By David O’Neill
Joe Bonamassa’s performance at the Utilita Arena Cardiff exemplified blues-rock virtuosity, blending fiery guitar work with soulful vocals and a meticulously curated setlist that spanned his career and paid homage to blues and rock legends. The atmosphere was electric as Bonamassa and his exceptional band took the stage, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with both longtime fans and newcomers.
The concert commenced with ‘Hope You Realize It,’ an upbeat funky tune from ‘Blues Deluxe (Vol 2)’, enhanced by Rees Wynans’ Hammond organ, setting a reflective yet powerful tone. Bonamassa’s emotive guitar phrasing immediately captured the audience’s attention, showcasing his ability to convey profound emotion through his instrument. This was followed by ‘Dust Bowl,’ from the 2011 eponymous album, where the band’s tight groove and Bonamassa’s haunting guitar lines filled the arena, creating a spacious, immersive soundscape.
‘Twenty-Four Hour Blues,’ a cover of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland from Blues Deluxe (2), continued the momentum with its classic blues structure, allowing Bonamassa’s vocals and guitar to shine in equal measure. The energy escalated with ‘Well, Done Got Over It,’ a Guitar Slim cover featuring blazing guitar solos and a driving rhythm, demonstrating Bonamassa’s capability to bring classic blues into a contemporary context. ‘Driving Towards the Daylight’ featured outstanding solos by Jon Smith and Rees Wynans, followed by the cover of ‘I Want to Shout About It’ by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters (another from Blues Deluxe vol 2), showcasing Bonamassa’s deep roots in traditional blues, complemented by superb backing vocals from Jane McRae and Dannie DeAndrea.
‘The Last Matador of Bayonne’ offered narrative richness and a complex arrangement that demonstrated the band’s versatility and Bonamassa’s storytelling through music. ‘Pack it Up’ added funk to the blues event. During the band introductions, Joe commented on the numerous performances he had done in Cardiff, from The Point to St Davids Hall and the current venue, humorously mentioning his surrogate experience of Cardiff nightlife observed from his hotel room. He also earned a laugh for complimenting Cardiff on its recycling efforts, particularly noting the noise from beer and glass bottles at 5:45 in the morning.
A standout moment of the evening was ‘The Heart That Never Waits,’ highlighting Bonamassa’s songwriting prowess and emotional depth, with nuanced performances from the band and Wynans’ keyboard playing complementing Bonamassa’s soulful delivery. ‘It’s Hard But It’s Fair,’ a Bobby Parker cover, preceded a dramatic shift in energy with a riveting 15-minute rendition of Led Zeppelin’s ‘How Many More Times,’ incorporating ‘Love Gun’ as a highlight. Bonamassa’s interpretation respected the original while infusing his explosive style, featuring extended solos, particularly on drums by Lemar Carter, with Jon Smith and even Wynans standing on keyboards for the outro, leaving the crowd roaring.
The encore included an extended introduction by Joe, leading into ‘Mountain Time,’ which delivered powerful riffs and extended instrumental sections, fully engaging the crowd. Throughout the night, Bonamassa’s guitar work was spectacular. His tone was rich and varied, moving effortlessly from searing leads to delicate fingerpicking. The band, featuring top-tier musicians, provided a solid and dynamic foundation, with standout performances enhancing the overall sound. The excellent production quality at Utilita Arena Cardiff allowed every nuance of the performance to be appreciated.
The setlist was a well-balanced mix of originals and covers, reflecting Bonamassa’s respect for blues tradition while highlighting his evolution as an artist. The inclusion of covers like Led Zeppelin’s ‘How Many More Times’ and Guitar Slim’s ‘Well, Done Got Over It’ added depth and variety, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
In conclusion, Joe Bonamassa’s Cardiff performance was a thrilling showcase of blues-rock mastery. His passionate guitar playing, combined with a strong band and thoughtful setlist, made for an unforgettable evening. Fans left the arena energized and inspired, having witnessed one of the finest guitarists of his generation at the peak of his powers.
- PHOTO CREDIT: All photos © Bandtogs/Über Rock.