Blues Deluxe Vol. 2
J&R Adventures, 2023
9/10
A record that celebrates 20 years since the bluesman Joe Bonamassa released his best selling Blues Deluxe album, the inimitable guitarist and vocalist continues with a sequel, where 2 originals and 8 covers won’t be difficult to enjoy.
The muscular and flowing “Twenty-Four Hours Blues” begins the listen with Lamar Carter’s thumping drums complementing Bonamassa’s intricate guitar licks in the powerful climate, and “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” follows with bright brass and no lack of melody present in the soulful delivery.
The middle belongs to the intimate ideas of “Win-O”, where Reese Wynans handles the moody keys alongside Bonamassa’s diverse pipes and emotive appeal, while the rowdy “Lazy Poker Blues” recruits an anthemic energy of timeless and dense blues rock.
The bouncy and playful “The Truth Hurts” arrives near the end and welcomes Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith’s guitars to the album’s best, and “Is It Safe To Go Home” exits with a lush and reflective tone that meshes Bonamassa’s estimable guitar playing with Calvin Turner’s precise bass prowess.
This is Bonamassa’s 16th solo studio album, and the size of his catalog is only matched by the quality of work, where fans of anything blues related will be in awe.
Travels well with: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Trouble Is… 25; Walter Trout- Ride