Joe Bonamassa's Black Rock in The Blindman's Blues Reviews Forum

0 Points

Add Reply New Topic New Poll

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Joe Bonamassa's Black Rock

Author

Comment

thequakeblues

Joe Bonamassa's Black Rock

Lead

[-]

Posts: 159

Apr 9 10 7:28 AM

Tags : None

There's a review at www.ameriblues.com.

Check it out at:
http://www.ameriblues.com/2010/04/joe-bona...-review-by.html

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#1

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 10 10 5:36 PM

A terrible review, by someone who just isn't a fan of Bonamassa (or much outside the blues lines). For one thing, his voice sounds nothing like Mayall or Robben Ford. It's kind of an insult too, because even though Ford has a fine voice, Mayall, although it fits great with the Bluesbreakers, doesn't have a good sounding voice at all.

And, Bonamassa's talent is far from relying on technical ability alone. Many blues players would be lucky to have such a talent.

Leonard Cohen's "Bird On A Wire" is one of the best songs on "Black Rock". But I guess, being a staunch blues fan, that fact would have gone right over that writer's head, totally unnoticed.

Reply Quote

nighthawk

#2

[-]

Deepest Blue

Posts: 9273

Apr 10 10 9:28 PM

QUOTE

Hounddog Posted on April 10, 2010 05:36 pm
A terrible review, by someone who just isn't a fan of Bonamassa (or much outside the blues lines). For one thing, his voice sounds nothing like Mayall or Robben Ford. It's kind of an insult too, because even though Ford has a fine voice, Mayall, although it fits great with the Bluesbreakers, doesn't have a good sounding voice at all.

And, Bonamassa's talent is far from relying on technical ability alone. Many blues players would be lucky to have such a talent.

Leonard Cohen's "Bird On A Wire" is one of the best songs on "Black Rock". But I guess, being a staunch blues fan, that fact would have gone right over that writer's head, totally unnoticed.

I don't know that the reviewer comes off as a staunch blues fan as much as the record in question didn't seem to move them. The writer is a self proclaimed fan of both Mayall and Ford, that doesn't quite peg them as a purist. There's not being moved by something and then there's hatin' cause it ain't what the individual calls the blues. This seems like more of a case of the former, not the latter.

"A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having."

Location: just outside of Pittsburgh, PA

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#3

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 11 10 5:47 PM

QUOTE (nighthawk)

I don't know that the reviewer comes off as a staunch blues fan as much as the record in question didn't seem to move them. The writer is a self proclaimed fan of both Mayall and Ford, that doesn't quite peg them as a purist. There's not being moved by something and then there's hatin' cause it ain't what the individual calls the blues. This seems like more of a case of the former, not the latter.

I think "Black Rock" is JB's most profuse blues album (bluesrock) in quite a while, but people should stop expecting to hear straightahead electric blues from musicians who aren't actually blues players, per se. He's a bluesrocker, and a darn good one, imo. Although I have all the respect in the world in Mayall and Ford, neither have vocal talent as diverse as Joe. "Black Rock" is a good album, mainly because of its diversity in style, and because of his cool interpretations of the covers--as usual.

Reply Quote

thequakeblues

#4

[-]

Posts: 159

Apr 12 10 4:46 AM

QUOTE (Hounddog @ April 10, 2010 05:36 pm)

A terrible review, by someone who just isn't a fan of Bonamassa (or much outside the blues lines). For one thing, his voice sounds nothing like Mayall or Robben Ford. It's kind of an insult too, because even though Ford has a fine voice, Mayall, although it fits great with the Bluesbreakers, doesn't have a good sounding voice at all.

And, Bonamassa's talent is far from relying on technical ability alone. Many blues players would be lucky to have such a talent.

Leonard Cohen's "Bird On A Wire" is one of the best songs on "Black Rock". But I guess, being a staunch blues fan, that fact would have gone right over that writer's head, totally unnoticed.

If I recall correctly, the review kinda praised the "less bluesy" material and gave a thumbs down to the more conventional blues stuff....so I'm not sure if the "staunch blues fan" theory holds much water.....IMHO.

