show review
frethog Tue May 18 '04
225
Showcase Music & Sound Inc, Portland,
Rank: 6 Posted: Thu May 20, '04 1:44 pm

This was the last of Joe's promo stops before preparing for the next tour. Guitar store cleaned out the back storage room to accommodate as many fans as possible. Place was packed and some spillover waited just outside.

Joe played the usual suspects over recorded backing tracks, then paused to plug his new Peavey JSX amp head. When he resumed though, the amp malfunctioned (of course we never learned the malady, it was no-doubt something simple). Bummer. Good thing we were in a guitar store. The employees just grabbed a XXX from the sales floor, and Joe finished up on that featuring a couple songs from the new CD. Joe handled the whole thing with pro class and humor, but that had to be a little embarrassing….

Joe killed time during the amp change-over and talked about some of his guitars, including the new JS1200. Acoustics in that room were sub-par, but it sounded pretty good anyway. It’s always a blast to watch Joe perform the ‘bob & weave’. His head bobs, while his hands weave.

JS stayed and signed two tons of autographs for everyone who wanted one (or two!). Some guys brought their guitars to sign. Smiles all around.

dannyj Tue May 18 '04
225
Showcase Music & Sound Inc, Portland,
Rank: 8 Posted: Wed May 19, '04 7:13 pm

I was very fortunate to get in and thank God that I had the opportunity. I had to stand outside of the 'room' in which Joe played, but could still see everything. Joe played the same set that others have posted in previous reviews. Joe was playing Always with me... when his amp crapped out. All you can do is kind of laugh. Joe is promoting this new amp and it fails. Oh well, it sounded really good while it lasted. The bass was a bit too much on the backing track. That's why the show was an 8.

Joe you are one cool guy and I commend you for keeping a good head and not letting your talent go to your head. You are an everyday average Joe! (Except you have awesome talent) I respected you before and respect you even more for not forgetting or taking your fans for granted. I was a bit star struck to meet you. Funny how that happens. It was a privilege to say hi to you, shake your hand, and to get your autograph. When you come back, I'd love to have lunch with you. Chances are .00001% that will happen, but the offer is there. And PLEASE play 'If I Could Fly' on Sept 9th. That is the most feel good song I've heard from you. God bless you.

bluebuffalo Tue May 18 '04
225
Showcase Music & Sound Inc, Portland,
Rank: 5 Posted: Wed May 19, '04 10:59 am
A 5 mainly because only got half of the experience, showed up about 5 minutes late, and all I could do was put my hand to the wall and feel the music. which was only for like 15 minutes, and then a big sour note to follow, you have to buy the new cd in order to get a bracelet then you can get herded in. I preordered mine in order to get it on release date like everone here in satchland. to which I got my autographed sleeve, drove a fair lenght distance just to turn around and come home. the other half of the experience came at 5pm. Joe was at the radio station 93.2 kgon and played satch boogie, awyawm, and hands in the air which sounded great, I was enroute to the instore. got really psyched up. the DJ could of put a little more effort into his enthusiasm. I guess that's what happens when you play all the "classics" from the past, you go stale having to listen The Who, Eagles all the normal stuff for the millionth time. Now I have to wait until september to see Joe live, with thin lizzy's backup singer, and deep purple with their backup lead guitarist. Just venting now, I'd go again today and try to get in again.

seanbon Tue May 18 '04
225
Showcase Music & Sound Inc, Portland,
Rank: 10 Posted: Wed May 19, '04 10:58 am
Thanks Joe for a most incredible evening. My buddy and I arrived @ Showcase Music about 11:00am in the morning to stake our spot in line...and boy did that pay off. Never could I have imagined being so up close and personal to the man I most admire. Here we were, leaning up against our guitar cases that were leaning up against the stage in this tiny, intimate jam session. And there I was with my digital camera shooting pictures like crazy (which I will upload a couple). It was a night I'll never forget. You seem like one of the most down-to-earth, easy going guys around, and you have a great sense of humor too (especially when the JSX Head you were demonstrating blew a tube). You also have an outstanding dedication to your fans; making sure every last person received a signature (and you even got all the people who couldn't make it inside the show), that's so awesome. Thank you so much for allowing me the chance to shake your hand! My only regret, I was completely dumbfounded / star struck at the time and couldn't mutter anything but simple words. Thanks for signing my guitar, you signature looks really cool on it. Thanks again for such a great experience, looking forward to your next show. Take care! - Sean Dixon (sun burnt guy in front with digital cam)