Veteran, Chicago Blues icon Buddy Guy ignited the stage at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California. I was among the lucky concertgoers who found themselves spellbound by the ageless bluesman. Eighty-Six-year-old Buddy Impressively delivered his brand of ferocious guitar riffs and passionate cadence just as he did in his forties and fifties.
The show opened with a short set by drummer, producer, and singer/ songwriter Tom Hambridge accompanied by blues keyboardist, singer/songwriter Marty Sammon. Hambridge is a three-time Grammy winner whose songs have been recorded by several notable artists, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, ZZ Top, and Buddy Guy, to mention a few.
Standing at the foot of the stage with merely a snare drum and ride cymbal, Hambridge performed several songs from his 2018 album The Nola Sessions and several other compositions. Keyboardist Marty Sammon accompanied, showing off extreme rhythmic vitality on the keys. Hambridge’s songs are well crafted, with clever lyrics and memorable melodies. I recognized a few of his songs, of which my personal favorite was “Upside Of Lonely,” featured on Foghat’s Under the Influence LP released in 2016. The overall performance was soulful with a heavy dose of blues and was a perfect appetizer for the first-class entrée’ that was to follow.
Singer/Songwriter Tom Hambridge
After a brief break, Hambridge and Sammon joined the rest of the band back on stage. They began playing a funky blues backbeat as Buddy Guy strolled onto the stage, his Stratocaster howling out a thundering solo. He stepped up to the mic and belted out “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues” in a rich, soulful baritone. He sailed through some hefty guitar lines, and without missing a note, he flipped his ax upside down and played on. Father time has not slowed down the quintessential Chicago bluesman.
Next up, Buddy launched into “Hoochie Coochie Man” with awe-inspiring guitar bends that pushed the steels to the limit. His voice surged with visceral power, and his colorful lyrical interpretation brought a raw intensity to the Willie Dixon classic. Buddy handed over the lead to guitarist Ric Hall (a.k.a. ‘RicJaz’), who punched things up with some dizzying guitar lines, bringing the song to a fiery finish.
Anyone who’s ever seen Buddy Guy live knows that he connects with the audience on a very human level with humor and anecdotal tidbits. Tonight’s show was no exception. “Too many people today have a big frown on their face.” He told the audience. He went on to say that if he could hit the right note, he would take the frowns off their faces. ” Cuz if you happen to have a problem in life, just keep living.” He added, “That’s what my momma used to say.” He then bellowed out the beginning verse to the Muddy Waters song “She’s Nineteen Years Old” Although unlike the original, Buddy’s version had plenty of colorful expletives. Which you get a lot of at a Buddy Guy show.
Another Willie Dixon song, “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” dialed up the decibels to extreme levels. Buddy’s Strat was smoking with his ferocious fretwork, accented by keyboardist Marty Sammon’s dynamic pounding rhythms. The audience lent their voice to the chorus, and with a smile, Buddy chimed, “I like that.” The tempo changed, and bassist Orlando Wright delivered a funky groove-based tone as the song seamlessly melded into “Chicken Heads.” The song hit a final electrified crescendo and ended with a jolt.
Buddy demonstrated his softer side during the show with “Skin Deep,” which he cleverly introduced with a cute little boyhood story. He recounted looking in the mirror, a broken mirror, and saying to his mother, “Mom, I think I’m kinda good looking,” His mother replied, “Son, that’s only skin deep.” Buddy sang the fan-favorite in an uncharacteristically sweet tenor. He sang with a soulful tenderness augmented by the slow melodic phrasing of his guitar. It was a heartfelt moment in the show.
On the next song, “Grits Ain’t Groceries,” Buddy brought to light his playful side. He graced us with more wicked guitar bends and incorporated a drumstick sliding it across his Strat spiritedly. At one point in the song, he strolled to the edge of the stage, bent over, took a young lady’s hand, and guided it to strum out a few notes.
At the audience’s request, Buddy performed “Feels Like Rain” off his Grammy-winning album of the same name. His voice effortlessly floated from a fluid baritone up into a delicate falsetto. His guitar solo followed, singing just as smooth and sweet.
Buddy is known for his unconventional showmanship, and on this night, he didn’t disappoint. Buddy began a sizzling guitar solo during the song “Someone Else is Steppin’ In,” While continuing his riff, Buddy left the stage and made his way through the crowd. He approached the bar at the far end of the venue. While engaging in a searing solo, he went behind the bar and ordered a drink from the bartender. He took a shot and casually leaned on the bar singing the next verse into the wireless mic. Then he laid down another lightning solo while strolling back to the stage, where he morphed into the James Brown song “I Go Crazy.” It was a stunning moment in the show but not unusual to experience at a Buddy Guy concert.
After a few more songs and a few more stories, and humorous banter, the show ended with “I’m a King Bee.” As I watched the band and Buddy thank the crowd and leave the stage, I felt a tremendous sense of awe and honor at being present to witness a phenomenal show by one of the last remaining Chicago Blues pioneers.
The entire music world recognizes Buddy Guy as an icon and significant influencer of blues, rock-n-roll, soul R&B and just about every genre of the music of the last five decades. He has won eight Grammy Awards, A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), Kennedy Center Honoree (2012), and an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1985). Buddy has been described by Eric Clapton as “the best guitar player alive.” He has influenced generations of guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, John Mayall, and many others.
It is a remarkable gift to myself and fellow music lovers that this legend, this icon, is still touring and still plays and sings with unyielding talent.
BackStage360 would like to thank Buddy Guy and the excellent staff at the Belly Up Tavern for your gracious hospitality.
Jen B. / BackStage360