The two-hour show at the 2,600-seat hall went from an intimate encounter between Bonamassa and his guitar to a frenetic spectacle of lights and ear-splitting sound.
Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa performs Tuesday night before a sold-out crowd at Symphony Hall in Springfield. REVIEW
SPRINGFIELD – It was billed as the guitar event of the year, and Joe Bonamassa’s mastery of the instrument earned him a standing ovation Tuesday night before the first note sounded at Symphony Hall.
Once he did hit the notes, each one strummed was played with spectacular precision, starting with a five-song acoustic set that included “Dislocated Boy” and “Driving Towards the Daylight,” as well as an abbreviated version of “Woke Up Dreaming.”
The sold-out, two-hour show at the 2,600-seat hall then went from an intimate encounter between Bonamassa and his guitar to a frenetic spectacle of lights and ear-splitting sound when he was joined on stage by his band of accomplished musicians: Carmine Rojas on bass, Rick Melick on the keyboards and a maniacal Tal Bergman on drums who provided the backbone to the guitar.
For his next set with the band, Bonamassa dove head-first into “Slow Train,” taking his playing from methodical and controlled to a loud frenzy, then changed guitars for just about every song, even making a switch midway through Gary Moore’s “Midnight Blues.”
At the conclusion of that set, Bonamassa looked down at this guitar and innocently said, “This is not the guitar I started with.”
Based on the emotion and passion with which Bonamassa had already played, it was shocking to learn that illness nearly forced him to cancel the show.
“I’ve been sick and it was touch-and-go if I would be able to perform tonight,” he said.
Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa performs Tuesday night before a sold-out crowd at Symphony Hall.
The consummate professional who has been on the stage since the age of eight, did indeed perform despite having to wipe his nose occasionally throughout the show. It was hard to believe he was not in top physical form given the devastating execution of each searing note that flew from his nimble fingers.
Predominantly known as a guitar child prodigy because of his amazing, innate talent with the instrument that becomes one with the man, Bonamassa is also a pitch-perfect singer with a soul-filled voice that sounds as if it should belong to someone much older than his 35 years.
Bonamassa then launched into “The Ballad of John Henry” before closing the set with “Mountain Time” then exited the stage.
He reappeared for an encore after another standing ovation and deafening applause with “Sloe Gin” and “Just Got Paid.”
Bonamassa proved, once again, that he has earned every accolade for his incredible skill.