A couple of years ago, I saw Sonny Landreth, one of my favorite guitarists, perform with Cindy Cashdollar (who I saw for the first time that evening) at Regattabar. It can be incredible seeing one fabulous guitarist do a solo show, but adding a second one can bring a show to a whole other. What a duo!

Sonny Landreth, Cindy Cashdollar

Sonny came to the stage alone to perform the first four songs; ‘South of I-10’, ‘Zydeco Shuffle’, ‘Native Stepson’, and ‘Next of Kindred Spirit’. It’s astounding how he can make one instrument sound like a full band!

Sonny Landreth

The songs he played came from several albums spanning his career, including South of I-10, which is my favorite album of his to date. I loved every one of the songs. For me, he’s an artist who never disappoints.

Sonny Landreth

Sonny is an incredible slide guitarist. He was directly in front of me, so I was able to fully observe the way his fingers move across the strings. Watching him makes me want to learn slide guitar.

Sonny Landreth

Cindy came to the stage (after opening the stage door and peeking through to see if it was time for her) to great applause. She plays the dobro and lap steel guitar, both of which produce sounds that I never tire of hearing. She did not sing at this show (I do not know if she ever sings since I have seen her only these two times with Sonny).

Cindy Cashdollar

I was sitting in a different position this time – slightly further away and toward her right side. I again enjoyed watching this master dobro and lap steel player up close and personal. I was fascinated watching the way her fingers picked and slid their way across the strings.

Cindy Cashdollar

They played mostly swamp blues. The set consisted mostly of Sonny’s songs, although they added Elmore James’ ‘It Hurts Me Too’ and Robert Johnson’s ‘Walking Blues’. For the encore, they played a new song penned by Cindy called ‘Chez Schelles’.

Sonny Landreth, Cindy Cashdollar

My only complaint is that Sonny’s guitar was too loud because I had to strain to hear the lyrics and Cindy’s guitar-playing. At least the loudness was not meant to compensate for inferior musicianship as sometimes happens; there is nothing inferior about Sonny!

Sonny Landreth

They are an excellent duo whom I hope will continue touring together. I know they are returning to New England in the fall, so be on the lookout for shows near you.

Thanks to Regattabar for the ticket; all opinions are my own.