Bonnie Raitt at Summer Pops 2004, Kings Docks Arena, Liverpool
Saturday 3rd July 2004
The Best Of...
With 17 albums and four UK singles behind her,
singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt brought some Californian sunshine to
Summer Pops 2004 in Liverpool. Flame haired Bonnie’s repertoire never seems to
stand still, as she blows apart opportunities to pigeon - hole her.
She’s better known for her albums, which explore a subtle blend of Blues,
R’n’B, Pop and Folk. The pint - sized Foxy Lady, is a class act. Her naturally
gifted and relaxed style assured she would win hearts and minds on this rare UK
outing. Unlike many musicians, there’s no prima Donna edge to her whatsoever.
She’s a funny lady, with a great sense of humour-making constant references to
the UK comedy series, The League Of Gentlemen. Exuding warmth and charm,
she welcomed the crowd with, "Good evening and thanks for having us.
Here’s some good old rhythm and blues," as she launched into a belting
bottleneck tour de force and dirty chords on Sho Do.
Hutch Hutching provided much of the foundation on fretless bass, allowing the
twin guitars to texturize the leads and picks. Randy Newman’s Political
Science, Richard Thompson’s stunning ballad Dimming took on a whole new meaning
with Bonnie’s treatment on the short acoustic set. Silence swept the arena as
she sat at the keyboard for the divine and mellow Nick Of Time - an
observation of her parents decline with age.
Signing off, she took us back with the fundamentals in life, with a gritty
message to all men - Real Man.
Saying goodbye, she thanked everyone again, saying "We’ll be back."
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