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jacquelinj
Jun 27, 2008 - 12:42PM
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Louisville review
Louisville, KY, June 25, at a small grassy park sloping down to the riverfront (lazy Ohio River), slight breeze blowing out, temps in the ‘90s even after sundown, boats bobbing at anchor, food and beverage vendors with colorful umbrellas …an idyllic scene, right? I wish you could have heard it! For a quarter-mile in front of the outdoor stage and up the adjoining hillside, Sonny had thousands of us screaming our lungs out, in motion either gyrating or trying to, hollering and clapping, and thrilled to be in the presence of an Ascended Master! Traffic on two nearby interstate highways slowed to a crawl as cars and trucks were hit by Sonny’s “wall of sound”!
Two years ago at this same venue, the show ended abruptly because of lightening in the sky. Sonny promised to return and make up for what everybody missed. Wednesday night he fulfilled that promise and then some! The best show this side of I-10!
From the first, Sonny’s level of play was at a ferocious and beautiful high. Then he cranked it up several more notches. Incredible improvisation and extended play. He was so “in the zone” during Bayou Teche, all of us might as well have been on wings as he soared somewhere waaaay out in the universe. It was the most exciting thing to witness.
His Key to the Highway was as down, dirty and hard-driving as I’ve ever heard, just wonderful. I didn’t even lay eyes on a setlist, somebody must have grabbed it soonest, but I remember in no particular order, besides the two songs I’ve mentioned: Port of Calling, Hell @ Home, Allons Danser, Uber, USS Z (more about it later), Promise Land, Wind in Denver, Storm of Worry, Native Stepson, Blue Tarp Blues, Milky Way Home, All About You, and the Pedal to Metal encore.
Click on http://pbase.com/bbfotos/waterfront_wednesday_sonny_landreth to find super photos taken by Bill Bench. They show Mike in his usual shorts and oo-la-la muscle-bulging sleeveless tee, Sonny in his usual jeans and short-sleeve shirt, and Dave, looking like Mr. Cool, in his temp-defying long-sleeves and heavy trou. But make no mistake, Dave was puff-breathing and hitting it! His licks on USS Zydecoldsmobile just made that ole car JUMP right off the stage. And Mike turned up the heat even more, those sticks disappearing in a swirling and twirling blur.
Sonny was so gracious after the show, signing anything and talking to everyone. A long-time fan brought his original (circa 1981) vinyl “Blues Attack” LP for Sonny to autograph. Other people introduced their children, took snapshots, hugged on Sonny like a cousin. Three of us West Tucky ancient groupies worked the merch table (our first time)and came away with a deep appreciation for Jimi Bedsole, Sonny’s guitar tech and so-much-more-than-that!
I’ve been lucky enough now to see Sonny indoors and out. Gotta tell you, this summer evening’s show was simply spectacular. Maybe the heat reminded the boys of home, maybe the crowd was so enthusiastic they couldn’t help but respond, maybe it was the breeze blowing through Sonny’s hair and bringing him comfort…I don’t know the reason(s) and it doesn’t matter. But for sure, the guys were WAY BEYOND and the rest of us just locked on for the ride!
Best to y'all... Jackie
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