MR

We saw Joe Bonamassa last night. The best description I heard of the show was as we were leaving the theatre, two guys in front of us were talking. The one guy said, "Dude, that guy's INSANE!". I can't think of a better way to describe it.
I've seen Jimi, Page, Clapton, Kenny Wayne and tons of others. This could very well be the best show I've ever seen. I KNOW I saw the best single song performance I've ever seen. And it was under VERY unlikely circumstances.
I've heard stories about him being the hardest working performer around. He did over two hours, and never took a break. But he did give his band a break. Probably about an hour and 15 minutes in, they brought out an acoustic guitar, and the band left the stage. Now I am NOT an "unplugged" guy. I want electric guitar, bass, and drums (add a keyboardist and you've got his band). So I expected a downer from alll the great music that had come already.
WRONG! He did maybe 10-15 minutes of playing and singing a song (I was VERY happy to find out this man is a REALLY strong singer too). Good GAWD! Even after all the great songs that had gone before, this was so absolutely, unbelieveably, over-the-top, it got a totally deserved standing ovation! I defy ANYONE to top this performance on an acoustic guitar. In MY mind, even Clapton couldn't. And I was always one of those "Clapton is God" guys.
All I can say is, if you EVER get a chance to see this man, DO NOT pass it up! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Everyone I know who has seen JB live just raves about him too. I'll be going the 2nd week in March, can't wait. Last time he was here it was GA at the Chicago Theater. What's up with that?? I wasn't about to wait in line and then scramble for a seat, although now I wish I would have gone.

Glad you had a fantastic time.

I hope Marty doesn't mind, but he has some great pics at his photo site.

http://martymoffatt.com/MartyMoffattRockPhotography.htm

That dude can play the shit out of the guitar. Incredible player.

Great to hear you loved the show. I'm going to see him in Milwaukee next month! I'm totally psyched.

I'm really looking forward to Joe's new CD Dust Bowl due out next month. Joe B has definitely has to be the hardest working guy in music today. I think, but don't quote me that in his interview at the Guitar Center, he said he was only home 48 days in 2010. He recorded and released a new solo album, recorded the BCC album, and recorded his new cd, Dust Bowl. In January 2011 he recorded the new the BCC2 album, recorded an album with Beth Hart, started his solo tour in February, covering dates in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, China & Australia. This summer he'll start tour with BCC in Europe. They haven't announced any US dates yet, but I'm hoping. I read a posting on Joe's Facebook when He was home in Cali for a week he said he was bored and ready to out and play. Whew, I'm exhausted!!! The guy is so good because he plays constantly! He's an animal.

Love ya Joe

He's been on my radar since I saw him open up for somebody at House of Blues here in LA about ten years ago. I can't remember what show it was. I remember his tone and sound was awesome. I wasn't really paying a lot of attention unfortunately, but I did take note of what little I did see. Now I know him from Black Country Communion album and I like his guitar tone and playing and his voice and songs a lot. Would like to get into some of his solo work. I think the second BCC album will be even better. The album is good, but not in a play everyday love it to death way. Funny, it's kind of like Chickenfoot that way- Like it, don't love it.

JohnH wrote:He's been on my radar since I saw him open up for somebody at House of Blues here in LA about ten years ago. I can't remember what show it was. I remember his tone and sound was awesome. I wasn't really paying a lot of attention unfortunately, but I did take note of what little I did see. Now I know him from Black Country Communion album and I like his guitar tone and playing and his voice and songs a lot. Would like to get into some of his solo work. I think the second BCC album will be even better. The album is good, but not in a play everyday love it to death way. Funny, it's kind of like Chickenfoot that way- Like it, don't love it.

Glenn Hughes just posted on Facebook that BCC will be announcing some USA shows in June.

