint as hundreds flooded into the Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland on Saturday, Nov. 2.
The crowd roared as familiar songs played in the dark with promise. When Bonamassa finally made his appearance on stage, the electricity flowed from him to the crowd in a five-star performance. Evil Mama had people cheering and responding to every note ringing out. There was magic in some rapid bluesy notes within Bonamassa’s solos.
Throughout the show, Bonamassa was not the only stellar performance. Between the very skilled bassist Michael Rhodes, the drummer, two soulful backup singers, keyboardist Reece Wynans who kept his hands on three different keyboards, the saxophonist Paulie Cerra and trumpeter Lee Thornburg, really gave everything that bluesy twang.
The music rang out and everyone in the auditorium responded to the talent before them.
As Bonamassa worked his way to the end of King Bee Shake Down, he gazed over his sunglasses to the audience absorbing the energy which he then threw back in his performance of If Heartaches Were Nickels breaking the show into an upbeat and almost ballad-like collage.
It wasn’t until the band reached This Train that one backup vocalist really outshined the crowd, Following was some Simon Says between Bonamassa and bass guitarist Michael Rhodes in additions to some wicked solos from the drummer, saxophonist Paulie Cerra and keyboardist Reece Wynans to really round out a show that people will recall for the rest of their lives.
Joe Bonamassa is a must-see live! Check out his upcoming tour dates here: Tour Dates
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All photos © Andrew Mather
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