Buddy Guy defies the ages (and coronavirus) in memorable concert at The Coach House

Buddy Guy at The Coach House.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Who: Buddy Guy, Tom Hambridge
Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Thursday, March 12, 2020


Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

While music festivals and countless venues have been cancelling upcoming dates in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, The Coach House opted to keep its doors open for Buddy Guy's highly-anticipated performance on Thursday night (March 12, 2020).

I'm not alone in praying I didn't jeopardize my future health spending time in a crowded concert venue in the wake of the growing crisis. But one thing for sure: Guy's searing performance at the San Juan Capistrano, California venue was memorable and not to be missed. In recent years the world has sadly witnessed the passing of a parade of Chicago blues greats ranging from James Cotton and Etta James to B.B. King. Now 83, Guy is likely the last top-tier ambassador for the musical style that influenced an endless stream of rock artists including the Rolling Stones, Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.

For more than 90 minutes on Thursday, the 83-year-old Louisiana native delivered an inspired lesson in the power of not only the blues, but life itself. His performance was a mix of riveting electric blues and first-rate storytelling. Indeed, as he noted at one point, he grew up on a farm in (Lettsworth) Louisiana and lived in a home without running water or electricity. 

There is an exuberance in Guy's singing and dynamic guitar playing at odds with the challenges he faced in his boyhood. In fact, I have seen few concerts over the years where the headliner smiled as much as Guy did throughout his show at the Coach House.

The Buddy Guy Band at the Coach House on Thursday night, March 12, 2020.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

When Guy took the stage with his four-man backing band, he launched into the defiant blues rocker "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues," the title cut from his Grammy-winning 1991 album. Guy offered up plenty of his blazing fret work on his Fender guitar, and the seven-minute opener was bolstered by Chicago blues great Marty Sammon on keyboards.

The night's setlist provided both an introduction and an exploration of Chicago-styled blues and many of classic rock's greats influenced by the style. Guy's rich baritone vocals and the band's muscular approach (including an extended showcase for the band's second guitarist, Ric Hall) made for a mighty take on Willie Dixon's "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man." Another Dixon cover, "I Just Want to Make Love to You," was launched with Guy unleashing joyful noise on his instrument.

Bluesman Buddy Guy unleashing a guitar solo at The Coach House.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

No Guy performance would be complete without a heavy dose of fun, as evidenced by a playful take on the Bobby Rush classic "Chicken Heads." 

A poignant version of John Hiatt's "Feels Like Rain" was one of this writer's favorite selections of the night. Guy is known for his influential and explosive guitar and vocals, but this number (the title cut off his eighth album, released in 1993) allowed the artist to offer up soulful vocals – including a tender falsetto – and tender work on his guitar. He also mined that emotional corner of his sonic universe with the probing "Drowning on Dry Land," a song introduced with a nuanced solo by Guy. Later he quieted the crowd with his timeless original "Skin Deep."

Guy is renowned for his ability to mimic other guitar greats, recreating their signature styles without abandoning his own. That was clear when he and his band took on bits of tracks from the likes of B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker and Cream during his performance. 

Marty Sammon, left, with Tom Hambridge at The Coach House.

Opening the show was Buddy Guy Band drummer Tom Hambridge (accompanied by the aforementioned Marty Sammon on keyboards). Hambridge is a talented percussionist, lead vocalist and songwriter. The two-time Grammy winner's songs were often witty with the ability to instantly grab the attention of the audience. His blues rocker "The Fixer," Chicago blues-styled "Blues Been Mighty Good To Me," bouncy "Bluz Crazy" and crowd pleasing "Upside of Lonely" were all sure-fire songs included in his 30-minute set.