Peartree12249 wrote:

JohnH wrote:He's been on my radar since I saw him open up for somebody at House of Blues here in LA about ten years ago. I can't remember what show it was. I remember his tone and sound was awesome. I wasn't really paying a lot of attention unfortunately, but I did take note of what little I did see. Now I know him from Black Country Communion album and I like his guitar tone and playing and his voice and songs a lot. Would like to get into some of his solo work. I think the second BCC album will be even better. The album is good, but not in a play everyday love it to death way. Funny, it's kind of like Chickenfoot that way- Like it, don't love it.

Glenn Hughes just posted on Facebook that BCC will be announcing some USA shows in June.

They handed out a flyer at the show last night that says BCC will be doing a show here June 9th. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb 25th!

Yep and it looks like the Grove Anaheim night after on Fri June 10!!!! I live about 18 mins from there!

I hope they do an extensive US tour and don't just hit a few cities. I'd really like to catch a show.

I found a YouTube of the song I was talking about-"Woke Up Dreaming"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2XTE3ixnoM

San Diego Gary wrote:I found a YouTube of the song I was talking about-"Woke Up Dreaming"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2XTE3ixnoM

Good golly! I hadn't seen this before. WOW!

Joe B is the shit...


But Tommy Emmanuel is a monster... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQhECkexmSI

This is amazing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU-3_D26 ... re=related

Joe is one of my top 3 favorites now, next to Neal and Gary Moore (who I just rediscovered since his passing).

maverick218 wrote:Joe is one of my top 3 favorites now, next to Neal and Gary Moore (who I just rediscovered since his passing).

Interesting since Joe credits Gary Moore as one of his big musical influences. Per Glenn, BCC 2 due for release in June still no title yet.

Yeah, I know JB's doesn't play melodic rock, but it seems there are a lot of his fans on MR so I though I'd post this link to a track-by-track exclusive interview with Joe as he talks about recording his new album "Dust Bowl" I always enjoy reading about the creative process.

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/ ... iew-383824

joe bonamassa is amazing. my fave cd is "so it's like that". very rocking blues cd. dust bowl the title track from the new cd has that feel to it also. there's always great bootlegs on dime if anyone is interested. sometimes links are posted in his forum too. get to see joe next month.

Check out JB & JN ! Amazing !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAf5M7CAFEI

I’ve seen Joe about half a dozen times now, including at the Royal Albert Hall, and I never cease to be amazed at just how good he is live. I like his albums, and there are stunning individual songs on each of them, but I don’t think that any of his albums is consistently brilliant all the way through.

It’s a little bit like Journey’s dirty dozen – Joe is amassing a collection of songs from his back catalogue that he simply has to play live. They are too good not to, and the audience expects it (eg Sloe Gin, Woke Up Dreaming, Mountain Time etc). The thing is, when all these songs are put together in a single show, played with the dexterity of possibly the best blues guitarist around at the moment, you have a show that leaves you open mouthed. The album versions of these songs, even the live album versions, great as they are, just don’t do justice to the in the flesh live performance. The combination of the power and tone of his guitar, combined with the sight of the blur of his fingers as he stalks around the stage, is mesmerising.

Anybody who can get to a show now should do so. In a couple of years I think he will be playing much bigger venues.

Behshad wrote:Check out JB & JN ! Amazing !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAf5M7CAFEI

Sweet!

MartyMoffatt wrote:I’ve seen Joe about half a dozen times now, including at the Royal Albert Hall, and I never cease to be amazed at just how good he is live. I like his albums, and there are stunning individual songs on each of them, but I don’t think that any of his albums is consistently brilliant all the way through.

It’s a little bit like Journey’s dirty dozen – Joe is amassing a collection of songs from his back catalogue that he simply has to play live. They are too good not to, and the audience expects it (eg Sloe Gin, Woke Up Dreaming, Mountain Time etc). The thing is, when all these songs are put together in a single show, played with the dexterity of possibly the best blues guitarist around at the moment, you have a show that leaves you open mouthed. The album versions of these songs, even the live album versions, great as they are, just don’t do justice to the in the flesh live performance. The combination of the power and tone of his guitar, combined with the sight of the blur of his fingers as he stalks around the stage, is mesmerising.

