The big blues guitar king is
back. Joe Bonamassa has finally
released his long awaited solo album
'Different Shades of Blue'. On this
album we get a stack of high quality
blues rock tracks with tons of magical
guitar experiences, which make me
speechless. Some of the heaviest blues
songs forcing me to close my eyes and
just float with his gentle rocking
rhythms. His ability to connect with
live concert audiences is formidable and
when I saw him on Sweden Rock Festival
in June, he didn't say one word between
the songs, but gosh what a performance
he gave us. Music unite.
However, this
album is completely smacked with heavy,
bluesy rock. 'Oh Beautiful!' is an five
and a half minute long blues rock canoe
trip down a river with wild water and
calmer parts occasionally. His guitar skills are absolutely
stunning and in this song he totally
overwhelms me with his string abilities.
Next track is a funky song with stronger
vocals and with solid brass. 'Love Ain't
a Love Song' is a groovy funk track with
an exploding guitar section in the
middle. More of brass and keys opens the
swinging 'Living on the Moon' and Joe
sings great in this tune. 'Heartache
Follows Wherever I Go' is a down tempo
blues song with a emotional guitar solo. The stunning track 'Never
Give All Your Heart' is one of my favourite songs with big vocals from Bonamassa and glimmering guitars. Old
fashion blues is the label on 'I Gave Up
Everything for You, 'Cept the Blues',
but in the following song he clean the
sound up. 'Different Shades of Blue' is
another blooming blues song with sharp
guitars and smooth vocals. Sweet,
southern blues rock is steaming out my
speakers in 'Get Back My Tomorrow' and
of course with world class guitar work.
'Trouble Town' is a funky blues
song with catchy rhythms and it's hard
to sit still. This mature rock album
closes with an ultra slow blues song.
'So, What Would I Do' - a song for the
loving couples on the couch with a bottle
of wine and candles. Well, 'Different
Shades of Blue' is one of Joe Bonamassas
best albums I've heard. He is back in
his home genre again after some tours
with Glenn Hughes in Black Country
Communion and he seems to like it.
This is how a Bonamassa in top
form should sound like...
A very very nice album.
Line up:
Joe Bonamassa: Guitar, Vocals
Carmine Rojas: Bass
Tal Bergman: Drums
Derek Sherinian: Keyboards
