First (and only) time I saw Joe was approx 2 years ago in Philadelphia at a sold out Academy of Music. During the show he commented on how humble and appreciative he was of the sold out show and he recalled his very first concert in Philadelphia that was attended by five people, and then he jokingly asked if the 5 people were in the house (which of course hundreds clapped).
Playing in a large city to only 5 people doesn't seem like anything was handed to him. Regarding your quote:
Maybe he created his own advantages. Luck is sometimes defined as opportunity intersecting with preparation.
There maybe are many other guitarists just as talented as Joe, but I don't think that you have given him credit for his tenacity. How many musicians give up after playing in town after town to fewer than 20 people? I wouldn't think that would promote a huge ego as you imply.
I also don't get your derision for him having several guitars on stage with him. Maybe he is thinking about the audience and doesn't want to waste time tuning between songs, or they each have a unique sound he is looking for on particular songs, or there are actually different tunings for songs, or he wants to use them as stage props. Do you complain to your mechanic why does he have a stand-up toolbox full of tools, when he can get away with an all-in-one wrench? He's a professional trying to put on the best show for the paying audience. If he can afford the guitars, and he plays them flawlessly and entertains, then why complain "on the number"?
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