The Grammy-winning guitarist and singer wowed a capacity crowd in her return to Grand Rapids, with another legendary guitarist, Richard Thompson, adding to the star-studded night.
The inimitable Bonnie Raitt sets the bar remarkably high whenever she tours, unfurling spellbinding vocals and classic slide-guitar riffs backed by a top-drawer band that oozes upbeat camaraderie and professionalism.
Not only that, but her performances at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park over the years have paired her with living legends (Taj Mahal in 2009 and Mavis Staples in 2012), who’ve rejoiced in the graciousness of an artist who relishes putting influential but oft under-appreciated artists in the spotlight.
Wednesday night was no exception, as English guitarist-singer Richard Thompson got things started with aplomb, earning a deservedly warm welcome from the sold-out crowd of 1,900 as he led his trio through classics such as “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” and “Tear-Stained Letter,” the latter which appeared on his post-Linda & Richard Thompson solo album, 1983’s “Hand of Kindness.”
The 45-minute set, featuring Thompson’s eye-popping guitar work, served as the ideal warm-up for Raitt’s resplendent set, which launched with a rock-propelled cover of INXS’s “Need You Tonight” – from her latest album, “Dig in Deep” – and closed with The Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House” and “Your Sweet and Shiny Eyes” about 1 hour and 42 minutes later.
It also naturally and appropriately saw Thompson return to the stage to perform “Dimming of the Day” with Raitt and her band, a song that Raitt dedicated to her longtime pal, Mario Leon, of Grand Rapids.
“I’m not going to even try to duplicate Richard Thompson and how magnificent he is,” Raitt had said early on.
ELEGANT, GRACIOUS AND AUDIENCE-ENGAGING
Nevertheless, she proceeded to do that anyway, following “Need You Tonight” with a striking version of “Used to Rule the World,” a Randall Bramblett cover from her 2012 album, “Slipstream,” and proving definitively that she still rules the stage like no one else, with her singing as well as her tasteful slide-guitar leads.
Elegant yet sensuous, Raitt exudes an ever-gracious, comfortable and audience-engaging stage presence that puts her in a class all her own – and the mostly baby boomer fans appreciated every minute of it, from covers of rousing songs such as Los Lobos’ “Shakin’ Shakin’ Shakes” to the poignant and melancholy “I Can’t Make You Love Me” that led off a three-song encore.
And when perhaps the sexiest 66-year-old guitarist in America croons a stunning tear-jerker like “I Can’t Make You Love Me” or the John Prine classic “Angel From Montgomery,” it seems like every word cuts to the depth of one’s soul.
Members of Raitt’s band — guitarist George Marinelli, keyboard player Mike Finnigan, bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson and drummer Ricky Fataar – were equally at ease on those tender, slow ballads as they were on rousing barn-burners, including “Gypsy in Me,” “What You’re Doin’ to Me” and “Burning Down the House.”
The multi-Grammy Award-winning singer and guitarist chatted amiably with fans throughout the night, remarking on everything from their appearance (“You look so healthy and tan”) to the welcome break in humidity (“This is a blessing”) to bemoaning election campaign spending (“The system is broken; let’s fix it”) to commending her all-star band (“It’s a mighty quartet and I get to be the queen bee, spreading honey wherever I go”).
That sweet and smooth honey certainly was in abundant supply on Wednesday, with a reserved yet passionate musical fire simmering just below the surface of Raitt’s rootsy music and the songs she resolves to cover.
“Could it be any more beautiful than this?” Raitt had exclaimed at the beginning of the night, praising Meijer Gardens as “one of the most exquisite places” she’d ever been.
After Wednesday’s night’s performance, no one in the audience would disagree.
Queen Bee: Bluesy and soulful Bonnie Raitt led a top-notch band in her return to Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Bonnie Raitt at Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, MI – August 31, 2016
Engaging in occasional acts of “surprise the band,” to use Bonnie Raitt’s exact words, actually keeps everyone at a concert on their toes.
At the top of the list would have to be the more casual fans who attended her Aug. 13 show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J. But in the end, Raitt’s musical journey on this unbearably hot night typified what she’s done throughout her career, before and after her hit-making, Grammy-winning heyday of 1989-94: taking a great song (sometimes from an unexpected source), putting it through her tasteful blues-rock-folk filter and emerging with a rendition that’s both palatable and personal.
Following an opening set by Richard Thompson (who saved his best for last, filling “Tear-Stained Letter” with long, sparkling lead guitar breaks), Raitt hit the stage promising “something from the female point of view.” And with that, she and her band began with her steady-rollin’ cover of INXS’ “Need You Tonight,” which Raitt recorded for her latest album, “Dig in Deep,” released in February. It was the first of many points in the show when Raitt’s instantly identifiable and sensual slide-guitar playing made its presence felt. Other “Dig in Deep” songs in the set included “Unintended Consequence of Love” (only the second time Raitt has performed it in concert) and “Gypsy in Me” (she called it out to the band on microphone in a way that suggested it was an in-the-moment addition to the set list or shuffled around from its original spot).
Raitt’s honesty and down-to-earth nature went over just as well as the music. She reached back to her third album, 1973’s “Takin My Time,” for “I Feel the Same,” and afterward prompted a few laughs from the crowd when she said, “Sorry, guys. I ended it too soon.” Before her version of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery,” she put on some lipstick.
Other highlights included her highest-charting pop hit, “Something to Talk About,” the Talking Heads signature “Burning Down the House” as well as a stirring version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” one of her encores.
Raitt’s next show with Thompson is Aug. 15 in Westbury, N.Y., and their tour will conclude Sept. 23 in Paso Robles, Calif. She’ll continue touring the U.S. with other openers into early November.
