First up is a brit, Kris Barras. I’ll be honest I had not heard of him before but he plays a great opening set with a big powerful sound, good voice, strong songs including a solid version of ‘Rock n Roll’. Most of all, given the name of the tour, the solos are most definitely on the rockier end of the blues. It has a feel of early Whitesnake about it who were at their best the finest British blues rock band of their time before Coverdale homogenised their sound for the American market.
Next up is the old timer on the bill Walter Trout. He’s certainly lived a life and indeed is arguably on his second after a liver transplant and having to learn to walk and talk and play the guitar again. I didn’t know most of the set but it was certainly a lesson in old school blues. The band are great and the solos while a little samey showcase Trout’s continued dexterity especially at a couple of years shy of seventy.
Quite why it has taken so long to see Jonny Lang again is beyond me but after tonight’s show I won’t be leaving it another twenty years. The set is a mix of oldies and new ones which blend together well. What’s clear from the off is that Lang is an extraordinary guitarist. The solos are rich and varied and he is ably supported by a fine band complete with bass player wearing a puppet on his hand. Highlights for me are probably oldies ‘Still rainin’ and amazing version of ‘Lie to Me’ that started off as a reinterpreted acoustic ballad moving effortlessly to a full electric finale. Truly amazing track.
The evening is topped by the return of Walter and Kris for a couple where the three protagonists trade guitar solos with each other. Whats notable in this finale is that the Barras solos seem even more energised and he really launches a brutal attack of blues power. A great night that took me back twenty years and also introduced me to new British blues talent.
Till the next time keep on rockin y’all