Tab Benoit and Anders Osborne come to Arizona with stops in Phoenix and Tucson supporting Tab’s new album “I Hear Thunder. American Blues Scene was able to get a taste of some of the new songs in Tucson at the Fox Theatre!
Louisiana Bayou Blues guitarist Tab Benoit just released his first new album in 14 years, 10 new songs co-written with Osborne, so why not tour together and share the stage playing a Tab song and then an Anders song back and forth all night? Joining the two songwriter guitarists was Terence Higgins on drums and Corey Duplechin on bass, rounding out a killer band that left the guitar-watching crowd in awe.
JD Simo opened the show with some brilliant guitar work. Partnered with drummer Adam Abrashoff, this dynamic duo rocked the Fox Theatre and set the mood for the night. The setlist might have been short, but the energy they brought was really appreciated by everyone giving them a standing ovation at the end and wanting more, a lot more. Simo would later join Benoit and Osborne during their encore. JD just brings that powerful guitar playing to a point where you want to stand up and rock out; it’s hard to sit with any of these guitar players on the stage. Abrashoff, adding a drum solo that would raise the dead, was a cool addition and showcased these very talented musicians with chemistry off the charts.
Award-winning Tab Benoit straight from the bayou never disappoints; he leaves his blood, sweat, and tears on the stage every time I see him, just getting stronger and stronger each performance. The witty Benoit pounds the guitar like no one and tells stories throughout the night that keeps you in stitches, at times you almost want him to keep talking, sharing his experiences. I once heard him say he “might have been a comedian in his past life.” Between the guitar play and the funny comments, this has always been a must-see show. He explained to everyone that he was in a very bad record deal and could not get out of it until recently, emphasizing why it took 14 years to release a new album, but what an album it is. Co-written with Osborne, they seemed to have knocked this one out of the park. The album also includes bassist Legend George Porter Jr., founding member of The Meters on three of the songs. Just another feather in the cap for this one.
Anders Osborne co-produced Benoit’s last album, Medicine, which won several awards. So it’s a no brainer when these two team up that we are in for something great. Anders’ guitar is showcased on every song but one on the album, so what a brilliant tour with two guitar geniuses taking turns all night playing each other’s songs and of course throwing in some of the new music. Tab started things off with one of his biggest tunes, “Medicine,” and blew the roof off the Fox. Most would’ve waited for this to be the encore, so this just fired up the already anxious house of guitar watchers.
Anders was next with “Move Back to Mississippi.” Taking turns all night and throwing in some good ol’ Benoit storytelling makes for a great night in Tucson, and the combination of Benoit/Osborne could not be complete without mentioning the great bass work by fan favorite Corey Duplechin. From the fantastic guitar work to the faces he makes, he just adds so much to this band. It’s just four friends up there playing music; you can see how much fun they are having. Terence Higgins on drums is the icing on the cake, the cool cat that finishes this fantastic four and completes the group with pure finesse.
The boys played the title track from I Hear Thunder and it was welcomed with a standing O at the finish, letting everyone know they were just warming up. Back and forth nonstop hits kept the fans watching their every move. From Tab’s solos to Anders’ solos, what a show. They ended the night with Anders’ “Louisiana Rain” and Tab’s “Darkness.” And after a standing ovation the band came back for an encore with JD Simo joining them on “Oh Katrina,” an Anders hit that found Benoit playing the drums – the same instrument he started playing as a kid. They wrapped things up with the Benoit tune “We Make a Good Gumbo,” a great way to end things: jamming a classic that brings the people to their feet. I highly recommend this show when they come to your hometown.
Check out the tour dates at Benoit’s website here.
Images: © Rick Scuteri for American Blues Scene
