Irving Plaza shook last night from the power and energy of Black Joe Lewis. Coming from the current blues-rock capital of the world, Austin, Texas, Black Joe plays a red river blues style infused with elements of funk and soul, producing music that channels all the passion of blues and sets it to a rhythm that makes even the most ardent wallflower start to shake. With the ticket price coming in at $20, there was no excuse to miss this show, even if it was a Wednesday night.
Opening for Black Joe was the Seattle-based Pickwick, a sort of refined garage rock band. They are one of few opening acts worth seeing. In these days of lackluster openers and short headlining sets, this was a show that justified arriving on time. The lively and entertaining Pickwick was a smart choice to warm the crowd up for Black Joe.
Just after nine Black Joe Lewis hit the stage ablaze. The ripping raw guitar sound combined with Wilson Pickett-esque shouting vocals and a backing band that knew just what to do had everyone in the place moving instantly. The band sounded large but included only Black Joe on vocals and guitar, an electric bass player, drummer and three man horn section.
The array of sound that Black Joe is able to create with his guitar makes it hard to believe he is the only one playing. That along with the ease with which he does it give the man and his instrument a mesmerizing effect. There was not a body there that wasn’t dancing, sweating, completely entertained and occasionally groped; the perfect recipe for a good concert.
A tight band, prompt start times, cheap tickets, sweat dripping passion and a perfectly selected opener; Black Joe Lewis just does it right. Keep his name on your radar, the next time he comes around you are going to want to be there. In the mean time check out his latest album: Electric Slave
