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B.B.’s blues
by Joe O'Gara Apr 19, 2006
Show Review Joe O’Gara B.B. King The Murat Centre Thursday, April 13 If there was anyone who would have had reason to postpone a concert on this evening, it was blues legend B.B. King. One of his sons had passed away earlier in the week, and a great-grandson had died earlier that day. But the “King of the Blues” did not ask to reschedule the show. Instead, B.B. and his band entertained a nearly-full house with music, stories and some friendly advice for two hours. After a blistering 30-minute set by the Ronnie Baker Brooks Band (Ronnie is the son of another blues legend, Lonnie Brooks), B.B.’s eight-piece band took the stage and kept the audience in good spirits with two instrumentals that showcased each musician’s talents. Then King came on stage to the first of several standing ovations he would receive this night. Not long after, B.B. told the crowd of his recent misfortunes, but added that what helped him through it all was to see their “bright and smiling faces.” King then proceeded to show his appreciation the best way he knew how: with his music. Interspersed with stories about his life, loves and journeys, B.B. let his faithful guitar, Lucille, speak the blues like no other man or instrument can. The songs played on this evening spanned King’s (and that of the 13 Lucilles) career, from “Why I Have the Blues” and “Nobody Loves Me But My Mother,” to “When Love Comes to Town” (written about King by U2 frontman Bono). There were the usual audience participation songs, “Just Like A Woman” and “Rock Me Baby,” as well as a sing-along version of “You Are My Sunshine.” As expected, B.B.’s signature song, “The Thrill Is Gone,” garnered the biggest response of the night from the crowd, which ranged in age from pre-teens to senior citizens. Throughout the evening, King reminded the audience that he appreciates their loyalty, a sentiment he expressed in the last song of his set, “Guess Who.” The fans returned the favor with another standing ovation. While the years and various ailments have slowed the 80-year-old guitarist down (he has to sit during the majority of his time on stage these days), it has not hampered B.B.’s lifelong love of the blues, or his ability to play them with all of his heart and soul.
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