After 83 years, a case of type 2 diabetes, and over fifteen thousand live performances, B.B. king still leaves no doubt that he is and will always be the king of the Blues.
‘ ‘ ‘ On what could be his final tour as a performer, B.B. stopped at the Klein music hall in Bridgeport on September 25, and gave the sold out crowd exactly what they have come to expect from a man whose name is King.
‘ ‘ ‘ A small folk trio entertained the crowd with a six song set which was highlighted by a catchy song called ‘I’ll make your money green’ which consisted of little over ten words. These three wailed away while the majority of the crowd was still at one of the two open bars waiting for the King to take the stage.
‘ ‘ ‘ The Klein Memorial Editorial is truly a diamond in the rough of Brideport. The classic design, three levels of stadium seating and acoustics that made me feel like I was next to the stage, and made for an amazing musical experience.
‘ ‘ ‘ The audience consisted of older people who were looking to hear the legend one more time while they had the chance. The crowd didn’t let their age show, as they threw back drinks before and during the show, and yelled out to B.B as he talked on stage.
‘ ‘ ‘ After a half hour intermission, B.B’s band, which consisted of two horns, two saxophones, a drummer, a rhythm guitarist, and a bassist played an opening set that was flat out amazing. These guides filled the auditorium with a sound like I’ve never heard before. Each member had his moment in the spotlight, and was capped off by a ridiculous blues guitar solo that even B.B. himself later acknowledged.
‘ ‘ ‘ When B.B took the stage in his trademark inside out jacket, the crowd was on his feet for five minutes, showering him with the applause and cheers he so rightly deserved. The sight of B.B King slowly plodding to his chair, racked by the toll he put on his body throughout his career, was one of compete awe for me.
Despite not even being able to stand as he plays, B.B. carried with him an air of greatness which resonated all the way to the top mezzanine of the auditorium. Ranked third greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone B.B. King could put down his instrument mid-show and still be revered by fans across the globe but chooses to continue playing simply because he loves what he does and who he does it for.
‘Thank you so much for comin out here tonight,’ he repeated after every song. ‘I love to look out and see all your pretty faces every night. I could stay home and fish or shop, but I don’t want to so you’re going to have to put up with me a-little longer,: he joked.
In between songs, and sometimes even during them, B.B would preach to the audience about whatever seemed to pop into his head. He was not shy about making jokes about his age, and even performed a song ‘Keep my grave clean’ early in his set.
King performed a combination of new and old music including ‘Love and Dearly’ (INSERT SONGS) and many songs which he gave no title to, but just began to play, much to delight of the audience. One of his final songs was the hit ‘The Thrill is Gone’ which brought the crowd to its feet once again in honor of his masterful musical prowess.
Aside from being an absolutely amazing singer and guitar player, King connected with the audience, and made the show seem like it was tailored specifically for them that night. He got couples to kiss, friends to laugh, and the entire crowd to linger after hoping to get one more glimpse of B.B.
The entire night was by far the best Thursday in recent memory, and the best concert hands down I have ever seen. B.B. King is a living legend, the Klein is a great place to see a show, and the combination of both made for nothing less of a magical evening.
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