Seemed like a fair review from somebody that didn't care for the CD.

Reply Quote

rockindillo

#5

[-]

Deepest Blue

Posts: 5216

Apr 12 10 12:45 PM

I just read the review and have to say although I've not heard all the album, I would have said, from what I have heard and what I know of JB, the reviewer has pretty much hit the nail on the head.

He doesn't come across as someone who dislikes Bonamassa, so much as someone who is being objective about his music, something of which a great many people no longer seem to be capable. In a pretty short space of time (the past three "breakthrough" years, really), Bonamassa has rapidly progressed in the eyes of a great many blues-rock fans from "up-and-comer" status to that of a Clapton-style guitar demi-god - one who can do no wrong.

Talented musician as he undoubtably is, I agree that he is over-rated. He's a great technical player (if a little over-prone to Eric Johnson mannerisms), but he tends to overplay a good deal of the time, seldom playing one note when 20 will suffice and hardly ever missing an opportunity to extend his soloing over far more choruses than he really needs to to make his point.

He would do very well to listen more to BB King, rather than simply inviting him along for the ride on his abum to lend it a bit of "blues cred".

There there is his voice, which is, at best, an acquired taste. At worst, it's riddled with the kind of ticks and idiosyncracies which quickly become wearing on the ear.

It's a shame, becuase I really enjoyed his first two or three CDs and heard a great deal of freshness and potential. Sadly, I think JB has yet to realise it.

But then again, he's still relatively young (and pretty immature, by all accounts). Give him ten years and the chance to live life a little more, slow down, take stock and above all, stop listening to all the hero-worshiping bullshit that's out the at the moment and maybe, just maybe, he'll fulfill that potential.

Tim
Burnham-on-Crouch - deep in the heart of the Essex Delta!

Visit the official Tim Aves & WOLFPACK website for tour dates, pics, and video and audio clips

Listen to "The Blues Is Back!" on Saint FM Sundays 8pm-10pm UK time

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#6

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 12 10 6:17 PM

QUOTE (rockindillo @ April 12, 2010 12:45 pm)

I just read the review and have to say although I've not heard all the album, I would have said, from what I have heard and what I know of JB, the reviewer has pretty much hit the nail on the head.

He doesn't come across as someone who dislikes Bonamassa, so much as someone who is being objective about his music, something of which a great many people no longer seem to be capable. In a pretty short space of time (the past three "breakthrough" years, really), Bonamassa has rapidly progressed in the eyes of a great many blues-rock fans from "up-and-comer" status to that of a Clapton-style guitar demi-god - one who can do no wrong.

Talented musician as he undoubtably is, I agree that he is over-rated. He's a great technical player (if a little over-prone to Eric Johnson mannerisms), but he tends to overplay a good deal of the time, seldom playing one note when 20 will suffice and hardly ever missing an opportunity to extend his soloing over far more choruses than he really needs to to make his point.

He would do very well to listen more to BB King, rather than simply inviting him along for the ride on his abum to lend it a bit of "blues cred".

There there is his voice, which is, at best, an acquired taste. At worst, it's riddled with the kind of ticks and idiosyncracies which quickly become wearing on the ear.

It's a shame, becuase I really enjoyed his first two or three CDs and heard a great deal of freshness and potential. Sadly, I think JB has yet to realise it.

But then again, he's still relatively young (and pretty immature, by all accounts). Give him ten years and the chance to live life a little more, slow down, take stock and above all, stop listening to all the hero-worshiping bullshit that's out the at the moment and maybe, just maybe, he'll fulfill that potential.

As usual, it just goes to show that some blues fans aren't fans of bluesrock. Bonamassa's note count is right on. I can see you making that statement about Gary Moore (at one time) or another, but Joe plays just the right amount of notes, especially for the style of bluesrock. He's extremely melodic, and not afraid to leave the pentatonic area. He doesn't sound much like Eric Johnson by the way, neither in style or mannerism. But he does sound like everybody at times, which is pretty cool.

