Review and Photos by Michelle Cucchiaro
Show Photos HERE
It was Tuesday, August 19, 2014 and I found myself making that all too familiar two hour trek up to Portland, Maine to see a show. Surprisingly, the drive is pretty quick and it’s definitely easy. I love shooting at The State Theatre. It’s an intimate venue in an artsy part of town, the staff is great and I’m never disappointed with the performance dujour. This day would be no different. Actually that’s not true, this day would be entirely different. On this day I would be lucky enough to witness, hands down, the best show I’d ever seen!
The show opened with the Rich Robinson Band. Rich, along with his brother Chris, got his start back in the 80’s while still in high school as a founding member of the band The Black Crowes (originally Mr. Crowes Garden). It was a great way to start what would prove to be a musically intense evening as Robinson’s sound was smooth, even and on the mellow side. The fans were revved and adequately warmed and were definitely ready for Johnny to take the stage.
The Johnny Lang Band performed songs from their new album Fight for My Soul. They opened with Blew Up (The House) and also played What You’re Looking For, We Are the Same and some older tunes from previous albums. It’s interesting that he was described to me as a phenomenal “blues” guitarist. After experiencing this show I’d be hard pressed to pigeon hole his talents into a single genre. Phenomenal? He can keep that title and it suits him just fine. His vocals were just as intense as his guitar playing talents and both were performed with deep, heart-felt emotion. While every tune he played was nothing less than awesome, the fans wanted Lie to Me. They let him know with cheers and chants and in the end Johnny came thru during a lengthy and crowd pleasing two song encore to include 40 Days and 40 Nights and finally the much anticipated Lie to Me!!!
All in all a fantastic show that shouldn’t be missed!!
Johnny Lang Storms The State Theater – ME
