These two nights in the musical heartland of Dublin city prove to be memorable for many reasons, including the wonderful atmosphere created by the capacity audience and the superb musicianship highlighted. It’s not been that long since Bonnie Raitt last visited the intimate surroundings of Vicar Street, and she played here in 2023 as part of her European tour to promote the 2022 album release JUST LIKE THAT.
That release was her eighteenth studio album in a career that spans six decades and her craft as a stellar musician and soulful vocalist has never been in any doubt since her debut album appeared back in 1971. Her interpretation of songs written by other songwriters is the stuff of legends, so much so that the renditions are seen almost as her own, rather than that of the originals. Over the two shows at Vicar Street Bonnie plays the exact same set of sixteen songs, taken from nine of her official releases, with both NICK OF TIME and LUCK OF THE DRAW featuring most, with three songs apiece.
Her between-song communications are very engaging and she certainly has always displayed a ‘common touch’ when empathising with the audience on matters of the heart, of life, and of surviving troubled times. Her easy way with words finds Bonnie observing that she is “not too old to shift her gears” and that her road crew are the best, thanking her guitar tech for “providing fresh horses” when a guitar-swap is required between songs.
The band is so talented and nuanced in their interplay and interpretation that the spontaneous applause from the audience on several occasions is duly acknowledged by Bonnie as she generously points out each musician after specific solo parts. We have long-time band members Ricky Fataar on drums and vocals, James “Hutch” Hutchinson on bass and vocals, joined by Glenn Patscha on keyboards and vocals, and Duke Levine on guitars and vocals. They are note perfect throughout and if you close your eyes it’s almost like you’re listening to a studio recording, such is their subtly layered performance.
Bonnie has never sounded more accomplished with both her vocal adroitness and her guitar technique on slide and bottleneck a rare gift to witness live. There is something special in the air at these two gigs and Bonnie is very gracious in her tributes to the likes of Mavis Staples (her inspiration), Mable John, Paul Brady, and John Prine. There are poignant moments when she speaks of John Prine and his enduring legacy. Bonnie was channelling his memory when she penned her award winning song Just Like That and the true story behind the lyrics is particularly moving (a son’s heart donated that saved the life of a stranger). Her song performance is quietly captivating.
Paul Brady is in the audience both nights but doesn’t join Bonnie on stage, despite her inclusion of two songs that he wrote (Not the Only One and Steal Your Heart Away). Bonnie says that Brady’s comment when asked was along the lines of “You can’t afford me,” but I have no doubt that this is tongue-in-cheek. Highlights across the two nights were the beautifully timeless I Can’t Make You Love Me, the superb blues of Dylan’s A Million Miles, the Mable John 60s hit You’re Good Thing (Is About To End), Richard Thompson’s classic Dimming Of the Day, and her own song Nick Of Time with the telling lines “Life gets mighty precious, When there's less of it to waste.”
The performance of Angel From Montgomery is always special and Bonnie infuses the moment with heart-aching pathos “If dreams were thunder, lightning was desire, This old house would have burnt down a long time ago.” As Bonnie states in her introduction to the song “No one cuts through it like John Prine.” Of course, the glory all goes to the magnetic brilliance of Bonnie Raitt, so generous in her artistic expression and ebullient in her sharing of the many gifts she brings. Until the next time.
Coda: Jimmy Vaughan made a guest appearance for the encore on night two Never Make Your Move Too Soon. Brother of blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, he is the founding member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Support on both nights was from the multi-talented Martin Harley who played a four-song set and greatly impressed with his roots music and soulful vocal. He plays again in Dublin next September at the Workmans club.
Review and photo by Paul McGee