Jonny Lang

Tuesday 4th June, The Forum, Kentish Town, London, Rockin the Blues featuring Kris Barras, Walter Trout and Jonny Lang. There was a time in 97 through 98 where Jonny Lang’s debut album ‘Lie to Me’ was played relentlessly in our house and this aural brainwash obviously worked on my son. Twenty one years after I last saw Lang live the same son has bought us both tickets for tonight’s mini BluesFest in North London.

First up is a brit, Kris Barras. I’ll be honest I had not heard of him before but he plays a great opening set with a big powerful sound, good voice, strong songs including a solid version of ‘Rock n Roll’. Most of all, given the name of the tour, the solos are most definitely on the rockier end of the blues. It has a feel of early Whitesnake about it who were at their best the finest British blues rock band of their time before Coverdale homogenised their sound for the American market.

Next up is the old timer on the bill Walter Trout. He’s certainly lived a life and indeed is arguably on his second after a liver transplant and having to learn to walk and talk and play the guitar again. I didn’t know most of the set but it was certainly a lesson in old school blues. The band are great and the solos while a little samey showcase Trout’s continued dexterity especially at a couple of years shy of seventy.

Quite why it has taken so long to see Jonny Lang again is beyond me but after tonight’s show I won’t be leaving it another twenty years. The set is a mix of oldies and new ones which blend together well. What’s clear from the off is that Lang is an extraordinary guitarist. The solos are rich and varied and he is ably supported by a fine band complete with bass player wearing a puppet on his hand. Highlights for me are probably oldies ‘Still rainin’ and amazing version of ‘Lie to Me’ that started off as a reinterpreted acoustic ballad moving effortlessly to a full electric finale. Truly amazing track.

The evening is topped by the return of Walter and Kris for a couple where the three protagonists trade guitar solos with each other. Whats notable in this finale is that the Barras solos seem even more energised and he really launches a brutal attack of blues power. A great night that took me back twenty years and also introduced me to new British blues talent.

Till the next time keep on rockin y’all

Johnny Lang’s mature blues voice makes the artist’s sound extremely identifiable and unique in his work, and hearing his gospel rock music performed live with his decorative vibratos ringing out through the venue was really magical. When you see a performance live, it reminds you that as well as the vocals, Lang is also a master at the guitar, and his solo competitions between himself and the lead guitarist in his band were super exciting to watch.
With a Grammy Award under his belt, Lang opened with a track from the winning album, Turn Around. When he walked out on stage, on his own with nothing but his guitar, the corwd were immediately on their feet cheering for him to start. He began with a guitar solo whlist the rest of the band took their places on stage, and launched into their opening song.
Hearing artists play live is always exciting, as they have scope to alter their songs slightly, and Lang added several new riffs, instrumental solos, and extended choruses to keep the audience engaged. Hearing the artists interpretation of their songs live is awesome, and I really felt a stronger connection with Lang’s music after watching his facial expressions and body language in the performance.

As the cry out for more blues musicians becomes increasingly louder the likes of John Mayor are clearly very hard to come by.
However, Johnny Lang seems to want to change that fact. Live performances with hits such as Quitters Never Win and Don’t Stop, prove that Lang is of such stature that could boost him to blues stardom, all at the young age of 33.
In classic blues fashion, you can imagine minor scales used with the crokey tone on vocals that could be likened to an early Eric Clapton. Difference is however, not all of the songs are just complete blues solos, no a lot of them are actually slow melodic song with about two minutes worth of blisteringly loud solos accompanied by Lang dancing around on the stage.
Even though he is a blues musician there is a great sense of energy within his music. Songs such as Turn Around featuring a great swing beat with a heavy backline and thumping of guitars and bass prove that as this is similar to that of Some of the early Black Keys stuff – this could be the new era of blues as a genre.
Johnny Lang is a great guitarist and a fantastic showman offering a fun mixture of spectatorship and genuinely great music.

The blue typhoon that is Jonny Lang. A grammy award winner, a guitar genius and a cool cat ladies. 5 albums in I believe this man has stamped his mark on blues music and certainly in music history. Jonny Lang, now 33, has seen dollar bill signs in his eyes with his songs like 'Lie to me,' and 'Still Rainin'. He brings in different genres of music with his blues sound. A gospel choir belts out the call and response chorus of 'Lie to me' which also see's Lang descend into a Slash like guitar solo, shredding it up big time.
Lang has toured with massive musicians such as; B.B King, Aerosmith and even the legendary Rolling Stones and its because he unleashes this demon within him when he performs live. You never know whats coming next with Jonny. It could be a rocky song or a tranquil, tear shredding acoustic number.
A loved American guitarist, hopefully with another spectacular album coming out soon.

Was so great to see Jonny Lang in Vancouver!! As always Jonny played his heart outvWed night at the Commedore Baal Room in Vancouver what a fantastic band he has, never mind what a great guitar man Jonny is and such a heartfelt ,soulful singer! I have been watching and listening to Jonny since he was 16 years old and seen him 5 times.... he us like a fine wine that just keeps getting better and better! Even though he was sick with the flu he faces us a superb show, and did not hold back!! Thank you Jonny Lang for such a great night,oh yeah the house was full of Jonny fans!

Another amazing show from Jonny Lang. I wish he had more time to play more songs. We were lucky enought to be a part of the meet and greet. That was absolutely wonderful!! I was so impressed by his and his team's laid back nature. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly. It was an unforgetable moment to share with our family and even allowed the fans to connect with one another in a way I had not expected. Jonny Lang does not disappoint and will be on our list of concerts whenever he is near.

This is the second time I've seen Jonny Lang perform, both times have been at the House of Blues, New Orleans. The show was amazing. This time around I had won VIP tickets from the venue, it gave us an un obstructed seated view from the balcony with our own waitress. Thank you HoB! Johnny did an amazing job up there, everything was spot on, the sound, lighting, all of it together resulted in a fabulous show.

As with any music, it's always better live. Jonny is so expressive in his playing. It almost seemed as if he were trying to squeeze the music out of his face. At times it was hard to tell if he was a blues artist with the heart of a heavy metalist or the other way around. And then he even threw in a little jazz (George Benson style) just to keep it interesting. I look forward to his next visit.

I have been to a lot of concerts in my life time but this one had to be the best! I really love Jonny tho. This was my 3rd time seeing him and I guarantee it won't be my last. I think Red Light was my favorite song that he did. I have never seen any one play a guitar and sing the way this man does. It's like it takes over his soul. I can't wait till the next one!

What an amazing concert! Johnny Lang is a super talented guitarist with a voice that just won't quit. He put on a very high-energy show with a couple of beautiful serious numbers included. The audience was totally into the show from the minute that he walked onstage until the end with his fabulous lead-in to and performance of Lie to Me.