Tab Benoit/Anders Osborne Concert Review Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts Scottsdale AZ 8-31-24
Review and Photos By Roc Boyum
Tab Benoit’s “I Hear Thunder Tour” showcases a remarkable display of blues guitar talent. This tour emphasizes the songwriting collaboration between Tab Benoit and Anders Osborne, which builds upon their joint work on Tab’s most recent album, “I Hear Thunder.”
For this show, Benoit brought along his special guest artist, J. D. Simo, with his drummer Adam Abrashoff. Simo is a well-known guitarist, songwriter and producer.
J.D. Simo:
Before attending Simo’s performance, I hadn’t yet experienced any of his music, whether in the studio or live, and with only a drummer as his accompaniment on stage, I was a bit skeptical understandably of what they could produce. However, from the very first note, Simo’s show completely blew my mind. Simo, a talented guitarist, blends rock, jazz, and jazz/rock in his material, delivering a live performance that is explosive and inspiring, akin to a jazz/rock version of Jimi Hendrix. His extended jams and innovative musicianship create a mesmerizing experience that leaves the audience in awe. Despite Abrashoff’s minimal drum kit setup consisting of a snare, bass drum, ride cymbal, hi-hat and cowbell, his drumming produced an incredibly full and musical sound that seemed far beyond what one person could generate. Together, these two exceptional musicians are crafting a unique sound filled with captivating musical expression.
Get out and catch these guys live anywhere you can and get ready for a musical journey like no other.
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Tab Benoit and Andres Osborne:
The electrifying guitars of Tab Benoit and Anders Osborne united to deliver an unforgettable show in Scottsdale, captivating the audience with their musical prowess. They performed songs from their respective extensive music collections throughout the night that had the Scottsdale audience entranced throughout their show.
Fans who enjoy Tab Benoit’s live performances will be intrigued by this tour, as Benoit’s band typically comprises the traditional trio of guitar, bass, and drums. What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of the acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Anders Osburne, marking a celebration of their joint efforts on Benoit’s latest album, “I Hear Thunder.” Together on stage, their collaboration breathes life into not only the tracks from the “I Hear Thunder” album but also showcases the individual works of both artists.
Benoit and Osborne are both renowned guitarists in their own regard. When they collaborate, they not only complement each other, adding depth and richness to their sound, but also provide space in their solos to explore and explode with their blistering jaw-dropping chops. This dynamic allows one guitarist to explore while the other offers rhythmic and sonic support, enhancing their music beyond what a trio could achieve.
During the evening, Benoit captivated the audience with tales of his cherished telecaster guitar. He mentioned how he doesn’t take his guitar on the road; instead, he follows his guitar, which guides him on his musical journey through life.
The two guitarists shared the set playing an equal number of songs from their respective catalogues that created an unforgettable show for the Scottsdale audience. Supported by the dynamic rhythm section of bassist Corey Duplechin and drummer Terence Higgins, the band electrified the audience with more than ninety minutes of soulful blues rock music. At the end of their regular set, the Scottsdale audience gave the band a standing ovation that wouldn’t rest until the band’s return. For their encore and the first of two songs, J.D. Simo, joined the band onstage and the Scottsdale crowd got a rare glimpse of Benoit behind the drumkit, as the band played Osborne’s song “Katrina” making a dedication to the iconic hurricane.
For the final song of the evening Benoit and company enthralled the already mesmerized crowd with “Make A Good Gumbo” a fitting finale to a satisfying evening of heavy blues and blues rock!
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J.D Simo Photo Gallery:
