Eric Johanson
Tab Benoit is no stranger to the Belly Up in Solana Beach, but this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure to see him perform. He actually played drums (his first love) in support of the opening act, Eric Johanson, who recently signed to Tab’s newly launched record label, Whiskey Bayou Records.
Eric was very impressive and reminded me of Johnny Lang in many ways. He possessed the kind of talent that comes from passion, hard work, and a naturally gifted soulful presence. His voice crisp and clean and his guitar playing greatness commanded attention right from the get-go! When Tab played an amazing drum solo I knew we were in for a night of great music! Tab also produced, engineered and plays drums on Eric’s debut album “Burn it Down” which is nominated for Best Blues Album by Offbeat Magazine.
This show was being filmed for PBS “Live at the Belly Up” and students from San Diego State University were getting their chance to record this show and learn the process from start to finish. The show is scheduled to air in January 2020.
Tab Benoit
This evening was a “sold out” show and it was easy to see why. Tab Benoit has been awarded both Blues Music “Contemporary Male” and “Entertainer of the Year” many times over, nominated for a grammy three times, and inducted into the Louisana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists. Oh, and by the way, he was just named #9 of the “30 BEST Blues Guitarists in the World” according to Guitar World Magazine! Any blues fan would make sure not to miss this show, especially in such an intimate venue. As a blues lover, I can’t believe this was my first-time hearing Tab. Louisiana born and raised, he definitely brought the bayou infused blues to the stage–alligator head and all… Yes, you heard it right—alligator head and all. He had a taxidermied alligator head sitting on a speaker he was using to hold his guitar pics. After hearing this performance I began to think it may be time to take a road trip to New Orleans…
Tab Benoit
For a three-piece band, they sure held it down with Corey Duplechin on bass and Darryl White on drums. Of course, Tab stands out as the frontman (with his 1972 Fender Thinline Telecaster guitar), but all three of these musicians were equally talented and proved to be a perfect fit. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the entire show, my personal favorites were Nothing Takes the Place of You and Medicine off his album, “Medicine”. Tab engaged with the audience asking for “requests”, telling stories and was very funny too! Eric came out and jammed with them at the end of the show which topped off the night.
The other great thing I learned about Tab Benoit is his conservation efforts to restore the Louisiana wetlands. He co-founded Voice of Wetlands (VOW) to raise awareness and fund preservation efforts. He received the Governor’s Conservationist of the Year Award in 2009 by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. All I can say is “what a guy”—it seems that everything he touches turns to gold and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Tab Benoit
Tab is on a very active touring schedule and frequently performs on blues cruises so there are many opportunities to catch him live, and don’t forget to tune in the PBS for “Live at the Belly Up” next January!