Joe has been listening to B.B. all his life, but again, he's a bluesrocker, not a bluesman. If he started playing like B.B. he'd only be considered a clone, and in the same boat as 10,000 blues guys around today who can't see past their nose when it comes to style. They're all trying to win a spot as a museum piece.

Keep up the good work Joe! Keeping bluesrock alive! "Black Rock is an excellent album, for bluesrock fans of course (and Les Paul guitars).

Reply Quote

DuncanB

#7

[-]

Deepest Blue

Posts: 785

Apr 13 10 11:47 AM

Joe Bonamassa was one of the artists that got me interested again in modern blues/bluesrock a few years ago when I became familiar with his albums like Blues Deluxe and You & Me. Yes I�ve bought Black Rock yet, I will do sometime, but I�m less excited by his work now than in the past.

Bonamassa has certainly successfully appealed to rock fans in a way that many blues based artists have not managed, but now it�s starting to look a little formularised, with the Led Zep type riffs. He�s seen by many now as a torch bearer of a new blues generation, yet if you check the song writing credits of his new album, he only composed 5 of the 13 songs contained. So much for fresh ideas!
While it is commendable that he has used Greek musicians to provide a more wordly sound, I�d rather he spent more time composing songs and set himself an ambition to make an album that is better than all of his previous ones. At present, I don�t just need yet another JB album. By the way you should have a listen to Innerevolution, the new album by Philip Sayce. It�s such a more vibrant and energetic album with original songs and far better vocals.

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Duncs-Blues/100000523715178

Scottish Blues Fans Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/scottishbluesfans/

Reply Quote

rivercityslim

#8

[-]

Deepest Blue

Posts: 4858

Apr 13 10 12:29 PM

I was away this past weekend and was driving a rental car with satellite radio (something I've seldom heard before). I was listening to 'Bluesville' much of the time. I heard a particular song that was new to me; I didn't like it. It was a rocked-up, speeded-up version of a familiar Delta riff. I was thinking to myself, this is exactly what's wrong with today's 'Blues'. Then the announcer came on and said it was Joe Bonamossa.

Reply Quote

squeezeboxmama

#9

[-]

Posts: 567

Apr 13 10 1:35 PM

Speaking of Delta riffs, Everett and I did attend that jam I spoke of. Its a funny story but too negative to share here.

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#10

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 13 10 4:50 PM

QUOTE (rivercityslim @ April 13, 2010 12:29 pm)

I was away this past weekend and was driving a rental car with satellite radio (something I've seldom heard before). I was listening to 'Bluesville' much of the time. I heard a particular song that was new to me; I didn't like it. It was a rocked-up, speeded-up version of a familiar Delta riff. I was thinking to myself, this is exactly what's wrong with today's 'Blues'. Then the announcer came on and said it was Joe Bonamossa.

Keep in mind that "rocked-up, speeded-up version(s) of a familiar Delta riff" are usually bluesrock, not the blues. It isn't what's wrong with today's blues; it's what's wrong with today's listeners, not knowing the difference between bluesrock and blues. The best thing for these people to do when bluesrock comes on the radio is switch the channel to something more traditional and repetitive.

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#11

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 13 10 5:01 PM

QUOTE (Greenose @ April 13, 2010 11:47 am)

Joe Bonamassa was one of the artists that got me interested again in modern blues/bluesrock a few years ago when I became familiar with his albums like Blues Deluxe and You & Me. Yes I�ve bought Black Rock yet, I will do sometime, but I�m less excited by his work now than in the past.

Bonamassa has certainly successfully appealed to rock fans in a way that many blues based artists have not managed, but now it�s starting to look a little formularised, with the Led Zep type riffs. He�s seen by many now as a torch bearer of a new blues generation, yet if you check the song writing credits of his new album, he only composed 5 of the 13 songs contained. So much for fresh ideas!
While it is commendable that he has used Greek musicians to provide a more wordly sound, I�d rather he spent more time composing songs and set himself an ambition to make an album that is better than all of his previous ones. At present, I don�t just need yet another JB album. By the way you should have a listen to Innerevolution, the new album by Philip Sayce. It�s such a more vibrant and energetic album with original songs and far better vocals.

