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Blues Legend Buddy Guy Bids Goodbye to the Road at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
The legendary Buddy Guy with Tom Hambridge and special guest Bobby Rush performed at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee on August 14th, 2024. Guy's Damn Right Farewell Tour as the name implies may be the last time fans will have an opportunity to see this blues guitar god in a live setting - at least on the road. After all Buddy - owner of the Legends Blues Club in Chicago - is well into his 80's having enjoyed a career that includes winning eight Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Damn Right - Buddy Guy made a triumphant return to Nashville.
Buddy Guy started off playing in bands in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before relocating to Illinois in 1957 to become one of the greats associated with the Chicago blues scene. He has inspired an impressive list of guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck and mentored others including Quinn Sullivan.
As Mr. Guy walked out on stage he was welcomed with a standing ovation. Buddy's band included Tom Hambridge (drums), Ric Hall (guitar), keyboardist Dan Souvigny and bassist Orlando Wright. They opened with a rousing "Damn Right I Got the Blues". Next was a vibrant version of "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" (Willie Dixon) that Buddy added some guitar tricks to and then step to the side to let Ric strut his stuff. "I Just Want To Make Love to You" was another well-played racy number as was their fervent take of "Fever" (Eddie Cooley) that gave Hall another spotlight.
Buddy Guy bids farewell to Music City.
Between songs Buddy shared some stories. He recalled growing up in Louisiana without electricity, running water or air conditioning. Later he talked about working with the blues artists now legends who made little money for their craft and he mentioned the frustration of recording albums today that most likely will not get played on the radio. However, despite the challenges Buddy has been recognized for his music and the folks in Nashville were treated to his core classics as well as new material. The large crowd in attendance was living proof that Music City turned out to pay their respects to the soon to be retiring Mr. Guy.
The still relevant "Skin Deep" was one of the high points of the set as the crowd sang the hook back to Buddy. Also, of note was when fellow blues legend Bobby Rush joined the band to add animated vocals and harmonica to the mix and they all soared on the Little Walter classic "You Better Watch Yourself" which is a cautionary tale warning listeners of the consequences of their actions. The show closed with additional guest guitar player Scott Holt - a longtime member of the Buddy Guy Band - jamming with the group. It was a great and memorable moment - but, also certainly bittersweet since in theory Buddy was saying goodbye to his Nashville fans.
Two blues legends - Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Opening for Mr. Guy was his drummer. Tom Hambridge is a Grammy award winning producer who worked on some of Buddy's most critically acclaimed albums: "Living Proof" (2011) , "Born to Play Guitar" (2016) and "The Blues is Alive and Well" (2018). Tom has collaborated and charted with a long list of well-respected artists so his succinct segment was a big bonus of the night. Hambridge - fronting a power trio - presented a solid set that proved he is also a quality solo artist on his own worthy of deeper exploration. Two of our favorites were the sentimental "Shoebox" encouraging folks to treasure moments with those they love and his effort to craft a happy blues tune which resulted in the witty "Upside of Lonely".
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center is home to the acclaimed Nashville Symphony yet hosts a wide range of artists such as Buddy Guy. They are a non-profit venue so donations and the purchase of tickets supports the arts. Please check their website for a full list of upcoming events and for other ways to give to the Nashville Symphony as the 2024/2025 season is now underway and in full swing.
Tom Hambridge - drummer, producer and solo artist - impressed in Nashville.
Related Links:
For more information on BUDDY GUY and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Buddy Guy |
Tom Hambridge |
Nashville Symphony |
Buddy Guy and Quinn Sullivan Carry a Torch for The Blues in Nashville
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