Hello,
Welcome to blog post 34! Today I will be looking at the blues/rock giant that is Joe Bonamassa and his brand new album 'Different Shades Of Blue'. If anyone knows me personally, I am a huge Bonamassa fan of all his work and his side projects with the likes of Beth Hart and Rock Candy Funk Party (see link below for both reviews on this blog).
The main band for this album is:
Joe Bonamassa - Vocals/Guitar
Carmine Rojas - Bass
Resse Wynans - Keys
Anton Fig - Drums
The album came out on the 22nd September and has had a range of raving reviews about the record. This has got me massively excited, especially when he was on the Paul Jones show last week on BBC Radio 2 and mentioned that all the songs were originals. In previous records, Joe has done mostly originals, but always put in 2 or 3 covers. This album is all originals which he has never done before and to me seemed a risky move to take, but seems to have paid off.
This didn't seem like the perfect combination, but from the interview with Paul Jones, Joe explained that it was a breath of fresh air for them. The writers had freedom because Joe didn't know what to write. Whereas the writers were used to artists coming in saying "write me a hit"! Although I wouldn't of assumed his producer (who Joe has worked with since his early albums) would let anything slip under his belt that is anything but Joe's sound.
The beginning of this album is just a short 1 minute and 20 second instrumental to get everyone in the mood for what's to come. The song "Oh Beautiful" reminds me of Led Zeppelin's Black Dog, but obviously a lot more atmospheric and bluesy. Its very different to a lot of things he has done before, in a good way. In the interview with Paul Jones he mentions that the solo in the song was all one take with no edits, very impressive.
A small handful of the songs on the album aren't exactly what you would call blues/rock, but still have a great sound. Though when you hear songs such as "I Gave Everything Up For You, 'Cept The Blues", that's when you know Joe in his comfort zone. Songs like this stand out from the crowd, easily. Any blues singer would naturally be comfortable with the shuffle groove or 6/8 time signature for that matter.
Songs like "Get My Back Tomorrow", "Never Give All Your Heart" and "Oh Beautiful" are real blues/rock chord based songs, perfect for his live shows which are all about the power. Where as the song "So, What Should I Do" seems a lot more personal and emotional to him and the listener.
The horns are a fantastic edition to the album, they add a new dynamic to Joe's overall sound and just makes the record become bigger and better. The album demonstrates how mature Joe's singing and guitar playing has become since his last album. Its a lot cleaner and easier to hear what he is singing about, but with the same tonalities he posses that make him 'Joe Bonamassa'. Though still with a rifling roar from his solo's on quite a few of the tracks, which most people wanted to hear (including myself).
Overall, this album is worth checking out if you're an fan like myself or want an introduction to his work. Joe's sound has improved over the years, obviously you can't get away from the classics, but there are some in the making on this album. I wouldn't say its his best work, but its a great album none the less with guitar solo's, shuffles and real blues beating throughout.
Different Shades Of Blue is out now and from all good record stores and Itunes etc. If you have the album then let me know what you thought of it!
Thank you for reading and until next time
Lewis
Rock Candy Funk Party Review - http://justanothermuso.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/rock-candy-funk-party-we-want-grooove.html
Beth Hart Review - http://justanothermuso.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/my-favourite-artists-beth-hart.html
Website: http://jbonamassa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBonamassa
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/JoeBonamassaTV
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