PC Pals Forum
General Discussion => The Buzz => Topic started by: Simon on March 26, 2010, 21:29
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For those unfamiliar with this guy, Joe Bonamassa is a superb blues / rock guitarist, who is just in his 30s, but has been playing live for over 20 years, and supported BB King when he was 12 years old! He recently released a DVD of his concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which he states, was the highlight of his career so far, and is well worth seeking out.
Black Rock is a loud, old school, blues rock workout, and has a slightly 'lighter', more fun feel that the previous Ballad of John Henry album. There are several covers on the album, one of the best of these being Bonamassa's version of Leonard Cohen's Bird On A Wire, featuring a Greek clarino! He also does Jeff Beck's Spanish Boots, an Otis Rush song, Three Times a Fool, and there's a wonderful reunion with BB King himself on the Willie Nelson classic, Night Life. The album starts off with a couple of heavier blues tunes, Steal Your Heart Away, and I Know A Place, (the latter of which is probably the weakest track on the album for me), and finishes with a brilliant acoustic version of Blind Boy Fuller's Baby You Gotta Change Your Mind. In between the covers are five original compositions from Bonamassa, which fit in perfectly with the blues feel of the album, and there is some superb guitar on tracks such as Wandering Earth, and (another cover), Look Over Yonder Wall.
If I had to rate this album, I would give it 8/10, a couple of points being dropped for the weakish track mentioned above, and for the Greek influences in Bird On A Wire, which I find slightly irritating, as, for me, they spoil what would probably have been my favourite track on the album, but if you like blues rock, this album is a must.
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good review Simon.Might try to get hold of this and have a listen as ive just got into Joe and need to listen to more material.I like how you describe it as 'loud,old school.....' my type of music.Have to admit that blues is not something I would listen to but Joe is a 'different' type of blues,if that makes sense :)
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One to interest me I think. Thanks, Simon. :thumbs:
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We've got tickets for his gig at the BIC on May 30th. Nar-nar-nee-ar-nar.
I've also just coughed a ton on some decent tickets for Al Green & Michael McDonald on June 26th and we're so close to the stage we'll be able to see right up his nose. 8-)
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What a picture you paint, Rod. ;D
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Have you got the new Bonamassa album, Rod?
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Is that another Amazon purchase I should be making, Simon? :)
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It certainly is, Rod, and I think Rik would agree. ;)
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Oh, b*llocks! :bawl:
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You already have it, Rik, but Rod should get it too. ;D
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Right. Thought I was missing out for a moment there. I'd agree, Rod, it's a great album.
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Been there; seen it; done it, thanks. Although I've sadly not had the opportunity to stick it in me ears yet, because my (very) recent early retirement has resulted in me having an insanely long list of stuff to do. Luckily, the contract for my new role as Princess Slave-driver's manservant does mention that I will have free time - all I have to do is find some.
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Welcome to the club or early retirees, Rod. :)
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Make your mind up, Rik. :laugh:
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Or = of. Bloody brain. ;D
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Not bloody phone? ;D
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Indeed not. ;D
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will have to give a listen to on the old internet...
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I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, Sam.
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I might have to be looking at a play.com purchase later then ;D
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:thumb: