Even ill, a blues legend enthralls the Uptown

Even ill, a blues legend enthralls the Uptown
November 3, 2010
Michelle Choat
Napa Valley Register

n a word: Amazing. B.B. King was absolutely amazing. And this is coming from a non-blues fan.
When I sat in my Uptown Theatre seat on Halloween night, readying myself with my reporter’s notebook, the gentleman next to me asked if I had seen B.B. King in concert.
I confessed I had not, and that I wouldn’t actually be able to name any of his songs.
But it seemed like one of those things that if someone offered you the opportunity to see him in concert, you should go.
To this he replied, “The thing about blues performers is that the longer they perform, the more they get into the music. And if you are a fan, and maybe even if you’re not, you’ll appreciate the music. It’s not always about the words.”
If there’s anything to be said about B.B. King, it’s that he is, without a doubt, into the music.
The blues legend, at the age of 85, still tours throughout the year and performs, on average, 250 shows annually.
When you’re in his presence, it’s easy to see why.
As he walked on stage and sat down in his chair, his face lit up when he played Lucille, the guitar he’s owned since 1949.
My heart quickened a little. There’s something magical about being in the presence of someone who’s been famous and revered for so long.
After a long introduction from his band, King received an extended welcome from the crowd, who were already bobbing their heads and dancing in their seats.
He warned us that he was sick, but if that was King performing sick, I can’t imagine what it’s like on a good day.
He opened with “I Need You So” for the “lovers and the wannabe lovers in the crowd,” he said.
Although it may have been Oct. 31, he belted out “Merry Christmas, Baby.” No one seemed to complain.
After a little friendly competition of copycat with the drummer, King performed “Darling, You Know I Love You.”
He was sure to remind the audience that “ladies are God’s greatest gift to the planet. Out of 85 years, I’ve never seen an ugly woman.”
I think if I look back an actual count, he may have only played about eight songs, but between actual lyrics, he entertained the crowd with banter with the band and observations of his touring life.
“I’ve been to 90-plus countries,” he said. “A lot of them, I’d like to go back to. But there are definitely a few, that, well, not so much.”
He interacted with the crowd, getting us to sing along to “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Rock Me Baby.”
I talked to three separate fans in the Uptown lobby, all of whom said that seeing King is concert was on their “bucket list.”
I can see why.
The only thing I’d do differently next time was sit a little closer.
His facial expressions, for me, made the night something to remember.
One of my co-workers was also at the concert and before the show started he said, “If you’re not a blues fan, you will be after tonight.”
He was right.