Bonnie Raitt – Live – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – aegconcerts

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

Bonnie Raitt is a singer / guitarist / songwriter from Burbank, California who oroginally came to our attention in 1971 with the release of her self titled debut album. Bonnie originally played the piano but aged 8 received a Stella guitar and believe it or not Bonnie never took any lessons and honed her talents playing at her local summer camps where she would play for the guests, Bonnie became a session player and collaborator and played with artists such as Warren Zevon, Little Feat, Jackson Browne, Pointer Sisters, John Prine & Leon Russell. 1989 sees Bonnie become a Grammy winner for her record Nick Of Time, Bonnie has racked up 13 competative Grammy Awards from 31 nominations as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Bonnie has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame & has also been inducted into The Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame, Bonnie has given us 18 studio albums and is hitting the road to celebrate her music and tonight she stops off in Glasgow @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, please sit back as I take us through this singer / songwriter’s back catalogue that will certainly bring back loads of memories for all who are here tonight, the place is packed to the rafters and there is a real sense of anticipation as the house lights dim and the rippling of applause signals that Bonnie and band are here. The place erupts in a hail of applause and hollering as Bonnie says hello Scotland it’s been way too long, first up comes the classic –

I Sho Do – Bonnie tells us we are in for a real treat tonight as the snare drum punches fill the air as she leans in and lets her guitar licks do the talking as we feel the blues / jazz groove grab a hold of us. The silky smooth vocals really let this track breathe as we get right into this iconic blues / jazz musician as the place is swaying from side to side as the band comes to life with killer Hammond style keys that really elevate this incredible piece of music. Duke steps forward and hits us with a sweet, clean solo that just gives this track some swagger and a real cool groove as Bonnie comes forward and lets the slide guitar licks do their thing as we really let the band bring The Concert Hall to life with this real jazz infused number that gets the juices flowing for sure, we have been treated to a killer opener as we stroll into –

God Was In The Water – We kick off with a real funky low end bassline that brings the rhythm section into play as the cool cymbal snaps let the groove flow and really bring a bluesy feel to the arrangement. The vocals are soulful with a real subtle tone that lets the whole piece flow and get us into the tone that is coming from the stage, the cool twin guitar salvo works so well as Duke & Bonnie really come together with their cool groove that really pops. The snare drum beats control the rhythm as the band really gels and takes the take onwards as Bonnie lets the slide guitar tones fill the whole arena with a crisp, cool groove as the boys drop epic funky bassline tones that just wrap themselves around the whole track as we really get into this incredible musician as she really hits the gas and really delivers a faultless track that shows depth, emotion as we roll into –

Thing Called Love – Bonnie chats to the crowd and tells us we are going way back to her album Nick Of Time as the track kicks off with Bonnie bringing the groove with some slick slide work as the place really comes alive. The rhythm section is hitting us with a cool snare drum beat as the cymbal crashes rain down on us to really get us in the mood with a rasping gritty feel that is on the money, the funky, deep bassline is handing us a delicious, dark tone that really lets the track tell it’s own story. The tempo changes direction for a little as Bonnie steps up and comes at us with a real crisp slide groove that is just taking this track to another place as we watch in awe as this incredible musician really brings the chops to this toe tapping groove filled beast as the band just drop the hammer and let us really get into this killer groove, the place is showing it’s appreciation as we holler out ‘ we love ya Bonnie’ and she comes back with I Love Ya Too, we lean into –

Your Good Thing (Is About To End) – A cool piano intro fills the air as snare drum taps bring the rhythm to us as a cool, dark, groove filled bassline really brings the low end to us tonight. Bonnie lets her soulful vocals bring the track to life as we hear cool, slick guitar picks that work so well with this funky, blues filled arrangement, the place is silent as we are fixed on the stage as this epic track comes to life with real swagger as the twin guitar licks are flowing effortlessly through the track and giving us a real blues club moment as it feels like you walk through the door and instantly feel the groove washing over you as the rhythm section kicks in with solid punches and killer cymbal taps that let the track wander freely through the venue as we stroll into –

