JOE BONAMASSA - YOU AND ME
Mascot Records - Out Now
Joe
Bonamassa, a household name in the blues community,
was recently elected as the youngest member of the board of
directors of The Blues Foundation, the USA's largest and most
respected blues music organisation - quite an honour, yet give
the quality and quick turnaround of his last five albums you
can see why. “You and Me” is Bonamassa’s sixth studio CD and
contains 11 brand new tracks and is home to a monster backing
band in Jason Bonham
on drums (yes John's son) and
Carmine Rojas on Bass Guitar and
Rick Melick on Organ
and Tambourine. Bonamassa is clearly in music for one reason
- the music. This shines through his relentless non stop
touring (always on the road) or recording new material when
not on tour. Bonamassa is taking blues back to the people and
at his tender age don't be surpised if this guy really hits in
the next couple of years - much as Stevie Ray Vaughan did.
What Joe has going for
him, moreso than many other US blues players is a strong
British vibe in his work, you can hear the influences the like
of Clapton, Page and Beck have had on him and the majority of
his material reflects the heavier guitar side of blues -
albeit with more tradition and soul than Gary Moore has shown
on his last few "through the motions" blues releases.
Stylistically this is a
great mix of tunes from the traditional opener
"High Water Everywhere"
to the blistering blues rock of "Bridge To Better Days", the
slow blues of "Asking Around For You" and the musically rich
instrmental "Django" . The album even features a faithful
cover of Led Zeppelin's Tea For One (one of their often
overlooked gems), really the guitar playing is faultless, the
songwriting top notich and performances superb. My only real
gripe is Kevin Shirley's production which to these ears has
added an overly dark edge to Bonmassa's raw tone (I prefer the
production on the previous 'Had To Cry Today') but this is a
minor niggle.
Overall You and Me is
another quality release from this blues hound which is as good
as the previous release 'Had To Cry Today'.
Rating - 90%
JOE BONAMASSA - A NEW DAY YESTERDAY LIVE
Mascot Records - Out Now
This
live recording from Joe Bonamassa, a guitarist that has the
potential to be the next mega guitar hero is actually from a
gig back in 2001. Recorded at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, USA this
originally cropped up as a bonus DVD on a ltd edition version
of Bonamassa’s “So, Its Like That” album, this has since
become a collectors item (incidentally this disc will see a
DVD bonus disc for a ltd edition Europe – pick it up – it
smokes!).
In short A New Day Yesterday Live showcases Bonamassa in the
live arena and not only features his immense guitar work, tone
and taste, but also that of the rest of the power trio and
indeed Bonamassa’s vocals. We have a mix of original and cover
material (such as Jeff Beck’s Rice Pudding) and there is not a
duff moment in sight. Album closer Don’t Burn Down That Bridge
is the highlight with its sublime riff and blistering lead
work from Joe.
Overall, this is an excellent addition to any fan of smokin’
guitar work and live energy.
Rating – 85%
JOE BONAMASSA - HAD TO CRY TODAY
Mascot Records - Out Now
You
want blues? You got them and you also have probably THE best
blues album for some years (or at least since the last
Bonamassa release). For the uneducated this Bonamassa is in
his early 20's yet has the vocabulary of a player that has
absorbed all the blues has to offer and then turns into his
own recognisable style. Forget Kenny Wayne Shepher, Johnny
Lang, heck Stevie Ray Vaughan, this is the new voice in blues
and boy can the kid play.
If you have a penchant
for Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck (rough and ready era), the blues
side of Led Zeppelin mixed with hints of Allman Brothers then
Had To Cry Today is
an essential purchase. Had To Cry Today sees a collection of
new Bonamassa originals and covers. Opener
Never Make Your Move Too Soon
opens the album is fine style with its upbeat rocking pulse
before the delta blues slide of
Travellin South is
perfect for cruising in the car. Every track has merit yet the
title track and cover of the Blind Faith track
Had To Cry Today
takes pick of the bunch. Here Bonamassa makes the song his own
and the 2 solos here are so full of taste, agression and plain
exhuberace that any guitar fan will lap this up.
Had To Cry Today
is a must have purchase for anyone with a
liking for blues rock guitar.
Rating - 90%
