JOE BONAMASSA CONCERT REVIEW ON ROCK N ROLL UNIVERSE

Greatness came to New Mexico in the form of one Joe Bonamassa, who put on an incredible display of authentic blues guitar playing infused with pure rock power when the incredibly talented guitarist touched down at The Santa Fe Brewing Company in Santa Fe, New Mexico. From the opening notes of "Taking The Hit" to the closing notes of the encore of ZZ Top's "Just Got Paid," this was a guitar lover's wet dream. Bonamassa put on an absolutely incredible display of heavy guitar virtuosity so intense that it was a stroke of luck that this was an outdoor event, or I'm sure the paint would've been peeling off the walls from the fiery heat emenating from the stage. If the energy that this player puts out could be harnessed it'd be a solution to all the blackouts that are currently plaguing the country that's for sure! Now, I've had the supreme opportunity to witness in a live setting most of the players who are considered the greatest, from Page, Clapton and Beck, to Rory, Blackmore, Vai and SRV, and it's no exaggeration to say that this immensely talented 29 year old has to be ranked right up there amongst them. If he had come out during the 70's, he'd be talked about in the same reverance as those previously mentioned guitarists. Yes folks, he's THAT good. Why he isn't headlining arenas is a complete mystery. I've said previously that experiencing Bonamassa live is akin to a religious experience, well, tonight was like being in church with Joe whipping out a sermon like a fire and brimstone Pentecostal preacher railing against the dangers of Hell.

First up, to warm up the crowd was The Ryan McGarvey Band, fronted by 19 year old guitarist Ryan McGarvey, whose mix of hard edged blues in the classic early 70's style proved to be a great start to the proceedings. A skilled player already, I predict a bright future for him, as the blend of the blues and heavy rock recalled such power trios as The James Gang and a bit of Ten Years After. It's great to see young players moving away from the Stevie Ray clones that clogged the scene several years back and developing their own style. As the approximately 45 minute set was comprised entirely of originals, I can't say exactly what was played as I've never heard the material before, but I will say that it was impressive, and I'm certainly looking forward to his album being released this fall.

After a short break, Bonamassa, bassist Mark Epstein and drummer Bogie Bowles hit the stage immediately tearing into a blistering version of "Taking The Hit," and what followed was almost 2 hours of some of the most fantastic guitar work one is ever liable to see in one's lifetime. As they fielded material from all of Bonamassa's albums, it was quite obvious that these three musicians were interlocking perfectly. Whether it was extended versions of long time favorites such as inspired covers of such classics as Jethro Tull's "A New Day Yesterday," Free's "Walk In My Shadows," or The Jeff Beck Group's "Blues Deluxe" to Bonamassa's own "Mountain Time" or "Bridge To Better Days," these talented players showed that in the blues rock genre there aren't any that can surpass their collective capabilities.There was a big brouhaha made when the guitarist parted ways with bassist Eric Czar and drummer Kenny Kramme some months ago, but I'm here to say that these two musicians are more than capable replacements. Albeit a bit more restrained stage presence-wise than their predecessors, this trio is tight as a drum. Epstein and Bowles combine to form a rock solid formation over which Bonamassa can weave his magic, soaring into the stratosphere with guitar pyrotechnics that recall Page, Beck and even Hendrix at their finest, extending and breaking the boundaries of the blues in the process. Alternatively staying within the framework of the blues format at times, such as on impassioned versions of Otis Rush's "So Many Roads" or the original Texas blues styled "Torn Down," or pushing the envelope of what can be considered blues with a letter perfect rendition of Yes's "Heart Of The Sunrise/Starship Trooper," they demonstrated their superiority with ease, proving without a doubt that this is one of the best bands in the business. Then, after an intense main set, the band came back onstage for the encore, which consisted of a wonderful version of the soulful "Asking Around For You" from the brand new 'You & Me' album, which led into a thunderous version of ZZ Top's "Just Got Paid." Now, I've heard that Joe was playing this on the tour, and even viewed clips online, but nothing could have prepared me for what was one of the most incredible cover versions I've ever had the opportunity to witness live. After ripping through the first few verses of the song like a man possessed, seguing into Gov't Mule's "Mule," suddenly he went into the solo, conjuring up tonal qualities reminiscent of Eric Johnson, before suddenly thrusting forward into a thunderous version of Led Zeppelin's "Dazed And Confused" that has to be heard to be believed. From Texas To Valhalla in the matter of a few seconds. I'd been prepared due to the magnificent version of "Tea For One" from the new album for something Zep-related, but the intensity was simply amazing. If Jimmy Page had been there, I'm sure he would've approved, and perhaps been humbled in the process. Simply stated this was one fantastic night of transcendent heavy rock and blues that proved once again that the guitarist stands at the top of the heap in the blues rock genre, and also one of the finest rock guitarists of our time. This ain't your father's blues, that's for sure, this is blues for the new millennium.

Bonamassa has been quoted as saying " If the blues doesn't grow from what it is now, I don't think there will be a blues 25 years from now. It needs to be re-energized for a younger generation." With him leading the way, it appears the blues does in fact have a future, and a quite rosy one at that. Take my advice, if you get the opportunity to see this band at any time, do not hesitate, do not pass go, do not collect... well, never mind about that, just go and see him and prepare to be amazed.You'll be glad you did.

For a brief taste of what you can expect live, go to this location to see an excerpt of the aforementioned encore of "Just Got Paid"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqq972WmqgU