Buddy Guy defines the blues. A major influence on the greatest of the greats, from Eric Clapton, to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Guy is touring the world one last time on his “Damn Right Farewell Tour,” which touched down at Jacob’s Pavilion at Nautica last night for a sizzling slice of Americana.
Guy’s visceral playing, unorthodox style and dynamic presentation had the audience of about 3,000 hanging on every word and every note. Recently turning 87, Guy played with the vigor and dynamics of someone much younger. His gait may have slowed, but his playing, wit and dynamics have not. The long, improvisational solos that have defined his storied career burst forth with an almost child-like vigor. His humorous stories, engagement of the audience and the ensuing laughter provided a refreshing duality to the music. Throwing in originals woven around timeless classics, his performance was beyond captivating.
Opening the show was Kansas City, Missouri, native Samantha Fish. Bouncing between many genres such as rock, country, rhythm and blues, bluegrass and others, Fish and her five-piece band tore through an eclectic blend of tasty tracks, dynamic and diverse, always pairing well with the bluesy base of the evening. A standing ovation from many in the crowd, several times during her set, set a high bar for the following performers.
Jimmy Vaughn followed Fish for what can only be described as a lackluster performance. Sandwiched between the dynamic Fish and Guy, Vaughn’s set of similar-sounding soundscapes became monotonous quickly. The crowd seemed mostly apathetic, with a few bursts of what can only be described as cursory appreciation towards the end of the set.
Cleveland, OH 44113