Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
Let’s rewind to August 26th, 2003 shall we. It was on that date at the tender young age of 26 Joe Bonamassa released what was to become a seminal album going by the name of BLUES DELUXE.
It could be argued that said album, consisting of nine cover versions of songs originally recorded by classic blues artists and three original compositions, saved Joe’s musical career. It certainly defined it and set Joe on a route to musical success and worldwide recognition via the pathway of the blues genre.
Released to help celebrate 2003 as the ‘Year Of The Blues’ (as defined by the US government no less) the album contained wonderful renditions of blues classics such as B.B. King’s YOU UPSET ME BABY, Jeff Beck’s BLUES DELUXE and Robert Johnson’s WALKING BLUES to name but three of the gems on offer. Joe’s skill on the guitar was given the recognition it so richly deserved.
Quite a raw sound at times to the album which was enhanced by Joe’s rough and ready vocals the album was relatively successful reaching number 8 on the US Billboard Top Blues Album chart. It’s still a joy to listen to this 20 year old album now capturing as it does the true spirit of the blues.
Step forward BLUES DELUXE Volume 2. A celebration of the success of that original album albeit 20 years further down the line. Keeping true to the format of the original release this all-new album features eight cover songs and two brand new original compositions.
We start with a Bobby “Blue” Bland composition TWENTY-FOUR HOUR BLUES. A song taken from one of Joe’s all-time favourite albums (1974’s Dreamer which opens with another well known track Ain’t No Love In The Heart of The City). Immediately it’s obvious that the rawness from that initial album is nowhere in sight as the polished sound of the 2023 version of Bonamassa enters the fray.
Joe’s vocals lead from the front so very different now, more mature and confident they are almost as defining to Joe’s sound as his trademark guitar. Bassman Calvin Turner is responsible for an incredible accompanying arrangement of strings and horns which adds to the depth of this opening track. At times almost jazz like in sound but still most definitely blues – Bonamassa style blues.
Every morning, when I wake up, Lord I cry a pool of tears’. The tone of Joe’s voice fits the moment perfectly and conveys the message with true feeling. ‘Seven days now since you left me, well it seems like seven years’. You can feel the anguish and sorrow in the voice. Such a big sound, complete with female backing vocals, sets the scene perfectly for the first searing guitar break of the album that brings this quality opening track to its conclusion.
IT’S HARD BUT IT’S FAIR – Bobby Parker’s 1969 release is next to receive the Bonamassa workover. Brass and fine Reese Wynans keyboards introduce this song. Joe displaying his guitar excellence briefly before the opening verse kicks in. Accompanied once again by female backing vocals before Joe sings alone with minimal backing bringing the confidence in his vocal ability to the fore ‘so hard to love someone when they don’t love you’. A stunning interpretation of this track.
We travel way back to 1953 where we find Guitar Slim’s WELL, I DONE GOT OVER IT waiting patiently to present itself for Joe’s reinterpretation. Lamar Carter starts us off with a slow hand clap style drum beat. Joe sings the song title repeatedly accompanied by horns and a heavy double bass sound from Calvin Turner in swing style before the first verse kicks in accompanied by yet more excellent keys from Reese Wynans the legend that played alongside Stevie Ray Vaughan for many years.
As is the case with most of the songs on this album we are presented with a big band sound and not confined merely to an exhibition of Joe’s talents on the guitar. At times his guitar does indeed take a back seat letting the band come to the fore and display their prowess. But fear not there’s also plenty of that Bonamassa trademark guitar on display.
I WANT TO SHOUT ABOUT IT – Hailing from 1990 Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters supply the ammunition for this the lead single from the album. Solos aplenty feature on this feelgood song not just from Joe himself but also from Reese Wynans on organ and saxophonist Paulie Cerra. A real party atmosphere is created as Joe ‘shouts about it’, telling all willing to listen ‘she’s so good for me’, he’s ‘a lucky man’.
We are most certainly the lucky ones, being treated to such a splendid rendition of this joy filled classic. Joe’s guitar leads us dancing out of the track whilst Dannielle DeAndrea and Charles Jones take over ‘shouting about it’ with background vocals accompanying Joe’s splendid playing.
In total contrast to its predecessor we can stop dancing now as Pee Wee Crayton’s WIN-O (1954) brings us back down to earth. A traditional slow blues start. Imagine being in a smoke filled bar in 1954 as this is played. Reese Wynans excels here on keys as he sets the scene accompanied by Joe’s vocal full of heartfelt emotion.
He’s ‘got an office in the White House…. All the laws are made by me’. There’s ‘no good whisky’ drank here, he ‘can’t stand beer or gin’. Joe really gives it his all on the vocal here before letting the guitar take over with a blistering solo. Joe at his best as the song reaches its climactic conclusion. Keys, horns, drums, bass and of course that guitar all in unison as the slow blues gives way to the biggest of band sounds.
