This week’s Blues Album is an early release from one Joe Bonamassa, Blues Deluxe. Released in 2003, contains 12 songs, all covers except 3 originals. Blues Deluxe has all the energy, fire, and intensity one expects from Joe. Joe’s vocals are top notch, good growl, expressive and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, Joe’s guitar, wow, killer tone, tasteful inventive phrasing. Joe makes his guitar speak, sing, howl, cry, whisper, screech, you just gotta love it. These cover tunes were songs Joe would play during his live shows, that received such good audience responses, it was decided to release an album. Great Stuff! From the opener BB King’s “You Upset Me Baby” to the final, original tune, “Mumbling Word”. Some highlights, John Lee Hooker’s “Burning Hell”, Robert Johnson’s “Walking Blues”, and original “Woke Up Dreaming”, a frantic display of Joe’s virtuosity. This humble writer very much enjoys Mr Bonamassa’s takes on classic blues, he treats each song with the respect it deserves, while at the same time adding his own personal touch. Enjoy yourself some Blues Deluxe this week, you’ll thank me.
