The one and only Joe Cocker was back in Milwaukee for two nights at the intimate Northern Lights Theater. As usual, he tore it up. Both nights.

In the half dozen times I’ve seen Joe in this decade alone, he has never been less than extraordinary. And since Joe is on my “A” list, I just had to go both nights. Once again I was in my glory like a pig in slop.

Good Golly Miss Molly can he belt it out! Joe’s raspy, gravel-like voice remains explosive as he pours his soul into every song. There are few artists that can match the power and intensity delivered by Joe Cocker.

He blasted out of the gate ripping into “Hitchcock Railway,” followed by perennial favorites “Feelin’ Alright” and “The Letter.”

Joe knows what we want hear and he always obliges. There aren’t a lot of surprises in his set list, but he belts out his signature tunes with undeniable conviction. Although he’s touring with a new album, only the title track of “Hymn for My Soul” made an appearance.

The Beatles have always had a significant presence in Joe’ repetoire, and this time around he regaled us with “Come Together,” “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window.” Wow!

The ballads provided a delightful change of pace, and no evening with Joe Cocker would be complete without a romp through “Unchain My Heart” or a smoldering “You Can Leave Your Hat On.”

Joe closed it out with a pair of smokin’ encores. The first delivered three rockers, taking us to the pinnacle with Leon Russell’s glorious ode to Rita Coolidge, “Delta Lady,” leading into “Bathroom Window” and “Cry Me a River.” Finally, he sent us home with “Long As I Can See the Light,” which had us gently and gratefully swaying to the sound.

To say I was again blown away by this legend would be a gross understatement, so I’ll leave you with this…Spec-freaking-tacular!