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Gig ReviewBuddy Guy Review – 12/07/06 – Liverpool Hill Top Arena Once in a while there a must see event, whether it be Woodstock 69, or Live 8 or the Festival In The Desert. I for one can say the Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy concert in Liverpool Hill top Arena on the 12/07/06 was a must see event for all fans of music. This was not just a gig for me; I found it to be more like the stuff of legend. The gig was held in the Clarence dock as part of the Central docks, as two enormous tents were erected to seat a 4500 capacity. After sitting outside of one of the local pubs and stocking up some much needed beverages, I had the feeling the atmosphere in the place would be of a haven of 40+ males as a sea of males walked past me every few minuets (I would later be proved wrong). Finally the deadline of 8.00 had arrived and it was time to approach the Hill Top Arena. The music could be heard outside of the venue crystal clear and I could hardly wait till I was inside with visual. After coming in half way through the set opener, I was disappointed to of missed even a second of Buddy Guys opening act.
The songs featured were a mixture of new and old and there some new material form Buddy’s latest album “Bring Em In” there was I've Got Dreams to Remember. During the set Buddy had commented on how disappointing it was that he could not play the night through and referring to how in Chicago, he used to play as long as he wanted in the clubs. I myself and the audience certainly would have approved of this (no disrespect to Jeff Beck).
Overall this was a
truly great performance and not only was Guy’s g Review by Adam Gurbis © 2006 Pictures Courtesy of
John Gregory © John Gregory 2006 Many Thanks to...
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Screaming Fingers
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The Beginners Guide to unlocking the guitar.
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The
Chicago Blues Man was certainly paying homage to his roots, a rendition of
Willies Dixon’s - Hoochie Coochie Man, and rendition of Muddy Waters Got
My Mojo Working were on the menu tonight. Whilst the first few numbers of
Guy’s set I found to be slow and not as lively or electric as I would have
expected, I’d like to think of this as Buddy Guy warming the crowd up.
However once Guy’s playing took off, I was in ecstasy. The way he played
his famous black and white polka dot Stratocaster was like no other
guitarist I have seen, the way he ripped through them scales and playing
licks that could change the dynamic of the set in a split of a second.
However to not give Buddy’s 4 piece band credit (Piano, bass, rhythm
guitar, drums) would be a crime, the band were tight throughout the set
with constant communication (nods, smiles, etc) back and forth between the
band. 
surrounding
Guy whilst his solo just continued to play and inspire, where ever buddy
went the audience went and the flashes continued. To put the cherry on the
cake he even sat down with several of the members of the audience all
whilst playing and singing to one lucky lady – this was a few feet in
front of my eyes and I felt privileged to be only a few feet from this
scene. This continued for at least 5 minuets and everyone was feeding off
the excitement and this was going in to Guy’s playing and back and forth.
This perhaps is the recipe for the perfect guitar solo. Not to forget
Guy's band, whilst this was happening, every member of the band were
giving it there full on with there instruments finally after walking round
the venue Buddy retreated to the stage to pay Homage to the Legends of the
blues throughout the century. Playing the first few Bars of John Lees
Hookers, Boom Boom, the second piece to follow was a short and slower
version of Creams Strange brew, and version of Mr Hendrix’s Voodoo Chilld.
This was great hearing these classic songs that just topped off the scenes
what just happened a few minuets earlier, as Mr Guy commented “see I’ve
still got it in me” – Yes you have Mr Guy thinking to myself. Finally
Buddy had played a short version of Damm Right I’ve Got The Blues, but
sadly his time had run out on his and it was Jeff Beck to take the stage
shortly afterwards.
uitar playing on form, his
singing was full of emotion and soul throughout the night and as much
emotional went in to his singing as much as his playing. Some point in to
his set Guy said to the audience, joking or serious I was not sure, but
this is certainly a valid point, “ this is the first time playing
Liverpool”, “why hadn’t I been invited before”. After tonight’s show I
can see it a common site for the elder statesman of Chicago blues to play
Liverpool yet again and I myself would hope to see Mr Guy in Liverpool in
the future. From this gig I feel this was a rare chance to see such a
legend in his stride and I know this has inspired me and hopefully others
to write and perform the best music we can and where people can go to a
gig and feel the same ecstasy a I felt on this night, to me this is what
music is about enjoyment and ones way of expressing themselves. Thanks for
such a great night to everyone involved… Thank you