It's ironic to mention "formularized" in a blues forum, because that's exactly what purists see in real blues. In fact, most can't handle music done without the few particular 'formulars'.

Keep in mind that all of JB's albums are approximately half originals and half covers. That's one of his traits that appeals to Bonamassa fans.

Philip Sayce is pretty interesting, but he's more rock than bluesrock.

Reply Quote

thequakeblues

#12

[-]

Posts: 159

Apr 13 10 5:09 PM

QUOTE (Hounddog @ April 13, 2010 04:50 pm)

QUOTE (rivercityslim @ April 13, 2010 12:29 pm)

I was away this past weekend and was driving a rental car with satellite radio (something I've seldom heard before).� I was listening to 'Bluesville' much of the time.� I heard a particular song that was new to me; I didn't like it.� It was a rocked-up, speeded-up version of a familiar Delta riff.� I was thinking to myself, this is exactly what's wrong with today's 'Blues'.� Then the announcer came on and said it was Joe Bonamossa.

Keep in mind that "rocked-up, speeded-up version(s) of a familiar Delta riff" are usually bluesrock, not the blues. It isn't what's wrong with today's blues; it's what's wrong with today's listeners, not knowing the difference between bluesrock and blues. The best thing for these people to do when bluesrock comes on the radio is switch the channel to something more traditional and repetitive.

Personally I like rock and I like blues�.and I even like bluesrock. The problem is that a lot of what I hear these days in the bluesrock world is not much different than what it was when SRV was playing it. I could say the same about blues�but really bluesrock is what blues has evolved into (and yes I realize that rock in general evolved from the blues).

The problem is that rock keeps evolving and bluesrock seems dead in the water. It�s the same sh*t over and over again. IMHO

Reply Quote

rivercityslim

#13

[-]

Deepest Blue

Posts: 4858

Apr 13 10 5:16 PM

QUOTE (Hounddog @ April 13, 2010 11:50 am)

The best thing for these people to do when bluesrock comes on the radio is switch the channel to something less repetitive.

Fixed the response. Sorry, but I find exactly the opposite to be true: bloozerock is repetitive in the extreme with its pounding full-tilt rhythm sections and endless guitar solos; real Blues and R&B with stories to tell and rhythmic dynamics not so much.

Reply Quote

squeezeboxmama

#14

[-]

Posts: 567

Apr 13 10 5:56 PM

Okay, I wasnt gonna mention our moment in the Hall of Shame but you guys made me do it. I dont know what enspired us to even go to that jam because we know that most often you dont get to play with the house band. You usually end up with people at at novice level. I remember being at those jams when I was just starting and it was a crucial starting point for me since I didnt have a band or rehearsals or any kind of helpful networking skills.
So, Everett gets called up first. His tune went pretty well, except for the part where the drummer was playing with his eyes closed and missed several cues. Even with his eyes open, Everett was trying to signal to end the song and he just kept on a going. I thought that was pretty funny until I got up there.
There was a lady guitar player who was really very good. I tried to descibe my song as a delta riff like "Big Boss Man" The bass player says, "why dont you do something we know. So, okay then, How about a standard Jimmy Reed? Everett will start it. So, the bass player flies off into some fast thing that he called a shuffle that wasnt a shuffle at all.
The next tune we decided better be something pretty easy. How bout, "Wang Dand Doodle in E? Everett will start it, just stay on the one. The bass player says, whats Wang Dang Doodle? A shuffle? I say, no, just stay on the one. So he flies off again on his own. We stop him and start over like we instucted...and the whole time with the drummer with his eyes closed missing every cue.
We hosted a jam for several years and always had at least a few members of the core band stay up for the jammers. It was a better scenerio because they could hold it together which allowed the novice to fall into to something that sounded correct without the preverbial "train wreck" that often occurs at these jams. It was fun for beginners as well as seasoned professionals who came out to play and network plus the core band didnt have to suffer through four hours of lame shit that sucked their souls out by the second set.
I guess the point I was trying to make was that, I could be wrong, but it almost seemed as though the people there wernt very savvy about the more traditional blues. They were schooled in blues rock. Different strokes I quess.