Anybody who can get to a show now should do so. In a couple of years I think he will be playing much bigger venues.

I completely agree. What's more, Joe has grown his fan base over the years through relentless touring and embracing the internet. He really has depended on word of mouth, and youtube as a way of attracting new fans. Joe's a very talented, humble guy who deserves all the success & recognition he gets, He's earned it.

San Diego Gary wrote:We saw Joe Bonamassa last night. The best description I heard of the show was as we were leaving the theatre, two guys in front of us were talking. The one guy said, "Dude, that guy's INSANE!". I can't think of a better way to describe it.
I've seen Jimi, Page, Clapton, Kenny Wayne and tons of others. This could very well be the best show I've ever seen. I KNOW I saw the best single song performance I've ever seen. And it was under VERY unlikely circumstances.
I've heard stories about him being the hardest working performer around. He did over two hours, and never took a break. But he did give his band a break. Probably about an hour and 15 minutes in, they brought out an acoustic guitar, and the band left the stage. Now I am NOT an "unplugged" guy. I want electric guitar, bass, and drums (add a keyboardist and you've got his band). So I expected a downer from alll the great music that had come already.
WRONG! He did maybe 10-15 minutes of playing and singing a song (I was VERY happy to find out this man is a REALLY strong singer too). Good GAWD! Even after all the great songs that had gone before, this was so absolutely, unbelieveably, over-the-top, it got a totally deserved standing ovation! I defy ANYONE to top this performance on an acoustic guitar. In MY mind, even Clapton couldn't. And I was always one of those "Clapton is God" guys.
All I can say is, if you EVER get a chance to see this man, DO NOT pass it up! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

A friend in Vegas mentioned seeing him there recently, and said he's phenomenal. I know not the first thing about the guy, and had only heard of him from a Kevin Shirley mention, but he's going on my must-see list the next time I have a good opportunity. Thanks very much for the recommendation.

Peartree12249 wrote:

MartyMoffatt wrote:I’ve seen Joe about half a dozen times now, including at the Royal Albert Hall, and I never cease to be amazed at just how good he is live. I like his albums, and there are stunning individual songs on each of them, but I don’t think that any of his albums is consistently brilliant all the way through.

It’s a little bit like Journey’s dirty dozen – Joe is amassing a collection of songs from his back catalogue that he simply has to play live. They are too good not to, and the audience expects it (eg Sloe Gin, Woke Up Dreaming, Mountain Time etc). The thing is, when all these songs are put together in a single show, played with the dexterity of possibly the best blues guitarist around at the moment, you have a show that leaves you open mouthed. The album versions of these songs, even the live album versions, great as they are, just don’t do justice to the in the flesh live performance. The combination of the power and tone of his guitar, combined with the sight of the blur of his fingers as he stalks around the stage, is mesmerising.

Anybody who can get to a show now should do so. In a couple of years I think he will be playing much bigger venues.

I completely agree. What's more, Joe has grown his fan base over the years through relentless touring and embracing the internet. He really has depended on word of mouth, and youtube as a way of attracting new fans. Joe's a very talented, humble guy who deserves all the success & recognition he gets, He's earned it.

Boy you are both DEAD ON. Especially the part about a show that leaves you open mouthed. I had seen some of his videos, but you really do have to see him live to fully appreciate him. And he seemed like the most humble, down-to-earth guy you'd ever want to meet. Thanking us all for coming, and saying what an honor it was that the theatre was sold out. I can't WAIT to see him again!

San Diego Gary wrote:

Peartree12249 wrote:

MartyMoffatt wrote:I’ve seen Joe about half a dozen times now, including at the Royal Albert Hall, and I never cease to be amazed at just how good he is live. I like his albums, and there are stunning individual songs on each of them, but I don’t think that any of his albums is consistently brilliant all the way through.

