Wednesday night, the Main Stage at Ottawa’s Confederation Park witnessed an electrifying performance by the legendary Buddy Guy, a true icon in the world of music. Born George Guy on July 30, 1936, in Lettsworth, Louisiana, Buddy Guy proved once again why he is revered as a living legend.
As someone who has consistently expressed my fondness for the Ottawa Jazz Festival, I can confidently say that Confederation Park is the ideal venue for such an incredible event. The park’s acoustics, combined with its lush green surroundings, park benches, and plentiful food concessions, create a delightful atmosphere for concerts.
Inside the confines of Confederation Park, fortunate attendees were packed tightly, with many standing and others comfortably seated in lawn chairs or on blankets. The stage came alive with an explosive 90-minute blues set, spanning Buddy Guy’s illustrious career that dates back to the 1950s and extends to his latest album, “The Blues Don’t Lie.”
Considering the fact that Buddy Guy is now 87 years old, it was truly remarkable to witness his captivating presence and astonishing guitar skills as he effortlessly performed over half a century of hits. It should come as no surprise, though, as Buddy Guy’s musical journey began as a session guitarist for Chess Records, playing alongside the likes of Muddy Waters and collaborating with Junior Wells. His influence has reverberated through the years, inspiring countless musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and John Mayer.
However, Buddy Guy refused to rest on his laurels. Throughout the evening, he poured his heart and soul into his original songs, such as “Damn, Right, I’ve Got The Blues,” “Skin Deep,” “Slippin’,” and “Little by Little.” He skillfully deviated from the studio versions, delivering impressive solos and spontaneous riffs.
Moreover, Buddy Guy offered the multigenerational audience a masterclass in the blues genre, leaving his personal touch on classics like Willie Dixon’s “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” and “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” Muddy Waters’ “She’s Nineteen Years Old,” John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom,” and even a brief medley of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” and Cream’s “Strange Brew.” In between songs, Buddy shared insightful observations, personal wisdom, and heartfelt gratitude for the unparalleled support from the audience throughout his remarkable career.
Buddy Guy’s 90-minute set breezed by like a perfect summer evening. Towards the end of the concert, he invited three emerging female blues artists to join him on stage, symbolizing the passing of the torch from the older statesmen of blues to the younger generation.
While Buddy Guy could have continued playing indefinitely with his extensive repertoire, the show eventually reached its conclusion with his own song, “Little By Little.” As the final chords resonated through the park, it was evident that Buddy Guy’s performance would forever remain etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness it.
Damn Right Farewell Tour – Ottawa Setlist
Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues
I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man (Willie Dixon)
She’s Nineteen Years Old (Muddy Waters)
I Just Want to Make Love to You (Willie Dixon)
Crazy ‘Bout You (Bobby Rush)
Chicken Heads (Bobby Rush)
Five Long Years (Eddie Boyd)
Cheaper to Keep Her (Johnnie Taylor)
Skin Deep
How Blue Can You Get? (Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers)
Someone Else Is Steppin’ In (Denise LaSalle )
Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker)
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (Jimi Hendrix)
Strange Brew (Cream)
We Gonna Move (To the Outskirts of Town) (Casey Bill Weldon cover)
Little by Little
Upcoming concerts for June 30th:
Courage 4 (12:30pm), Smelloship (2pm), Kate Wyatt Quartet (6:30pm), Stingray Jazz Youth (6:30 pm), Colin Stetson (7 pm), Blue Moon Marquee (7:30 pm), Herbie Hancock 8:30 pm), Vincent Peirani “Jokers” with Ziv Ravitz & Federico Casagrande (9 pm).
Ottawa Jazz Festival Office 294 Albert Street, Suite 602
Ottawa, ON K1P 6E6Phone: 613.241.2633
Email: contact@ottawajazzfestival.com