Bonnie Raitt gazes toward the balconies early in her show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Aug. 13. (Photo by Chris M. Junior)
Chris M. Junior is a Contributing Editor at Goldmine who has written features and reviews for the magazine and website since 1999, in addition to shooting portraits and concert photos. He is a former Assistant Editor at Rolling Stone.
Bandana Blues is and will always be a labor of love. Please help Spinner deal with the costs of hosting & bandwidth. Visit www.bandanablues.com and hit the tipjar. Any amount is much appreciated, no matter how small. Thank you.
Bonnie has contributed a new recording of "Prison Bound Blues" written by Leroy Carr to a project called Better Than Jail, an extraordinary new album benefiting Free Hearts and Equal Justice USA. Better Than Jail is available everywhere today and features covers of iconic prison songs from Steve Earle, Taj Mahal,Margo Price, The War and Treaty and many more. The album seeks to raise awareness and support for the urgent need to reduce the harm of the criminal justice system. https://found.ee/BetterThanJail.
I'm so proud to have joined in with so many illustrious artists in creating this very special album in support of rural prison reform. Overlooked for far too long, this issue cuts across all cultural and political divides and deserves all our focused attention to finally bring about some swift and meaningful action. Better Than Jail is one of the most inspired and heartfelt albums I've been blessed to be a part of and I hope it sets a fire in hearts far and wide to join in our efforts." ~ Bonnie Raitt
Released on: 2024-10-04 Executive Producer: Brian Hunt Producer: Kenny Greenberg Producer: Wally Wilson Producer: Bonnie Raitt Recording Engineer: Jason Lehning at Sound Emporium Mastering Engineer: Alex McCollough at True East Mastering Production Assistant: Shannon Finnegan Mixer: Justin Niebank at Hounds Ear Music Publisher: Universal Music Corp. Composer, Lyricist: Leroy Carr ℗ Believe Entertainment Group and Wyatt Road Records
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The Fabulous Thunderbirds - Nothing in Rambling Ft. Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo' & Mick Fleetwood
In celebration of the band’s 50th Anniversary, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have just released Struck Down, their first studio album in eight years on Stony Plain Records. The ten-track album includes a wonderful cover of Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing in Rambling,” featuring longtime friends, T-Birds founding member Kim Wilson, along with Bonnie, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal and Mick Fleetwood. — BRHQ
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Little Feat - Long Distance Call
“I’ve always loved Little Feat and this new incarnation of the band is bringing some serious heat, cred and new blood to their enduring legacy. Every Feat fan loves us some Sam. I’m so glad he’s now gotten a chance to step out front and center and put his spin on these wonderful blues songs. I loved singing "Long Distance Call" with him, always one of my favorites, and Scott slayed on slide. Know you’ll enjoy hanging out with us at Sam’s Place!" -- Bonnie Raitt
“Long Distance Call” was written by blues legend, Muddy Waters. It has Sam Clayton and Bonnie Raitt on vocals, Scott Sharrard on Dobro, Fred Tackett on acoustic guitar, Tony Leone on drums, and Michael “The Bull” LoBue on harmonica. The album also features Bill Payne on piano and Kenny Gradney on bass.
Little Feat have composed an album that’s their love letter to the blues entitled, ‘Sam’s Place.’ “Long Distance Call” plus many other blues classics are on this album. You can stream and order ‘Sam’s Place’ here: https://orcd.co/samsplace
Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2, the anticipated new John Prine tribute record from Oh Boy Records, is out today. Stream/purchase HERE.
Created as a celebration of Prine’s life and career, the album features new renditions of some of Prine’s most beloved songs performed by Brandi Carlile (“I Remember Everything”), Tyler Childers (“Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You”), Iris DeMent (“One Red Rose”), Emmylou Harris (“Hello In There”), Jason Isbell (“Souvenirs”), Valerie June (“Summer’s End”), Margo Price (“Sweet Revenge”), Bonnie Raitt (“Angel From Montgomery”), Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (“Pretty Good”), Amanda Shires (“Saddle in the Rain”), Sturgill Simpson(“Paradise”) and John Paul White (“Sam Stone”). Proceeds from the album will benefit twelve different non-profit organizations, one selected by each of the featured artists.
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Bonnie Raitt - Write Me a Few of Your Lines/Kokomo Blues
60 years anniversary celebration of Arhoolie
December 10, 2020
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Arhoolie Foundation celebrates it's 60th anniversary (1960-2020) with an online broadcast.
Bonnie Raitt - Shadow of Doubt
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
October 3, 2020
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass celebrates it's 20th anniversary with an online broadcast titled “Let The Music Play On”.
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Bonnie Raitt & Boz Scaggs - You Don't Know Like I Know
Farm Aid 2020 On the Road
Sam & Dave classic written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
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Sheryl Crow & Bonnie Raitt - Everything Is Broken
[Eric Clapton’s Crossroads 2019]
Eric Clapton, one of the world’s pre-eminent blues/rock guitarists, once again summoned an all-star team of six-string heroes for his fifth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2019. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the two-day concert event raised funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the chemical dependency treatment and education facility that Clapton founded in 1998.
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'A Tribute To Mose Allison'
Celebrates The Music Of An Exciting Jazz Master
Raitt contributed to a new album, If You're Going To The City: A Tribute To Mose Allison, which celebrates the late singer and pianist, who famously blended the rough-edged blues of the Mississippi Delta with the 1950s jazz of New York City.
NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to Bonnie Raitt about her friendship with the Mose Allison. They're also joined by Amy Allison — his daughter, who executive produced the album — about selecting an unexpected list of artists to contribute songs to the album.
Recorded on tour June 3, 2017 - Centennial Hall, London - Ontario Canada
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