Concert Review: B.B.'s birthday bash a blast
B.B. "Blues Boy" King celebrated his 80th birthday on stage at the Molson Amphetheatre, proving once again that he is still king of the blues. Opening for his highness was Kenny Wayne Shepherd, protege of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. Sheppard (armed with massive amplifiers, a slough of custom made guitars, and blazing riffs to match), dominated the stage with his balls-out, cock-aisian originals and few covers, including a note-for-note version of Hendrix's Voodoo Child. Impressive as he was, one could not help noticing a nervous jitter in the voice of the virtuoso, who shyed at times - paying more homage to his many stringed fallices than to the crowd which welcomed him so warmly. You can't blame him though; Kenny will never amount to more than a jester in B.B.'s court, and he knows it.
Contrary to the depressing, somewhat misogynistic lyrical content of his songs, B.B. managed to keep the mood positive - perforating the set with fascinating anecdotes, and knee slapping jokes. He even expressed praise for Toronto's 'come as you are' attitude concerning sexuality. Said King: "This is a song about love ... I don't care what kind of [relationship] you got, if you love somebody here tonight, go ahead and kiss em! ... Lucille and I will back you up!" Needless to say, the crowd responded with vigorous cheers and applause.
The concert changed this writer's whole perspective on guitar as a solo instrument. Watching and listening to B.B. wail on his signature Gibson 335 (nicknamed "Lucille") was a spine twisting, soul burning orgasm of the muse. The King can't keep up with Kenny Wayne's blurry fingers anymore, but the distinguishing factor that sets him apart from all other axe players is that every note counted. He is a joy and treasure. Please, if you know what's good for you, go and see B.B. King while he can still play. You won't regret it.
B.B. has no plans for retirement as of yet, in fact his newest album, "B.B. King & Friends - 80", just hit store shelves. And does B.B. ever have some cool friends - namely, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Gloria Estefan, Roger Daltry, Mark Knopfler and Billy Gibbons to name a few.
Contrary to the depressing, somewhat misogynistic lyrical content of his songs, B.B. managed to keep the mood positive - perforating the set with fascinating anecdotes, and knee slapping jokes. He even expressed praise for Toronto's 'come as you are' attitude concerning sexuality. Said King: "This is a song about love ... I don't care what kind of [relationship] you got, if you love somebody here tonight, go ahead and kiss em! ... Lucille and I will back you up!" Needless to say, the crowd responded with vigorous cheers and applause.
The concert changed this writer's whole perspective on guitar as a solo instrument. Watching and listening to B.B. wail on his signature Gibson 335 (nicknamed "Lucille") was a spine twisting, soul burning orgasm of the muse. The King can't keep up with Kenny Wayne's blurry fingers anymore, but the distinguishing factor that sets him apart from all other axe players is that every note counted. He is a joy and treasure. Please, if you know what's good for you, go and see B.B. King while he can still play. You won't regret it.
B.B. has no plans for retirement as of yet, in fact his newest album, "B.B. King & Friends - 80", just hit store shelves. And does B.B. ever have some cool friends - namely, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Gloria Estefan, Roger Daltry, Mark Knopfler and Billy Gibbons to name a few.
