Watch Joe Bonamassa - Live at the Greek Theatre
- 2016
- 2 hr 17 min
Joe Bonamassa - Live at the Greek Theatre is a concert film that captures blues-rock performer Joe Bonamassa's show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 29, 2015. The film is directed by Phil McKellar and produced by Kevin Shirley, who has worked with Bonamassa on a number of his albums. The film opens with aerial shots of the Greek Theatre and the city of Los Angeles, as the audience fills the amphitheater for the sold-out show. Bonamassa and his band take the stage to thunderous applause, and launch into a blistering rendition of "This Train," the opening track from his 2011 album Dust Bowl.
Throughout the concert, Bonamassa and his band showcase their virtuosity, playing an electrifying mix of originals and cover songs. Some highlights include a funky take on the James Gang's "Funk #49," a soulful rendition of "Angel of Mercy" from Bonamassa's 2014 album Different Shades of Blue, and a scorching version of "Trouble Town" from his 2012 album Driving Towards the Daylight.
Bonamassa's guitar playing is the star of the show, as he effortlessly shreds through complex solos with precision and soul. But he's also a charismatic frontman, engaging with the audience between songs and showing off his impressive vocal range. He's backed up by an exceptional band, including Reese Wynans on keyboards, Michael Rhodes on bass, Anton Fig on drums, Lee Thornburg on trumpet, and Paulie Cerra on saxophone.
The production values of the film are top-notch, with multiple cameras capturing every angle of the performance. The lighting design is stunning, with the stage bathed in blues, purples, and reds that shift with the mood of the music. McKellar and his team make excellent use of close-ups and slow-motion shots to capture the energy of the performance and the musicians' expressions.
One of the most memorable moments of the film comes towards the end of the concert, when Bonamassa and his band perform "Mountain Climbing," the title track from his 2016 album. As the song builds to a frenzied climax, Bonamassa stands at the edge of the stage and unleashes a mind-bending guitar solo, his fingers flying up and down the fretboard in a flurry of notes. It's a breathtaking moment that showcases Bonamassa's skills as both a player and a showman.
Overall, Joe Bonamassa - Live at the Greek Theatre is a must-see for fans of blues and rock music. It's a masterclass in guitar playing and a testament to the power of live performance. Bonamassa proves himself once again to be one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, and the film captures the magic of his music in all its glory.