Buddy Guy gave a blues history lesson at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
On September 7th The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park provided a beautiful backdrop for an unforgettable evening with Buddy Guy, the eight time Grammy winner and legendary blues icon. As usual The Shell’s pristine sound quality and excellent lighting heightened the concert experience, although the show certainly came with a surprise or two.
Draped in his iconic polka-dotted shirt, Buddy Guy, armed with a sweet sounding honey blond Fender Stratocaster, immediately seized the stage with “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues,” transporting the crowd into the Deep South, the heart of blues music.
What made the night unique were Buddy’s playful and sometimes funny interruptions, acknowledging helicopters overhead, telling a few long stories, a testament to the unpredictability of live shows. During one section of the concert, he introduced his son for a scorching rendition of “Skin Deep,” showcasing their musical bond and his son’s soloing skills.
Buddy Guy paid tribute to blues luminaries throughout the show like John Lee Hooker, Albert King, and BB King, offering live demonstrations of their unique guitar styles. He shared a lot of history along with a ton of fantastic solos and great songs. Covers like “Boom Boom” “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Five Long Years” demonstrated Buddy’s blues mastery. His electrifying solos pierced the cool San Diego bay air and he seemed to be amazingly energetic for an 87 year old blues legend.
Buddy Guy’s performance at The Rady Shell was a mesmerizing journey through blues history. Despite the surprises, his unwavering talent and charisma were a true pleasure for the San Diego crowd. It was a night when the blues truly came alive, uniting the audience in a timeless cultural experience