It’s a little bit like Journey’s dirty dozen – Joe is amassing a collection of songs from his back catalogue that he simply has to play live. They are too good not to, and the audience expects it (eg Sloe Gin, Woke Up Dreaming, Mountain Time etc). The thing is, when all these songs are put together in a single show, played with the dexterity of possibly the best blues guitarist around at the moment, you have a show that leaves you open mouthed. The album versions of these songs, even the live album versions, great as they are, just don’t do justice to the in the flesh live performance. The combination of the power and tone of his guitar, combined with the sight of the blur of his fingers as he stalks around the stage, is mesmerising.

Anybody who can get to a show now should do so. In a couple of years I think he will be playing much bigger venues.

I completely agree. What's more, Joe has grown his fan base over the years through relentless touring and embracing the internet. He really has depended on word of mouth, and youtube as a way of attracting new fans. Joe's a very talented, humble guy who deserves all the success & recognition he gets, He's earned it.

Boy you are both DEAD ON. Especially the part about a show that leaves you open mouthed. I had seen some of his videos, but you really do have to see him live to fully appreciate him. And he seemed like the most humble, down-to-earth guy you'd ever want to meet. Thanking us all for coming, and saying what an honor it was that the theatre was sold out. I can't WAIT to see him again!

I'm going a week from this Sat. This will also be my first time seeing Joe live. I'm really looking forward to it, especially after all the great reviews both on MR and on the internet. I can't wait!

No need to bother with Bonamassa. Check out the real thing instead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwg1Ue_ ... re=related

jrny10 wrote:No need to bother with Bonamassa. Check out the real thing instead:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwg1Ue_ ... re=related

Gary was one of the guitar greats that was a strong influence on JB. Joe has stated publicly on many occasions the great respect he has for GM's talent as do I. Sadly, Gary's no longer with us and JB represents a new generation of great blues guitar players who has a healthy respect for the past but is also looking to create his own sound. There is plenty of room for all of them in my cd player. Check out the "blast from the past" thread upstairs.

Just got back from my first Bonamassa concert WOW!!! All I can say is it won't be my last.

I simply can't think of enough superlatives to describe the virtuoso performance I witnessed tonight. I've been attending concerts since 1968 and this has to be one of the 3 best shows I ever saw. Don't let the fact that Joe is often described as a blues guitarist stop you from going to see him live. Joe doesn't limit himself to just blues songs. He rocks as hard as anybody. Not only does does play great his singing is amazing as well.

Do yourself a favor folks. If you're lucky enough to have Joe Bonamassa come to your town. Go see him, you won't be dissappointed.

Peartree12249 wrote:Just got back from my first Bonamassa concert WOW!!! All I can say is it won't be my last.

I simply can't think of enough superlatives to describe the virtuoso performance I witnessed tonight. I've been attending concerts since 1968 and this has to be one of the 3 best shows I ever saw. Don't let the fact that Joe is often described as a blues guitarist stop you from going to see him live. Joe doesn't limit himself to just blues songs. He rocks as hard as anybody. Not only does does play great his singing is amazing as well.

Do yourself a favor folks. If you're lucky enough to have Joe Bonamassa come to your town. Go see him, you won't be dissappointed.

I'm glad you liked it. Of course, it's hard to imagine anyone wouldn't. That guy's insane!

Joe and the band performing Just Got Paid-Dazed and Confused Friday night in Green Bay-Cheesheads and all!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBxNsHAejtY

San Diego Gary wrote:Joe and the band performing Just Got Paid-Dazed and Confused Friday night in Green Bay-Cheesheads and all!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBxNsHAejtY

Yeah! Joe, Carmine, Tal & Rick rockin' the cheeseheads.

Just wanna thank this thread for introducing me to my new favorite guitarist. I'd heard of Joe before, but never went out and sought his music until I read this thread.

BTW, has anyone else checked out the supergroup he's in with Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian and Jason Bonham; Black Country Communion? Great stuff there, folks.