The subtle and easy listening sound of Boz Scaggs made its way through the Center of the Arts at UB this past Monday night. Scaggs is currently on tour in support of his latest effort, “Memphis,” released last year. Scaggs and his six (6) piece backing band gave the crowd an impressive hour and 50 minute set. The band is led by musical director and bass player Richard Patterson.
Scaggs mixed the set up every well by playing three songs off “Memphis” and a few covers, including a Fats Domino track called “I’m Sick and Tired.” Scaggs talked about how the inspiration for the track “Gone Baby Gone” came from a studio in Memphis. Scaggs remarked, “This studio was set exactly like if we were still in the 1960s.” He never mentioned the name of the studio, but I wondered if it was the famed Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios? Scaggs told a few stories in between songs but really concentrated on letting the music do the talking. His backup singer Ms. Monet took lead vocals on Sly & The Family Stone’s classic” Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”
Of course, what is a Scaggs show without the song “Look What You’ve Done to Me?” That song, in my opinion, made the movie Urban Cowboy. Fan favorites “Lowdown’ and “Lido Shuffle” were played as well. They all sounded very similar to the original records, which is a tribute to Scaggs and his band. Scaggs really left his mark when he did the blues track “Somebody Loan Me a Dime.” It was great way to let everyone to get involved in showcasing their talents and to wrap up the show.
In a month’s time, Scaggs will turn 70 years young. By the looks and sounds of his band on Monday, there is not an inkling of any slowing down at all in Scaggs’ game.
Setlist:
Runnin’ Blue
Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl (Mink DeVille cover)
Some Change
Hercules
Rainy Night in Georgia (Tony Joe White cover)
Gone Baby Gone
I’m Sick and Tired (Fats Domino)
Miss Sun
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Sly & The Family Stone cover) Miss Monet on vocals
Look What You’ve Done to Me
Lowdown
Lido Shuffle
Encore:
What Can I Say?
Somebody Loan Me a Dime
We would like to thank David Wedekindt from UB for helping with the credentials to review the show.