The first of our two original songs follows. HOPE YOU REALIZE IT (GOODBYE AGAIN). Written by Joe and Grammy award winning percussionist/producer Tom Hambridge this track, the fourth single to be lifted from the album, is given a Tower Of Power feel by Calvin Turner’s funky horn arrangement.
Fast paced vocals by Joe complemented by exceptional backing vocals make this a catchy number with a big sound that sits perfectly alongside the established classics Joe and the band cover on this exceptional release. The solos on this number are a true delight. Joe reminding us that despite his many talents he is first and foremost an exceptionally gifted guitarist. Not to be outdone Reese Wynans steps up to the plate with more of his sublime keyboards bringing us to our conclusion.
Mister Wonderful – the second studio album from Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, one of British Blues finest albums. It’s from this 1968 feast of delights that Joe lifts our next track LAZY POKER BLUES. Of all the covers on this album this is the one that I (and possibly most other listeners) am most familiar with in its original form being a huge fan of one of the true British blues greats Peter Green. No pressure then Joe. I need not worry. Joe more than does justice to our British blues legend here.
The only laziness on display here is that of the song title as we head off at a frantic pace with both vocals and guitar almost competing in a sprint race with each other. Not to be outdone the rhythm section of Calvin Turner on bass and Lamar Carter (drums) keep up the pace. A four way race to the finish. Towards the end a fifth entrant is gaining quickly on our early front runners. Reese Wynans with his magical keys taking the fast inside lane as we near the finish line of a frantic musical sprint. A true delight.
No blues cover album is truly complete without featuring a track from at least one of the three Kings of our genre. Albert is the chosen monarch here as Joe Bonamassa turns his attention to 1967’s YOU SURE DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN. The guitar straight out of Albert’s book, such a distinctive sound Joe is spot on with his take on this one. Sung and played superbly as we ‘walk into your store, just to have a look around’. One of the highlights of the album for me.
There’s no hard bargain to be found here, ‘I know your merchandise is good’ – this album is a sure fire winner, destined to delight established fans of Joe Bonamassa as well as attract the attentions of many who love to hear these classic tunes given a fresh lick of paint by an artist who appreciates the talents of the original creators of these blues classics. It’s not just about Joe though. Each track is a true band effort.
Indeed both producer Josh Smith and previous Fabulous Thunderbird Kirk Fletcher feature on guitar on our final cover Kenny Neal’s 1991 track THE TRUTH HURTS. A great collaboration this one. Each participant sparring against each other. First Kirk, then Joe then Josh. Almost like witnessing a jam at a gig, guitar heaven. A great celebration track fittingly bringing the covers on this album to a rousing conclusion.
We are not finished just yet though as the album closes with our second original tune a Josh Smith composition. Joe wants to know IS IT SAFE TO GO HOME. Opening with an extended guitar break that is almost In the style of Gary Moore yet still easily recognisable as a Joe Bonamassa tune. We mellow out as Joe’s incredible vocal brings us down to earth. One final chance to hear those beautiful keys of Reese Wynans, those wonderful harmony backing vocals and of course that guitar. Joe ends this album fittingly with a masterclass on guitar that takes your breath away.
20 years ago the original BLUES DELUXE album defined Joe Bonamassa’s path as a musician. In the intervening years he has given so much back to the music that has given him so much success in life, this album itself a great tribute to the artists that influenced him so many years ago.
The Keeping the Blues Alive label, in conjunction with Josh Smith producing a string of successful albums for artists such as Joanne Shaw Taylor, Joanna Connor and Eric Gales. But Joe is a musician at heart. This album proves without a doubt that 20 years down the road Joe Bonamassa can still deliver the goods, his vocals the best they’ve ever been on this album, and his playing simply sublime.
Whilst producing this album Joe asked himself ‘Am I still playing hungry? Am I even good enough to pay tribute to my heroes all over again?’ He replied ‘The answer lies somewhere in this album’. The answer to both those questions Joe is a resounding YES!!!!
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa
1) Twenty-Four Hour Blues (originally performed by Bobby “Blue” Bland)
2) It’s Hard But It’s Fair (originally performed by Bobby Parker)
3) Well, I Done Got Over It (originally performed by Guitar Slim)
4) I Want to Shout About It (originally performed by Ronnie Earle & The Broadcasters)
5) Win-O (originally performed by Pee Wee Crayton)
6) Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) *original song written by Joe Bonamassa & Tom Hambridge
7) Lazy Poker Blues (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac)
8) You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain (originally performed by Albert King)
9) The Truth Hurts Feat Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith (originally performed by Kenny Neal)
10) Is It Safe To Go Home *original song written by Josh Smith
Pre-order the album from the UK and Europe at https://lnk.to/joebonamassa.
● Official Social Links ●
