Jonny Lang in Chicago

[Matt R]

Last Saturday I had the concert experience of the year. We went up to the House of Blues in Chicago to see Jonny Lang. We were lucky enough to get our "usual" seats in the stage left opera box. This box is right above the left side of the stage, behind the curtain. So, we get to see what goes on behind the scene, so to say, before the show and after. It was just me and my wife in the box, which was pretty cool to have the seats all to ourself. The boxes seat about 7-10 people usually. Anyway, we got there early and ordered a drink form our waitress. All the boxes have private service, which is cool because it's a bitch to get drinks at a sold out show in that venue. The first opening act was a young lady named Yvonne Reyes. A sultry gospel/bluesy singer who was akin to Joss Stone, Alicia Keyes, and other great vocalists. She did a couple fo songs on her own with no band. Then out came Ingram Hill for the second opening act. I had not heard of these guys before, but have a feeling they are going to be the next Matchbox 20. Very nice hooks and a radio style sound that will serve them well with the record companies. Not exactly my style of music, but pretty good and I will be getting their CD. After Ingram Hill, Jonny took the stage. Damn is this guy good!! The kid is 22 years old and plays like he's a seasoned veteran, which in a way I guess he is since his career took off when he was 13. He played mostly stuff from his new CD, Long Time Coming, which sounded 100% better live than on CD. The energy he brings to the stage is just amazing. The musicians that backed him up were outstanding too. We had his set list right in front of us so we knew what was coming after each song. I turned around at one point in the show because I heard someone in our box. It was Yvonne Reyes. She was getting ready to run down and perform with Jonny. She went out and just rocked one of her songs with Jonny and the band. This girl was just so-so by herself, but with a band behind her she was impeccable. After that number she came back up to the box. She had a glow on her face which was much deserved. Jonny did a few more numbers, amazing me more and more with his playing. He ended his encore with Lie to Me, his best known song, I would guess. During the encore his folks sat with us. It was kind of funny to see them just kind of sit there like, "what's the big deal, we've seen this before." LOL! All in all, I'd have to say this was one of the best shows we've seen this year and we've actually seen a good number of top acts this year. If you get a chance to see Jonny during the rest of his tour, don't hesitate, especially if it's in a smaller venue.

9/28/2004 Bogart's Cincinnati, OH, United States
9/30/2004 Egyptian Room Indianapolis, IN, United States
10/1/2004 State Theatre Kalamazoo, MI, United States
10/2/2004 Royal Oak Music Theatre Royal Oak, MI, United States
10/4/2004 The Rock Club Pittsburg, PA, United States
10/5/2004 Kewadin Casino Sault Sainte Marie, MI, United States
10/6/2004 Gem and Century Theater Detroit, MI, United States
10/8/2004 Westbury Music Fair Westbury, NY, United States
10/9/2004 Grand Canyon Ballroom Atlantic City, NJ, United States
10/13/2004 House of Blues Anaheim, CA, United States
10/15/2004 Downtown Spa Outdoors Palm Springs, CA, United States
10/16/2004 Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater United States
10/22/2004 TBA Konocti, CA, United States
11/12/2004 TBA Tampa, FL, United States
11/13/2004 TBA Orlando, FL, United States
11/15/2004 TBA Palm Springs, CA, United States

 

[bigmac]

I really love Johnny Lang, my fav is rack-em-up and matchbox. He is the next SRV.

 

[wam79]

Johnny Lang is great. He's been compared to SRV and other great guitarists since he was a young kid. He is definatly living up to his potential.
Bet He won't get to Hawaii this year

Bill

 

[Matt R]

Only Stevie Ray was Stevie Ray, much like on John Lee Hooker is John Lee Hooker. But, Jonny is for sure going to be a classic blues/rock guitarist. I told his old man not to let him on any planes. :0

 

[Joe]

House of Blues is a nice place to see a concert. Last concert I saw there was Ratt (yes I was trying to relive my youth) Never had the privilege to sit in one of the boxes.

Girlfriend wants to see Satriani Oct 22, probably end up going.

 

[lucasbuck]

Thanks for the review Matt. He came to a large hall here a couple months ago. If he came to a small club I'd definitely go. We were supposed to get a HOB here but it never happened

 

[Robbmt]

Thanks Matt :thumbs:

I missed him at the Pageant (couple hundred seats)a few months ago. Still kicking myself for letting that one get by.