Unnecessarily Mercenary – Bonnie is joined by John Cleary as this full on blues assault springs into life as the boys really bring the heat to this foot stomping bruiser as we get on our feet and feel the beat. Bonnie again hits us with sweet, slick slide guitar licks that just allow the track to flow and give it to us straight, the boys on the piano really dig deep and hit us with sweet, mellow keys that just wrap themselves around this real deep thought provoking number as we feel the intensity oozing from the stage. The rhythm section is commanding the groove from the back of the stage as we clap along and really feel the groove take over us with a killer tone and swagger, the place erupts with a hail of clapping as we roll into –

Woman Be Wise – Bonnie pulls up a stool, sips water and says she needs a little rest now and again and says it’s water not what you think which pulls a huge cheer from the crowd. The tempo is a real slowed affair as the rhythm section brings the tempo as bass kicks are the order of the day as we get a sprinkling of piano blues style keys that really set the tone, Bonnie’s vocals have a real raspy tone that lets the track slow a little as we feel the New Orleans groove coming from the stage tonight. A cool upright bass groove is coming at us as the place is fixed on the stage as the tampo switches pace as Bonnie lets the groove flow freely into the hall as we are really appreciating the work that this lady is putting in tonight, Bonnie sits a while as we roll into –

Just Like That – A nice mellow acoustic guitar pick oozes from the stage as Bonnie lets her haunting, mellow, soulful vocals take this track off down the road as the place falls silent. A cool, deep bass kick is letting the groove flow as the bassline drops killer tones that really let the track open and soar. The place is just listening intently as Bonnie controls the tone of this incredible track as she allows herself to be vulnerable and lay it all out for us to feel the depth coming from her tonight, the night is just getting better & better as the band really deliver a well rounded setlist that allows us to really connect with Bonnie and the boys as this smouldering, blues filled number really does a number on us tonight, we are really appreciating the tracks tonight as Bonnie and the boys bring the Hammond style keys that linger through the whole arrangement as we power into –

Dimming Of The Day – Bonnie gently strums on her acoustic guitar as this awesome track comes at us with real conviction as the boys take a back seat and let the dark, grooving bassline take the track onwards. The soulful vocals are just incredible and have lost none of their tone and depth as we sit motionless and really get what Bonnie is bringing to us tonight, the tone, definition and emotion are clearly shining through as we allow this incredible artist to really wrap herself around us and take the track skywards as we really get the whole piece as it tells it’s own story tonight. The place is just fixed on the stage as Bonnie fills the air with awesome vocals that really deliver a faultless tone that is just telling it’s own story, we are kicking up our heels as we roll into –

Something To Talk About – The stage comes alive with cool punchy snare drum beats as slide guitar licks ooze from the stage as the boys let rip with this toe tapping blues number that ticks all the boxes. The vocals are real cool as they drop in and really deliver a blues filled tempo that has the place grooving with dark, meaty basslines that are wrapping themselves around this killer track that has plenty in the tank as we let Bonnie and the boys take the track onwards as slide guitar licks are flowing effortlessly through the track as cool Hammond style keys are rippling cooly through the whole arrangement. The boys are leaning in with cool backing vocals that just lets the track breathe that little bit, next up –

Nick Of Time – A cool snare drum tap fills the air as the dark, mellow bassline comes through and lets the track breathe as Bonnie lets her soulful, gravelly vocals bring the track to our attention. The boys are really enjoying themselves. The whole arrangement really puts you at ease as we let the music take us to somewhere new as Bonnie tells the story and really allows us to get lost in the melodic piece, the bass is just hitting us with all it has as we just feel the depth and swagger ooze from the stage as we are letting the whole night pass us by as we are really enjoying the tempo of the show as Bonnie is taking us all the way back and bringing us back again and letting us know she is not done yet, Bonnie chats with the crowd and is telling us how she started in the industry and was telling the exes this is how I wanna play, don’t tell me who to play with and let me do it my way, the place erupts as we stroll into –

