BB King/Buddy Guy at the Hollywood Bowl 08.11.10
By George W. Harris

Showing enough shades of Blues to fill Michelangelo’s palate, Buddy Guy and BB King turned the Bowl into an evening of Indigo.

At 74 years young, Buddy Guy burst on stage with relentless energy as he made his Fender wail, moan and cry through a set that included street smart songs like “Steppin’ In” to the reflective “Skin Deep.” His team of Tim Austin/dr, Ric Hall/g, Marty Sammon/key and Orlando Wright/b were as tight as a pair of new leather shoes, as Guy could take a song like “Goin’ Down” and use his voice or guitar to deliver the message in whisper delicacy, or rev it up to a declatory shout. A man of God, but still rough around the edges, he reflects the power of God’s grace and love in feeling God’s forgiveness, while still wrestling with his present sins. A great hour of musical and spiritual lessons.

Octogenerian BB King brought his band of brothers on stage to turn the Bowl into a cozy campfire, as he picked his lady Lucille and told stories of his life (“Being a Bluesman”) and lead the audience into a Smore’s toasting version of “You Are My Sunshine.” He could still show how the urban blues is done as on the rollicking “Let The Good Times Roll” as well as with his moaning “The Thrill Is Gone,” but for the most part, Mr. King just enjoyed the fact that he’s still alive, kicking and kicking the guitar!