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They say you can never go back to the sweet bliss of your first time, and at least as regards to Buddy Guy's live gigs, that's been true of me. I don't remember if this was my fourth of fifth time seeing Buddy, but it certainly was as frustrating as anticipated, sadly. There were moments of grace, of depth and intensity as only he can achieve, but they were few and far between. Half of the songs were unfinished as he was (as usual) demonstrating his ability to cover every other bluesman's repertoire. And Buddy may be capable as few are of instilling an atmosphere in just a few licks and growls, but when he cuts short after 12 or 24 bars it just leaves you frustrated. Well, me at least, the audience at the Olympia seemed to lap his over the top showmanship. Things weren't helped by the screaming guitar sound mix. I don't know if that's a lousy sound man or Buddy's age showing through sloppiness. All in all, probably wasn't worth the (insane) asking price but I'll cherish the few moments when the old Buddy shone through, capable of delicate subtlety and authentic depth. And probably I'll look back fondly on this night as the last time I saw him live, unless I go to Chicago soon for some unfathomable reason. I'll go listen to 'A Man and the Blues' now.
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