Bobby Messano is my friend. I’ve known him around seven years now, have reviewed him many times, both his recordings and performances. Despite all of this, or maybe because of it, I am always so excited when Bobby comes to town! Messano has been in the music business or over 40 years. He has performed with Stevie Winwood, and many others and has tons of stories to share.

Saturday night at Darwin’s, Bobby sang original songs from throughout his career, including some from his last two acclaimed albums, Welcome to Deltaville and Love and Money. He dipped way back to do “Sea of Hope,” from his album Dominion Road, did the great “I Ain’t Got Diddley” from Welcome to Deltaville  As at every show he paid tribute to Winwood with his excellent version of “Can’t Find My Way Home.” He dedicated the Hendrix classic “Angel” to his beautiful girlfriend Angela, who travels with him. Every song and story reflected his love of sharing music.

Along with the songs, Bobby shared lots of stories. Accompanied by a bass player named Ed from New York, he played spectacular, fiery acoustic guitar. Anyone who thinks “quiet” and “laid-back” when they hear the word “acoustic” has not seen Bobby Messano do an acoustic show. It was amazing, energetic, and purely delightful, as every Bobby Messano show always is. When ever Bobby is in or around your town, you owe it to yourself to go out and see and hear him!