British Blues Explosion Live
J&R, 2018
8/10
Listen to British Blues Explosion Live
The always prolific Joe Bonamassa takes a nod to his British heroes here, where songs by Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page were recorded live at Greenwich Music Time at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London on July 7, 2016.
After the opening of Beck’s “Bolero/Rice Pudding”, where Bonamassa’s world renowned guitar prowess is on full display, it isn’t long before he finds a firm groove in Led Zeppelin’s “Boogie With Stu”.
Other disc 1 highlights include the vocally strong “Let Me Love You Baby”, where Bonamassa shows us his pipes can be just as luminous as his guitar acrobatics, while the strong blues presence of “Double Crossing Time” alone is worth the price of admission.
Disc 2 standouts include the solo Bonamassa venture of “Black Winter/Django”, and the medley fun of “Tea For One/I Can’t Quit You Baby”, which brings an unparalleled solo from Bonamassa. The set ends with a 15 minute version of “How Many More Times”, where an impressive drum solo from Anton Fig adds much to the dynamic exit.
Bonamassa has taken more inspiration from British artists than anyone in his career, and he pays homage with his inimitable skill and esteemed band with this chapter of his incredible catalog that even has a companion DVD with bonus tracks.
Travels well with: Reese Wynans And Friends- Sweet Release; John Fogerty- 50 Year Trip