John's showmanship is clearly showcased here, playing guitar and singing at the same time. Notice that he is not your typical rhythm guitarist/singer but plays very complex accompaniment parts, which combines both melody and chords at the same time, something like what Hendrix does in Little Wing. Also, most of the rhythm grooves are synchopated, and to make things harder some of his singing parts are synchopated too. I have always thought playing and singing along even on straight beats is hard enough, but John takes it to another level.
Also take note of lots of the late-SRV influences when John blazes away on his guitar solos in between songs, simply beautiful. Coupled with really good vintage Stratocaster tones from his guitar, John has truly made this set, a set to remember.
Two of my most favourite tracks off the DVD is Covered in Rain and Something's Missing. Covered in Rain is not in any of his official releases, but you can find Something's Missing in his 2nd studio album, Heavier Things.
For those who might have listened to him on his debut album Room for Squares, and wrote him off being just another pop artiste, try out Any Given Thursday and you'll be amazed at how differently John does those songs live.
Enjoy them here below as I have for so many times over and over again.
Something's Missing
Covered in Rain
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