Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman
J&R Adventures, 2021
10/10
Listen to Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman
Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in today’s blues rock scene, Joe Bonamassa is back with an extraordinary live album, which hosts 12 tracks recorded at Nashville’s Ryman, and much of the listen brings us alternate versions of the tracks from his stunning 24th album, Royal Tea.
“When One Door Opens” start the set, and quickly places Bonamassa’s sturdy guitar work front and center, as pretty female vocals accompany him on the rugged and melodic blues rocker, and “Royal Tea” follows with thumping drums and soulful backing vocals complementing the powerful climate.
Further into the night, “Why Does It Take So Long To Say Goodbye” offers loud, rhythmic swells of emotion as the song pushes and pulls with grit and harmony in its 9+ minutes, while the playful organ and driving rhythm section of “A Conversation With Alice” is quite captivating, not to mention the expressive backing female vocals, which helps make this one of the set’s best.
Further still, the bouncy spirit of “Lonely Boy” will certainly get your body moving to the frisky and addictive climate, and “A New Day Yesterday/Starship Trooper-Wurm” exits the listen with a dense approach that benefits from soaring vocals against thick, precise instrumentation.
Recorded when the touring industry was on hold due to Covid, Bonamassa actually put together this one night show for a live stream audience, as he plays many selections off his then forthcoming album, as well as 3 cuts off A New Day Now. Though thousands of fans were watching from their homes, in between songs Bonamassa and company were surrounded by silence, but that certainly didn’t stop them from playing with their vast skill and experience on full display.
Also available on DVD, you’ll get a 28 page booklet and an introduction from Jeff Daniels to go with the 95 minutes of music, although no matter how you absorb it, you won’t be disappointed.
Travels well with: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Straight To You Live; Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters- Rise Up