On a pleasant evening in Hollywood, legendary guitarist Buddy Guy delivered a stunning performance as he said farewell to one of the world’s most beautiful music venues. Guy, 87, is in the midst of his final tour after many years on the road. For anyone in the Los Angeles area on September 6, 2023 who loves the blues, it was a must attend event and several thousand came out to celebrate his illustrious career. While Guy may be wrapping it up, the blues are in good hands with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram who opened the show and joined Guy later in the night for the finale.
Kingfish, 24, has been making noise as an up and coming blues star since he was a teen in Mississippi. His 2019 Kingfish debut album was nominated for a Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy and his most recent release 662 won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2022. He played several songs from the two albums to open the show. “She Calls Me Kingfish” was a scorcher that featured his strong vocals and fast, clean guitar tone. “Fresh Out” was a slow, melodic ballad that he co-wrote and recorded with Guy. Unfortunately, Guy did not come out to do it live with the youngster. “662,” the title track from the Grammy winning album, had an infectious honky tonk beat and more inventive guitar playing. He closed the set with “Long Distance Woman,” another track from 662 that was a catchy, hard blues rocker with yet another scintillating guitar solo.
Guy’s performance at the Bowl was reminiscent of many he has given over the years. He still has a powerful, pleasing voice and nimble fingers that deliver a variety of blues styled guitar riffs. He was backed by the excellent members of his Damn Right Blues Band. Guy is still sharp as a tack. He pulled out all of his tricks, including witty banter, sexual innuendo and a constant barrage of playful f-bombs. While he performed several explosive solos, he also demonstrated his mischievous side. Before launching into a cover of Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man” he quipped, “this song is so funky, you can smell it.” He drew loud laughter as he played the strings of his Fender guitar with his crotch. Later in the set, he used a towel as a capo and to slap the strings before tossing it to a delighted lady in the front row. More parlor tricks ensued as he used a drumstick on his guitar strings to play the familiar notes of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.”
In between the comical dialog and playful gags, Guy proved that his voice remains solid and he still has formidable guitar chops. He beautifully shifted styles between his searing “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues” and softer “Skin Deep.” His versions of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers “How Blue Can You Get” and Albert King’s “Drowning on Dry Land” were spectacular.
It seemed a fitting conclusion when Guy announced he was bringing out Jimmie Vaughan, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and his son Greg Guy to help with the last song. The multi0generational ensemble, all wielding Fender guitars, took turns blasting solos during a mostly instrumental version of Otis Rush’s “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” to the cheering delight of the fans. Guy eventually put down his guitar, said thank you to the standing crowd and moved to the front of the stage, tossing guitar picks into the first few rows. Even after Guy left the stage and they were past the curfew, the remaining musicians kept playing – a symbolic message that even though the legend is done, the blues will live on.
Live photos courtesy of Andy J. Gordon ©2023
