Buddy Guy at Massey Hall

First, a big thank you goes out to Joanne, who gave us the tickets for this show!!
Paul Reddick opened the show, the harmonica player flanked by a pair of guitarists. I hadn't heard him before, but we were both impressed. I'd go to one of his shows anytime.

Buddy Guy. He's played in Toronto quite a few times over the years. I've seen him at Mariposa, and twice with the late Junior Wells at the old Albert's Hall, upstairs at the Brunswick House. Mr. Guy is now in his early 70s and he still plays with a great deal of energy and intensity.

At one point in the show, Mr. Guy walks out into the Massey Hall audience, playing his guitar. He finds an empty seat and sits down and plays. He wanders about playing and meeting people. Then he disappears into the lobby. We can hear him play but can't see him. A few minutes later, he's on the first balcony, still playing, then in a flash, he's back on stage rocking with the band.

The band is really fabulous, especially the piano player (sorry, I didn't catch his name...if anyone knows who this player is, please let me know). Like Guy, he is a showman, not to mention a very accomplished player. Mr. Guy seems to get a kick out of playing with him, and at one point in the show, the play Queston and Answer, guitar vs piano. Lots of fun.

At the end of the show, Mr. Guy shakes hands with the audience members in the first row, signs some autographs and like a high priest of blues giving communion, he hands out guitar picks like hosts to waiting fans.

Fantastic show.