Buddy Guy - UB Center of Performing Arts - Buffalo, NY - 04-04-2011

By Thomas S. Orwat Jr.

Buffalo, NY - Blues legend and six time Grammy award winner, Buddy Guy, played a captivating show, to a very receptive (close to sold out) audience, here in Buffalo, on a rainy Monday evening. Although the weather was a very gloomy outside, the audience inside, was cheered up by an extraordinary evening of traditional blues and blues/rock. And anyone who thought that Buddy was going to tone down his show because of his age, was in for a big surprise. The 74 year young legend, must have found the fountain of youth somewhere. He was filled with energy and even at one point, about mid-way through the show, he ran into the audience, and performed up and down the aisles.

There is no denying that Buddy Guy is a true showman. He comes from the old school, of doing everything you can, to keep your audience entertained. And he has been doing it for 50 years plus years now. He was taught by the great Willie Dixon, that you can't just stand there and play your guitar, but you have to play to the audience too. Buddy played his guitar every way possible. Behind his back, with his teeth, and even with his guitar strap. No matter what he did to his guitar, it all sounded great. And don’t forget, that Buddy Guy, was one of the guitarists that helped influence the stage presence of Jimi Hendrix.

Buddy Guy’s setlist consisted a great mix of classics that included “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “She’s 19 Years Old,” "Feels Like Rain," "Sister Went to Milk,” “Fever,” Junior Wells - “Hoodoo Man Blues,” and from his new CD, “74 Years Young.” However, the two songs that were just beyond amazing, were Buddy’s rendition of the Hendrix classic, "Voodoo Chile" and Cream’s “Strange Brew.” It truly was, one of the most stunning, goose bump display of guitar work that I’ve ever witnessed.

In addition to the music, a Buddy Guy concert has a lot of it's time devoted to Buddy’s fascinating story telling. And he does that, almost as well, as he plays the guitar. The audience was so intrigued by his storytelling, that you could hear a pin drop, when Buddy paused from speaking. It was truly fascinating, listening to him talk about the times in played Buffalo, in the 60’s, with Muddy Waters and Junior Wells, shooting craps all night long. He also spoke of how all three made a promise to continue playing the Blues, if they were to be the last man standing. Buddy Guy has most certainly kept his promise.

Buddy Guy is one of the few remaining legends from an era, that shaped every form of music that we listen to. Currently, he will be on tour, all summer long. If you have the opportunity, you must see this man perform. He will unequivocally change, the way you listen to, and appreciate music. 

for more on Buddy Guy check out www.buddyguy.net