The Blue Island Beer Club braved the Florida cold and played at Beaks on Wednesday night. The shutters around the open area were closed and the radiant heaters were on so it was acceptably warm.
But last night we went to Ruth Eckerd Hall where it is nice and warm to see two smoking hot blues legends, BB and Buddy. Buddy took the stage first with his hot band from Chicago. He is about 72 now but can still sing and play with the best of them. He had no trouble climbing off the stage while playing and walking up the aisle, playing for the people sitting by the aisle, walking out one exit and back in another, all while playing a hot lead with the band. Pretty cool! Buddy played several songs from his catalog as well as some blues classics from his peers. His new song Skin Deep is excellent.
I expected BB to come out and join Buddy's band for a short show but boy was I wrong. During intermission, the set was changed and BBs own blues band took the stage complete with horn section and tuxedos. BB joined them after a warm up song and played and sang for almost two hours. BB is a trifle overweight and sits on a folding chair to perform these days (at 83 who can blame him), but perform he did. He still sounds like BB with his terrific voice and guitar licks that are his alone. He told a lot of stories (perhaps too many), but it was very enjoyable to listen to his humble perspective. It was almost midnight when he closed with The Thrill Is Gone. BB sat on stage and signed guitars and other items for the fans who were near the front of the hall.
A memorable evening. Buddy and BB are off to play at the Grammies this weekend.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment