Buddy Guy and Robert Randolph and the Family Band @ Artpark Mainstage, Lewiston, New York 8-1-13

Buddy Guy turned 77-years-old on Wednesday, and also came out with a new CD the day before to celebrate the occasion, entitled “Rhythm & Blues.” In the midst of all this excitement, Buddy will not rest on these or his many laurels. Buddy and Robert Randolph played Artpark, in Lewiston, NY, on Thursday night to a small but very appreciative crowd. Buddy came out at 9 p.m. and immediately wowed the crowd right from the beginning with the song “Damn Right I’ve Got the Blues.” He wanted to make sure the people who were there were blues fans and if they were not, “they are in the wrong fu*king place!” In fact, many f-Bombs circulated throughout Buddy’s show, many perpetuated by the man himself. At his age, Buddy has the right to conduct himself the way he wants and that wasn’t the news here. It was what kind of show he delivered. There isn’t another blues guitarist who inter connects with his fans like Buddy does. Buddy made his usual trek throughout the crowd and even let a woman named “Shandra” give him a hug at one point.

Buddy also brought up two prodigies he’s working with in Quinn Sullivan from Massachusetts and local boy Hayden Fogle. Sullivan actually dedicated one of his original songs to him, appropriately titled “Buddy’s Blues.” After that song, Hayden joined in and all 3 enjoyed performing together. After this Randolph came out to join them on the Junior Wells classic, “Messin’ with the Kid.”

Buddy told the crowd that the blues are alive and well and the crowd gave all 3 guitarists a standing ovation, as Buddy walked off into the sunset. It was a fitting way to end the night and pay homage to up and coming talent; this maybe the best performance I have seen Buddy give. Opening the night was Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Randolph is a pedal steel guitarist and gave the crowd an hour’s set worth of material. His sister and vocalist Lenesha Randolph sang lead vocals on a few songs including “New Orleans.” Randolph and the Family Band also turned in an outstanding rendition of Jimi Hendrix’ “Foxy Lady.”

Randolph was the perfect opening anecdote to Guy’s set; a must see on this summer’s concert touring schedule.

Buddy Guy Set List:

Damn Right I’ve Got the Blues
Hoochie Coochie Man (Muddy Waters cover)
She’s Nineteen Years Old (Muddy Waters cover)
Hoodoo Man (Junior Wells cover)
Slippin’ In
74 Years Young
Boom, Boom, Boom (Johnny Lee Hooker cover)
Down Don’t Bother Me (Albert King cover)
Meet Me in Chicago
Buddy’s Blues (Quinn Sullivan on vocals and lead guitar)
Strange Brew (Cream cover)
Messin’ with the Kid