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#15

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 13 10 6:01 PM

QUOTE (rivercityslim @ April 13, 2010 05:16 pm)

QUOTE (Hounddog @ April 13, 2010 11:50 am)

The best thing for these people to do when bluesrock comes on the radio is switch the channel to something less repetitive.

Fixed the response. Sorry, but I find exactly the opposite to be true: bloozerock is repetitive in the extreme with its pounding full-tilt rhythm sections and endless guitar solos; real Blues and R&B with stories to tell and rhythmic dynamics not so much.

Being old fashioned, just as old age, causes blindness and close-mindedness. I love the blues, blues of all types and sounds. However, I'm very picky about new stuff that's traditional in style. In my opinion, if it has been done before, and it has been recorded already, then why do it in the same style again? Especially since I can just take out the original and listen to it again. That's why I like Joe Bonamassa. He may not be everybody's cup of tea, and he may even find it hard to be original at times, but at least he's trying. And he's shedding light on the blues genre more than anyone right now (classic rock too), like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Clapton did before him. And Marriott, and Kossoff, etc.

As I had said, if you don't like bluesrock just switch the channel. Music is relevant, I've always found. When a few people knock an album, there are always thousands who like everything about it. And when it comes to a review, especially when it's bluesrock or fusion, it's often the performer's direction that's put down by the traditionalists, more so than the actual quality. They can't handle the music going 'outside the lines'. Going back to the original posted review, the reviewer called "Black Rock" a work of modern blues. That's way off base. Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials and the Holmes Brothers are modern blues. Joe Bonamassa is bluesrock--a style of music the traditionalists have been putting down since its conception.

I agree that this Bonamassa album may not be his best. To keep releasing albums that are better than the previous one almost never happens in an imperfect world, but I like it a lot. Every song on it. Especially when he rocks! After all, rock is what JB is all about. And I love full-tilt rhythms and guitar solos, like millions of others do. Hey, it takes all kinds.

To each their own. I'm just glad I'm not tied down to a particular form. I'd never want to be labeled someone who just finds enjoyment in traditional music. Old fashioned in taste is old fashioned in everything, usually. And that would never have done any style; blues, jazz, rock--The Beatles, Muddy Waters, John McLaughlin--or anything any good, especially when they were new.

Reply Quote

rivercityslim

#16

[-]

Deepest Blue

Posts: 4858

Apr 13 10 6:31 PM

QUOTE (Hounddog @ April 13, 2010 01:01 pm)

Being old fashioned, just as old age, causes blindness and close-mindedness. Old fashioned in taste is old fashioned in everything, usually.

Hmmm... I may have my time frames messed up, but seems to me bloozerock is hardly a new thing and could easily be labeled... old-fashioned.

BTW, there's nothing wrong with being old-fashioned; I am old after all. There's an awful lot of 'new' that I can live without. Look it up in your dictionary; nowhere in the definition of new will you find a reference to 'better'.

QUOTE

After all, rock is what JB is all about.

At least you're admitting it.

I know what I like, and rock ain't it. I don't give a sh*t how popular it is, doesn't mean I have to like it. Don't tell me I like 'traditional' music though, just because I don't like rock. Sometimes I think you rockers are all the same; anybody that doesn't like rock is somehow 'blind' and 'close-minded'. If you believe that, then you are the blind, close-minded one. I like all manner of Blues, R&B, Zydeco and Jazz, classic and modern. I just don't like rock and haven't for a long, long time.

Reply Quote

Hounddog

#17

[-]

Posts: 81

Apr 13 10 6:44 PM

QUOTE (Hounddog @ April 13, 2010 01:01 pm)

Being old fashioned, just as old age, causes blindness and close-mindedness. Old fashioned in taste is old fashioned in everything, usually.