Concert review: Bonnie Raitt heats up Paso Robles
Photo from Vina Robles.
Raitt stands out as a fresh, relevant artist
– I’ve gone to hundreds of concerts since my first one in 1979 so 45 years later, you’re bound to get some repetition. But just because a musician has been around forever, it doesn’t make them a nostalgia act. Case in point: Bonnie Raitt, who recently performed a nearly sold-out show under a glorious full moon on a surprisingly chilly Wednesday night at Vina Robles.
Sure, there were classic hits from her early ’90s multi-platinum records, heartfelt covers, and sing-alongs but Raitt stands out as a fresh, relevant artist unlike many artists from rock’s heyday who are well past their prime.
It certainly helps too that she can do it all: write great songs, eloquently sing and tell stories, and play a mean lead guitar. It also helps that she has a tight-knit band, including former Beach Boys drummer Ricky Fataar, that’s been touring with her for decades.
Her 18-song set was varied and well-paced throughout the 105-minute performance, frequently paying homage to legendary songwriters John Prine (Angel from Montgomery) and J.D. Souther, who passed away this week as well as contemporaries like Michael McDonald.
Of course, there’s always a classic hit like ‘Thing Called Love’ that gets left out of the setlist to the dismay of some fanboys but Raitt’s passion and talent overcame any quibbles concertgoers may have felt.
Still, it’s always a good sign when they start playing a new song you’ve never heard before but 30 seconds in, you’re humming and swaying to the distinct rhythm and Raitt did just that with ‘Livin for the Ones’ from her most recent album.
It was also the first headliner concert I’ve attended in a while where photos and video were not allowed, forcing the audience to put their smartphones away. I think she did it for us more than her and the band.
Raitt also made a few references to recent world strife, the upcoming election and her involvement in protesting Diablo Canyon during the late 70’s No Nukes movement.
But most impressive was her appreciation for everyone and everything around her, always giving credit to others despite being the obvious centerpiece and star of the show. We’ve seen rock egos get out of control recently with REO Speedwagon and Jane’s Addiction abruptly ending their tours.
Raitt at 74 on the other hand, shows no signs of slowing down, lamenting the lockdown preventing her from doing what she was meant to do: hit the road and perform live in front of her many fans.
She’s back and we’re all much better off for it.
-By Colin Jones
