Louisiana Bayou Blues guitarist Tab Benoit released his highly anticipated new album I Hear Thunder on August 30, 2024. It was the first new material he had put out in 13 years, and to celebrate the release, Anders Osborne, who co-wrote and played on the new album, is joining Tab onstage for the I Hear Thunder national tour. They came to Saint Rocke, a small Hermosa Beach, California club, on the night of the album release to play some of the new material. It was a masterful performance by two powerhouse guitarists and songwriters that thrilled a packed house of devoted fans.
JD Simo, a Nashville-based blues guitarist and songwriter, warmed up the crowd with a short set. Simo was joined by his bandmate, Adam Abrashoff on drums. The duo played a few new tunes from their upcoming album Do The Rump and a smoking cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Never Get Out of These Blues Alive.” Simo demonstrated his impressive slide guitar work throughout the set.
Benoit and Osborne have a long friendship and history. Both are based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Benoit, a native of Houma, LA, has been a big proponent of making people aware of the damage done to the wetlands, which are so essential to the ecosystem of Southern Louisiana. In 2001 he began to focus on efforts to preserve the wetlands. To raise awareness, he created an all-star band called the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, which plays a blend of blues, zydeco, and Cajun music, a sound and style indigenous to the area. Among those all-star musicians was Anders Osborne. Years later, Benoit worked on an album called Medicine, which Osborne co-produced. It earned three Blues Music Awards.
The two acclaimed guitarists and singers put on a riveting show at Saint Rocke. The band at the club included Benoit’s usual bassist Corey Duplechin, drummer Terence Higgins, and Osborne. Both Benoit and Osborne showed off their expert guitar chops and vocal abilities. The set alternated back and forth, as each took turns on lead vocals while the other played rhythm guitar and harmonized.
Benoit got things rolling with his hard blues, the sizzling title track from Medicine. While much of the show consisted of older Benoit and Osborne songs, they strategically spread some new songs through the set. The new title track, “I Hear Thunder,” was a real rocker, with Benoit belting out the lyrics and both he and Osborne performing roaring guitar solos. “Why, Why” was a slower burning, blues ballad with Benoit singing passionately and ripping a searing solo. “The Ghost of Gatemouth Brown” was a foot-stomping romp that featured a pulsating guitar solo by Osborne and more distinctive vocals by Benoit.
Osborne is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter who got to show off some of those skills and his strong, smooth vocals on several of his tracks. “Back to Mississippi” was a powerful, slow blues rocker. “Got Your Heart” was a catchy love ballad. “Louisiana Rain” had a burning blues vibe. Duplechin provided excellent harmonies, while both Osborne and Benoit took solos. “Lafayette” was a fast-paced romp with a hint of zydeco beats and more blues-based solos by both guitarists.
Benoit took over the drum kit for the encore while Osborne passionately sang “Oh Katrina,” a ballad about the horrendous storm that devastated New Orleans in 2005. Higgins returned for the finale as Benoit was back on guitar and introduced “Gumbo,” a song that he and Osborne wrote for the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars. The band wanted a grand finale and the upbeat song with a zydeco edge, got the already energized audience dancing and hollering until the final notes.
Live photos courtesy of Andy J. Gordon ©2024
