JOE BONAMASSA – LIVE AT MGM MUSIC HALL – BOSTON
By James Marinaccio
Back on February 28th, I got the pleasure to go out and see a bit of a legend within the blues community. Joe Bonamassa was playing at a sold out MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The venue lies directly outside of Fenway Park and truly is a really great place to see the show. As far as venues I personally frequent, MGM Music Hall is not on the top of my list. The venue can hold up to 5,000 people and usually will host some pretty large acts. Joe Bonamassa seems to fit the bill for a “large act”. It was great to see in person see why he gained such a loyal following.
For those unfamiliar with Bonamassa, he is a blues act known primarily for his skills on the guitar while also being an apt vocalist. Now as far as Bonamassa’s fans go, I am very much an outlier being 26 years old. My generation doesn’t seem to have much of a taste for blues guitarists, preferring other 47 year old well known guitarists such as John Mayer.
I would have to say the average Joe Bonamassa looked a lot like my father. There were even two independent occasions where older gentlemen were attempting to climb over a seat directly in front of me. Upon refusing my assistance, they both toppled over, one landing in my arms, and another on the floor in front of me. Life truly is a cycle…
Most of Bonamassa’s fans opted to stay seated for the entire concert. Maybe this was not preferred by Bonamassa, but it was a matter of public health. All jokes aside, Bonamassa put on an amazing show. He plays the guitar as well as I’ve ever seen. His live performance was up there with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes as far as displays of mastery on the guitar.
Bonamassa is also joined by a number of very talented musicians. Bonamassa has been touring with Reese Wynans since 2015. Wynans is another legend known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. His solos were incredible and again maybe some of the best I have ever seen live.
Although seated, the crowd definitely had an energy that Bonamassa did his very best to capitalize on. A cover of “How Many More Times” by Led Zeppelin electrified the crowd. After each solo, Bonamassa would turn to the crowd like some sort of matador making stylish yet deadly progress in the middle of the ring. Eventually Bonamassa ordered the crowd to their feet and they obliged.
He ended the show with “Mountain Times” which provided a dramatic close to the show. If you’re a blues fan and not familiar with Joe Bonamassa, definitely check him out. Even if you’re not a blues fan, but appreciate skilled guitar players, Joe Bonamassa should be towards the top of your list to become familiar with.
To learn more about Bonamassa, check out their Website
Follow on: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
Stream music: Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud
Purchase: Amazon Music
Views: 15
