the blues explosion is number one!

There I was, off in my own world when this weeks edition of the Georgia Straight literally landed in my lap. While perusing the pages, I was met with shock and surprise when I saw the words "Jon Spenser Blues Explosion playing tonight at Venue." The Blues Explosion, here, now? I said. Last time I had seen the rock trio was in 1999 (which I hailed as the best show I had ever seen) and after hearing that the band members had moved onto other projects I thought I would never see the trio again. Learing about the re-union tour was fate; and I did not question it, as I raced down and grabbed tickets brimming with excitement of what was to come.

Getting to the show I noticed that the crowd had changed since I had last seen the blues explosion. It was funny to see 30 something's wearing Ween and Sonic Youth T-shirts that barely fit anymore, but they still wore them proudly. We all had grown up since we last saw the band, and the overly tight t-shirts served as a metaphor of us middle agers holding onto our youth (just barely). Heavy eh.

russel simmins drumset - awaiting a solid beating
Opening for the band was the two piece combo named Rich Hope and his Evil Doers. Now I am not sure if these dudes were local guys, as they seemed to have a lot of support. One thing is sure, they made a wonderful racket for two guys. Frontman, Rich Hope is a charistmatic dude, that tells a great story while throwing down on the axe. Super impressed by these dudes, you should definetley check em out

wonderful noise from these two

the blues explosion!!!!!!!
Next up, was the Blues Explosion. When these dudes hit the stage the place went bonkers, and all three looked great with only Judah Bauer's grey goatie as a sign of age. Ripping through their catalogue, the blues explosion played bangers like: two kinds of love, afro, chicken dog, bellbottoms, dang, sweat and my personal favourite: blues explosion man. The band was tight, loud and jon has not lost any of his front man skills as he ruled the crowd with the sermon of the blues explosion. Russell simmins pounded the skins like animal from the muppet show, while judah bauer kicked it cool as always. Overall, the blues explosion is still the best live band on the planet, and yes, I'll say it as it was "easily the best show I have ever seen."

So you ask, it the blues explosion still number one? I answer with a resounding "yeah!"

to prove the brilliance of the blues explosion. watch this

told ya.