Eric Gales treated the audience at the Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, Connecticut to a world-class blues guitar fest. He was joined onstage by the Eric Gales Band consisting of Byron Carter on bass and keyboards, Nick Hayes on drums, LaDonna Gales singing backing vocals and percussion.
Gales spoke honestly about his struggles and rising out of the ashes to regain his place as one world’s great guitarists. Right at the beginning of the show he made sure to take time to speak with the audience to acknowledge that he struggled with drug addiction and depression throughout his life and at some points no longer wanted to go on. Thankfully he pulled himself together and now has a new-found appreciation for life, music, friends and family. He is celebrating his third year sober and is thankful that his wife LaDonna stood by him through it all.
Gales also stated he was grateful to be sharing the night with another amazing blues talent Walter Trout, who himself has seen his share of life struggles. Both lit up the night with their energy, gratitude and humility. All of this started the night out on a positive note and the audience was eager to bounce right back all the energy sent out by all the performers of the band. Gales was not hesitant about encouraging the audience to clap and stand up. He said there is nothing at all wrong with a good clap, and he soaks up all that energy and puts it into his performance.
Gales has released 18 albums in the past and contributed on many other artist’s projects over the years. This concert coincided with the release date of his nineteenth and newest album “The Bookends.” Gales said he would remember this concert and where he was this night because it was on the release day of “The Bookends” album and that within twenty fours hours it ranked #1 on the iTunes Blues chart.
One of the songs he sang off his new album was “Southpaw Serenade” a song paying homage to his being told that he was playing all wrong. His music teachers told him to come back when he could play right.
Gales is right handed but plays his guitar left handed and upside down. Other left handers play upside down too including the most famous player Jimi Hendricks. What makes Gales different is that he does not restring his guitar to reflect the flip, all the strings are in the original order and placement with the low E string at the bottom. He also took time to explain he is one of the few in the world to be a total southpaw player. He learned to play following his left handed brother’s lead when he was just four years old.
Shifting between blues and more funky tunes he showcased his Southpaw style of playing. He seemlessly and effortlessly played intricate notes that for a right handed player would be difficult. Long considered one of the world’s best he delighted the audience with his talents.
Gales and his band put on a thoroughly energetic show that mixes great music and vocals with some of the best talent out there. He has not slowed down through the years and gives a first class show with each song better than the last. If you get the chance to see Eric Gales definitely make the plan and go. The energy and talent is amazing and you won’t regret it.
1. Somebody
2. Smokestack Lightening
3. Layin Down The Blues
4. How Do I Get You
5. Been So Long
6. SouthPaw Serenade
7. Don’t Fear The Reaper (Blue Öyster Cult cover)
Catfish Blues
(Robert Petway cover) (with Walter Trout)
