The new Six String Fling debuted Sept. 21 at the Aloha Theater bringing together six of the Big Island’s best guitarists along with popular local band, Bottle of Blue.
From beginning to end, the show flowed with original music and popular covers with each guitarist having a chance to showcase their unique style to a nearly sold out venue.
To kick the night off, Bottle of Blue opened with their original, “Lost and Found,” an aspirational song about personal growth. The song featured the vocal styling of lead singer, Scott Reagan and included rich harmonies and guitar with Marion Geruschat and Dan Corripo. Bass player Dave Ojeda held the grove together with his driving bass in conjunction with guest drummer Bruce David’s solid rhythmic tempo.
Bottle of Blue went on to complete their set with four more originals.
Tomi Isobe opened with his original song, “Doghouse of Love” and captured the audience’s attention by amping up his performance with each successive performance including originals, “I’m Coming To You,” “Messed Up,” Never Gonna Let You Go.” Then Tomi covered the Etta James song, “I’d Rather Go Blind,” before he closed out his set along side Reagan’s smooth bluesy vocals, performing the U2 and BB King cover, “When Love Comes To Town.”
Next up was Steve Fundy, who stepped on stage to join Bottle of Blue with “Scarlet Begonias,” “Fire On The Mountain” and “Sugaree” — all Grateful Dead songs. He also jammed with Bottle of Blue to deliver the Pink Floyd classic, “Time” and closed out his set with Jeff Beck’s, “Freeway Jam,” amping up the crowd with the hypnotic pace and funk factor all leading to a satisfying end to the first half of the show.
After a short intermission, “Lightening Larry” Dupio joined Bottle of Blue to claim the stage. He started his set along with Scott Reagan joining him on vocals performing Stevie Ray Vaughan’s, “The Sky is Crying.” Dupio finished his set with his song, “Mr. Feel Good” from his most recent release, “Lightning Strikes Hilo” a 2018 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards winner of “Rock Album of the Year.”
Larry Seyer joined Bottle of Blue on stage next. After warming up the audience with some personal stories including a funny tale about studio time with Willie Nelson, Seyer began his set with one of his first originals, “She Lies.” Seyer then performed a cover of, “Tennesee Whiskey,” and then brought the house to a dancing frenzy with “September,“ an Earth, Wind &Fire classic.
Last but not least, the always rippin’ David Lawrence started his set at the back of the venue playing behind the audience. Not to disappoint, Lawrence quickly made his way down the aisle to the stage by wailing a searing guitar solo intro to the song, “Manic Depression,” by Jimi Hendrix.
Just when the crowd thought they were at the peak, the final performance with all the players was about to begin with Jeff Beck’s version of the Freddy King classic, “Going Down.” Lasting over ten minutes, this finale song delivered for this new rock and roll show concept.
Bottle of Blue hopes to make the concert an annual event after the success.
Info: Visit bottleofblueband.com