Angel From Montgomery – Bonnie kicks off by telling us she tried Haggis for the first time and says it will be her last but wishes she could stay in Scotland forever as her country is shit let me tell you. The track begins with a sweet cool acoustic strumming tone that sets the scene as we feel the emotion oozing from the lyrics as the place falls silent as we let Bonnie take the lead and really give it to us with all she has, the musicality has been nothing short of sensational let me tell you this awesome musician is just doing it on her terms and that’s that. The dark, moody bassline is really capturing the moment as we just sit silently as we feel the whole track wrap itself around us as we fall into –

Livin For The Ones – A punchy groove erupts as the cymbal crashes let the track come to life as the bass kicks let the rhythm section take the track on down the line as we get on our feet and boogie. Bonnie’s vocals are on point as she rolls through this honky ton k filled blues piece as the cool funky bassline drops killer tones that just mix so well with the sizzling guitar work, a sweet, crisp solo bursts through as we feel the groove come at us as Bonnie and the boys drive their juggernaut right through the heart of Glasgow tonight. The place is now rockin and rollin as we get to grips with this killer musician as we near the end of this short, sharp killer set that has been nothing short of spectacular, Bonnie chats about the next track that just touched her heart as it has been sung by a real hero of hers, we have –

Little Bird – Punchy keys fill the air as Bonnie leans in and puts her stamp on this classic track that has become so recognisable as we get the funk running through the intro. The rhythm section is giving the track depth, swagger and a little juice as we just ready ourselves as Bonnie bursts into her groove with her soulful take on this classic, A cool, deep funking bass is hitting us with all it has as the boys get their groove on as this killer track gets the crowd movin and a groovin let me tell you. The place is just getting into Bonnie and the boys as she really pulls out all the stops tonight as we come to the end of the show or so we thought –

I Can’t Make You Love Me – Rippling keys break the silence as cymbal brushes let the groove come at us as Bonnie comes at us with incredible vocals that make the Concert Hall fall silent tonight. Cool basslines are wrapping themselves around this killer track as we feel all warm and fuzzy as Bonnie really digs deep and gets us feeling the tone oozing towards us tonight, the whole arrangement is just spellbinding as we get lost in the lyrics that are giving us goosebumps right now. We are sitting staring at the stage and really feeling the love pouring from the stage as the boys really deliver something special tonight that will stay with us for a long time to come let me tell you, second last track coming for us right now –

Right Down The Line – A slick, clean guitar riff opens the track as we allow ourselves to be entertained by this incredible musician as she flows effortlessly through Glasgow tonight. The rhythm section is controlling the groove as snare drum taps let the tone breathe as a funky cool bass tells it’s own story as we are rockin and rollin towards the end of a real incredible night of jazz / blues with a hint of rock n roll pouring through the whole night as Bonnie and the boys have really outdone themselves for sure, as Bonnie thanks us for coming out to see her she tells us it won’t be the last time we see her which draws a huge cheer as we slip into the last song of the night –

Love Sneakin Up On You / You Got The Love – Bonnie is lapping up the applause and the love as she thanks us for showing her and the boys a real nice welcome as she settles in and brings us -A slick, funky guitar lick erupts as the rhythm section brings the groove as a real cool beat oozes from the stage as this foot stomping beast comes to life. Bonnie lets her gravelly soulful vocals take the lead as we are clapping and hollering along to this instant classic monster. The snare drum punches are filling the air as we groove along to this awesome track that is just the perfect way to end this funk laden, blues filled jazzfest that was just incredible.

Bonnie Raitt –

Bonnie Raitt – Vocals / Guitar / Keys

Duke Levine – Guitar / Mandolin / Backing Vocals

James ‘ Hutch ‘ Hutchinson – Bass / Upright Bass / Backing Vocals

Glenn Patscha – Keys / Backing Vocals

Ricky Fataar – Drums / Backing Vocals

Setlist –

I Sho Do

God Was In The Water

Thing Called Love

Your Good Thing( Is About To End)

Unnecesserily Mercenary