He is an American bluesrock-guitarist, singer and composer, who has become two-time Grammy nominated. JOE BONAMASSA is very productive and has a tremendous collection of albums behind him, including almost a dozen live recordings. The new one was made in the Sydney Opera House, Australia and contains mostly melodies from the acclaimed album "Blues Of Desperation" (2016). The title track from here becomes a musical adventure. You can count on it being high quality music-entertainment when this man is involved.
Bonamassa is active as a solo artist, but has also made several collaborative projects with other artists, such as BETH HART. He is also a member in the rockgroup BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, together with GLENN HUGHES, among others.
To “the land down under" Joe brought a band with the elite of musicians, including drummer Anton Fig ("The Late Night Show" with David Letterman on TV, FREHLEY'S COMET) and Reese Wynans (STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN & DOUBLE TROUBLE , in which he also became a part of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame) on keyboard.
“Live At The Sydney Opera House” is released on CD, with a carefully designed cover, containing an exclusive booklet for collectors. Also released as a double LP, where the tune "Livin 'Easy" is included as a bonus track.
This edition gives a great live-feeling. The songs get longer as they are filled with exciting solo parts and improvisations. Not only by Mr Bonamassa himself, but also by his fellow musicians on stage, especially Wynans on keyboard. The record begins with classic piano notes, performed by Reese. They switch to a jamming, alternating with the main artists guitar playing. An expectation spins around in the air and then both the song and show sets off. "This Train" rolls on at a good, energizing pace right away. Saxophonist Paulie Cerra and Lee Thornburg on the trumpet increase the experience. Together with bassist Michael Rhodes, as well as background singers Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins and Gary Pinto, the concert becomes complete. An entirety with class, style and elegant blues. Joe handles his instrument with super skill and his solos can sound both exuberant and soulful, or vary between clear and raspy, in a very comfortable way. Besides, he not only plays wonderfully, but has been gifted with a fantastic good singing voice as well.
The production has a very good sound quality, which is heard especially in "Drive". It is particularly noticeable in the beginning, as Joes velvety voice seems to come very close to you. Later the audience is served Thornburgs trumpeting in jazz style, which is then replaced by an awesome guitar solo from Bonamassa. A strong impression also comes from Figs both restrained and at the same time powerful drumming.
A cover of the Eric Clapton song "Mainline Florida", written by George Terry, turns up. The original is good, but JOE BONAMASSA lifts it a little bit more and the audience applauds cheerfully. Here we find a driving force, which the brass instruments strengthens and Reese plays lively on the keys.
"Mountain Climbing" is a perfect example of what this guitarist and singer can do. The composition is superb and gives an excellent feeling, which grabs hold of you. The choir lifts the chorus even more and all musicians harmonize in a perfect interaction. JOE BONAMASSA alternates between slowly sliding across the strings, to playfully burn off cool riffs. It is like he duels a little with himself. Occasionally the guitar tones takes a few steps down in a staircase of minor, which adds a special touch to this magnificent piece.
The strong, rocking guitar solo in the middle of brilliant “How Deep This River Runs” is vibrant and emotional. How everything is built up before the chorus and then filled with the voices of the background singers is absolutely outstanding. Like the bubbles in a glass of mineral water, the emotions rise inside the body, and then overflow. I float comfortably on this river and fully enjoy it.
"Love Ain’t A Love Song" (Different Shades Of Blue, 2014) is about seven minutes longer than the original. Among other things, it starts with a guitar solo, in both a teasing and flirty way. Our attention is caught a little extra. He explores every millimeter of his guitar. The strings sing their own song with the help of this guitar magician, who enchants his audience.
Although I have the studio record, which is the basis for this new material, it was just as if I now discovered how good it is. Not all songs get better live, not from anyone, but it adds another dimension. The different types of albums are both good, in their own way.
The guitar master paints the pieces in beautiful emotional colors and you get in a good mood. (Anna)
Bewertung:
9 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 9
Spielzeit: 73:07 min
Label: Provogue
Veröffentlichungstermin: 25.10.2019
