Joe Bonamassa

[Jeff Higgins]

Again, I have pretty much everything SRV ever recorded - I'm a huge fan of his. And again, in my opinion, while his music was almost magical, he never quite made it "there". I mentioned Albert King earlier - many would say SRV was a better guitarist, and I would agree. But again, in my opinion, Albert King packed more feeling into a couple of notes than SRV could into an entire song.

I kind of lump Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Joe Bonamassa, Duane Allman, etc. into a broad category I call "white boy blues". I love all of their music. Some of it will really run a chill up my spine. They all have more technical ability than, say, Albert King, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, et al. But they are (or were) all playing a role, as opposed to living it. I pick that up in their music. Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy it, but it lacks a certain "authenticity". Would I go see any one of those guys when they come to town, and thoroughly enjoy the show? Bet your bottom dollar I would.

[Don Ro]

I suppose a solo white boy who got/gets as close to authentic blues would be the likes of John Hammond. I had three of his albums and while listening to them I was always aware that he was white.
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In an hour long radio interview on KSAN FM, he said (paraphrasing):
"To play the blues you have to have lived the blues. If you got "it", you got "it". If you don't, you don't. Some say, 'The blues is just a good man feelin' bad.'
That's not so, ya know. And we all know that."
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What I look for in the blues is that certain lilt...like water rolling over smooth rocks...an easy flow of effortless rhythm that touches me in my heart and in my spine...pulls me in and has me involuntarily move. If it comes across as being anywhere close to an effort, I listen with my head and not my heart and body. I listen to JB with my head.
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Reggae, with its triple rhythm, often moves my heart and body...right down to my shadow.

[KFC911]

^^^^ I get what you're saying Jeff....I love it all, but those old blues masters, while maybe not the best players ever, move me like few can

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

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Reggae often moves my heart and body...right down to my shadow.

Yep....

[Manda Racing]

Excellent horn players doing the minimal parts. They weren't turned up high enough when they came to my town.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by KC911

"...now post your list!"

They're already posted for me...a good list by all.
~~~~~~~~~~
craigster59 - "Chet Atkins"
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Reminds me of the likes of JB. Although impressive, just a bit too mechanical for me.

[Don Ro]

Another thing about JB that I notice. Watched him recently with his blue suit and sunglasses...sweaty face, even.
He'd show his twisted and contorted face as he leaned back, bent the strings, and reached for the "feeling".
I just sat there feelingless...and academically appreciated his talent...with my head.
Not sure how to describe it...but there ya go.

[Dan J]

Meh

[sugarwood]

I thought he rocked this Blind Faith cover.

[sugarwood]

That "Just Got Paid" live jam has a rock solid groove.
I hate blues, but I like blues hard rock.

[Chocaholic]

Check out any of the JB with Beth Hart videos on YouTube. Just stunning.

[Cajundaddy]

I am a major Blues hound and have spent many hours listening to most of the great Blues axe slingers. JB certainly has world-class chops and there are several live tracks he has done that I like a lot. I can't sit through a whole CD though. Something is missing and I can't quite put my finger on it but after a few songs I find JB a bit tiring and no longer drawing me in to the music. I don't feel that intimate connection to his playing like so many others. I do think some of his latest stuff that is more stripped down may be some of his best.

I can't knock the guy as there is no accounting for musical taste. Simply different strokes and if his playing moves you, enjoy!

[Don Ro]

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Frank Breuer 10 months ago
Bonamossa is very entertaining and delivers a great gig, but for my taste its too perfectionistic, too predictable ..... Gary had the unsurpassed skill to be different AND tasteful again and again.
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TheC5corvette 3 weeks ago
100 % correct.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

I am a major Blues hound and have spent many hours listening to most of the great Blues axe slingers. JB certainly has world-class chops and there are several live tracks he has done that I like a lot. I can't sit through a whole CD though. Something is missing and I can't quite put my finger on it but after a few songs I find JB a bit tiring and no longer drawing me in to the music. I don't feel that intimate connection to his playing like so many others. I do think some of his latest stuff that is more stripped down may be some of his best.

I can't knock the guy as there is no accounting for musical taste. Simply different strokes and if his playing moves you, enjoy!

Perfect...

[Gogar]

If Joe Bonamassa played more 'authentic' blues you would have never heard of him.


He IS very talented but more importantly his work ethic and the method in which he has structured his business is very impressive.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by MMiller

Tell me more about the "it" that SRV didn't have.

"IT" is often the timely note you DON'T play.

Playing fast is cool, knowing when to pause is cooler.
That's what makes someone like Clapton great. He can play slow.

Eddie Wilson: [getting ready to practice "Betty Lou's Got a New Pair of Shoes"] Let's get on with the music. 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4. [starts the song] Hold it, hold it! Wait a minute, wait a minute!
Sal Amato: What the matter?
Eddie Wilson: What's the matter, where you racing to, where's the fire?
Sal Amato: No fire. That's the way the song was written, it goes that way: upbeat. What's the problem?
Eddie Wilson: The problem is I'm just saying words. You know, you got to give me a little room so people will know what I'm singing about.
Sal Amato: Hey, you lose the beat, people miss a step, we want them to dance.
Eddie Wilson: Lose a beat, miss a step. What are you a moron, Sal?
Sam Amato: Do you believe this guy?
Eddie Wilson: Look, Sal, I like your stuff. But it just ain't what I was looking for. You understand?
Sal Amato: Forget it, you had your mind made up before you ever started. So what am I knocking myself out for?
Eddie Wilson: Look, I don't want to argue with you, Sal. Do you want to get another opinion on the subject?
Sal Amato: No! Forget it.
Eddie Wilson: Joann, what do you think?
Sal Amato: What are you asking her for?
Eddie Wilson: Why not ask her, she's got brain?
Sal Amato: I don't know anything? She knows, huh? Everybody you bring into this bank is an expert, except Sally. Sally's just a dumb guinea, right?
Eddie Wilson: You dumb guinea. [looking at Frank] Hey, kid, come here.
Frank Ridgeway: Who, me?
Eddie Wilson: Yeah, you, come here.
[Franks slowly walks over]
Eddie Wilson: Now, you heard what we're talking about. What do you think?
Frank Ridgeway: [agreeing with Eddie] I think he's right, I think it needs a caesura.
Eddie Wilson: [pointing to himself] See, my way with a caesurian.

[arcsine]

I love Bonamassa's taste in guitars and he obviously has all the chops but I find myself bored most of the time.

I do really like his playing is what he has done with Beth Hart though.

[arcsine]

or this

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

"IT" is often the timely note you DON'T play.

Playing fast is cool, knowing when to pause is cooler.
That's what makes someone like Clapton great. He can play slow.

About as well put as I can think of.
All those blasting, flashing, manic riffs that many can pull off are impressive but they don't got no "it"...no feeling.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

"IT" is often the timely note you DON'T play.

Playing fast is cool, knowing when to pause is cooler.
That's what makes someone like Clapton great. He can play slow.

Is that Jimmie Vaughan on 3'rd guitar? Sounds like his style.