Jonny Lang in Concert
Ed Moyer - elrociam@filthypikers.comA twenty-something kid named Jonny Lang walked nonchalantly out onto the stage. He slid his guitar onto his shoulder, thanked the crowd for welcoming him to Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth Texas. He then proceeded to express himself, mind, body, heart, and soul to the some 1500 people who were suddenly now some of his closest friends.
He picked up the guitar at the tender age of thirteen after attending the show of a band that had a friend of his father as one of its members. Shortly after that he began taking lessons from the friend, and a mere four months later he was performing on stage at the local bars with that very same band. Good? That is as large of an understatement as saying that the sun is warm.
Believing that someone in his or her early twenties has seen or lived the pain that Jonny Lang so convincingly sings and plays on his Fender Stratocaster is difficult. You can close your eyes and simply tell that this youth believes deeply and intimately every word that is coming out. He is not merely good for his age; he is great despite the age of his body. A friend of mine would say that he has an old soul. Barely opening his eyes for more than a few seconds, he was lost in his own world, that part of him channeling all his energy into his music.
His band, all his seniors, were well versed in their instruments in their own right. The band flowed effortlessly through song after song, thrilling the crowd with their abilities. The music that spread across the people that day converted many hardcore Stevie Ray Vaughn fans, letting them lose themselves in Jonny Lang and the Big Bang Band’s musical tales.
Jonny accredits his mentors as to be such greats as B.B. King and Buddy Guy, along with other blues greats. He has traded licks with several of his heroes. He has admitted that he would die a happy and content man if he were ever able to write one song with Stevie Wonder.
Being a rather devoted fan of Stevie Ray Vaughn, I have an easier time believing that a white teen from Fargo, North Dakota is not only able to sing and play the blues, but to do so convincingly.
Was I a fan of Jonny Lang before the concert? No. But, I can honestly say that I am a fan now. Anyone looking for a good blues CD, check out the two offerings by Jonny and his band. Anyone looking for a good clean concert to attend, once again check out Jonny Lang when he comes to your town. The time will be well invested.
For More Information: http://www.amrecords.com/artists/jonnylang/
The Piker Press moderates all comments.
Click here for the commenting policy.