Summer of shows

OK, so people ask me all the time what I thought of certain shows. Here's a quick synopsis of the shows I've seen this summer. We'll work backward:

* Billy Joel/Elton John: Two great musicians, one great show. Unlike their last trip through New England a few years ago, this time, it was Billy Joel who was relaxed and playing to the crowd. (His recent separation from his wife has not diminished Joel's upbeat nature, a departure from the bout with alcoholism he endured last time around.) John seemed subdued on this night, although that may have been because he was the opener this time around. Their duets were spot-on and the evening almost went chronologically, with Elton sticking mostly to his 70s stuff and Joel leaning on the later 70s and 80s hits in his catalog.

* Sonny Landreth: Amazing. The man can play guitar. His voice isn't great, but his guitar-work is impeccable. He is as underrated as Eric Clapton said he was. The Bull Run was at times rocking and at other times in jaw-dropping awe of his talent. If he ever comes this way around, definitely check him out. You will not be disappointed.

* Susan Tedeschi. She was surprisingly good. I shouldn't say that, because I had heard great things about her, but having never seen her, I wasn't sure. I was wrong. I caught the show at the Newport Sunset Music Festival and was very impressed. She plays around here quite often so if you haven't seen her (and I may be in the minority based on the vociferous reception she received last month), she's worth the price of admission.

Ed