I have been posting a few videos lately of Joe Bonamassa and his “invited guests” like Gary Hoey and Warren Haynes.

Then this afternoon I came across this video gem from when Joe invited Gary Koch of Wildwood Guitars to join him on stage at the Paramount Theatre last fall.

This video is as much about Gary as it is about Joe. Some serious chops on display here!

Gary’s first solo blasts off at 2:14. Enjoy!!

I have to say that I think it is awesome how Joe graciously shares his stage with other players. Clearly he has no fear of losing his audience – rather he enhances their concert experience. Thanks Joe – keep rocking!

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I came across this image a few days ago and I keep going back to it because it speaks to me about our own unique and individual love of music.

Everyone has a favorite song or artist – you know…the one when it comes on the radio you have a hard time sitting still or not singing along… because it moves you?

We all gather here because we all love to play the guitar.  We play blues, rock, jazz, country, metal, acoustic, electric and bass.  We are all uniquely different but share a common passion for our instruments.

I always start tapping (read:stomping) my feet when I hear Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa or Eric Clapton play and go looking for a guitar whenever I hear those classic blues rock licks. And I can’t sit still when tempo gets above 115bpm…!

The trap we fall in is when we choose not to hear a certain genre of music because it is not “our genre”.

Writing this blog has opened my eyes to so many new artists and so many musical styles I may once have shut my ears to. Not any more. I want it all. Bring it on!

How about you? What guitar styles move you?

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From the JoeB Forum:

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Honestly.

You cats dont have to play it!!

Lol

I dig it and its the first and now only R-9 with a fingerboard inlay.

I get it in a few days.

Looking forward to it.

-Joe B

Personally, I love it.

I don’t have a guitar with an inlay that says “GuitarDaddy”…yet.

Jealous.

-GuitarDaddy

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Earlier this week, Joe invited Gary Hoey to join him for a ripping session of “Further On Down The Road” and now he goes and invites Warren Haynes to join him at the Beacon Theatre for a killer rendition of “Crossroads”.

This is so cool….ENJOY!

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Here is a great video of Joe and Gary playing Further On Up The Road at the Wang Center in Boston May 10th, 2013.

I’m not sure this is the first time Gary Hoey and Joe Bonamassa shared the stage, but after watching these 2 guys jam back and forth, I hope they do it again real soon!

Don’t quit early on this – it really heats up all the way to the end!

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Beth Hart, known for her raw and powerful blues-rock sound, wraps her expressive vocals around classic soul covers on SEESAW, the second album that grew out of her musical ties with the acclaimed blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

The album will be released on Deluxe CD+DVD and Double Vinyl May 20th by Provogue Records.

After their first successful collaboration on Don’t Explain this highly talented duo is back with Seesaw. As with Don’t Explain, Seesaw is produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, John Hiatt, Joe Bonamassa, Led Zeppelin).

“Beth’s got a pretty heady voice, very reminiscent of Janis Joplin,” says Shirley. “She’s also got a lot of Etta James in her. With this material, there’s gentleness to the way she delivers the most heartfelt tunes. She’s done a fantastic job.”

Bonamassa and Hart first crossed paths on the road numerous times, and played many of the same festivals in Europe. In early 2010, Bonamassa attended one of her concerts in London. “It was killer,” says Bonamassa. He suggested they do a project together sometime.

Don’t Explain took shape that summer. Now two years later, the follow-up album, Seesaw, captures 11 new blistering tracks. The album features covers from Billie Holiday (Them There Eyes), Melody Gardot (If I Tell You I Love You), Etta James (A Sunday Kind Of Love) and the title track Seesaw made popular by Aretha Franklin.

Check out the EPK:

You can download a FREE TRACK from the upcoming release by [CLICKING HERE].

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Blues Rock Titan Joe Bonamassa borrows the late Rory Gallagher’s infamous Stratocaster for his performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London!

The 1960′s saw many guitarists emerge from the competitive trenches of the British Blues scene.

One such man was Rory Gallagher.

With his fierce fret work and rugged voice, combined with a love of the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, folk and R&B, forged a sound all his own. Barely out of his teenage years, the Irish guitarist cut his teeth with the blues-rock power trio, Taste, before diving head first into a quarter century solo career, all the while winning the hearts of fans and the reverence of guitarists around the world.

Sadly, Rory Gallagher passed away in 1995, but he lives on in the music he so lovingly crafted, through which his legend will never die.

Read more on Joe Bonamassa’s Official Site by [CLICKING HERE].

 

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“Joe Bonamassa – An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House” will be released on 2-CD, 2-LP, 2-DVD, Blu-ray by Provogue Records (a division of the Mascot Label Group) on Monday March 25th, 2013.

The concert was recorded at the historic Vienna Opera House July 2012 during a very special two-week long unplugged tour, played to a limited audience over seven exclusive European shows. Varying from Bonamassa’s predominantly electric blues shows, this presentation was an all-acoustic concert performance, making it a unique and very special show fans had been waiting years to experience.

The Opera House in Vienna, regarded as the “City of Music,” was chosen for the main event because of its history and splendour, and association with many legendary composers. Accompanying Bonamassa on the same stage once graced by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler, and Haydn are traditional Irish fiddler Gerry O’Connor, who also plays mandolin and banjo; Swedish multi-instrumentalist Mats Wester on the nyckelharpa, a keyed fiddle; Los Angeles-based keyboardist Arlan Schierbaum texturing the mix with celeste, accordions, toy pianos, and assorted “organic” instruments; and renowned Puerto Rican percussionist Lenny Castro.

Joe recalls, “Originally, when I had the idea of doing an all-acoustic concert, I imagined doing it solo. I’d surround myself with a bunch of guitars, tell the background story of each song, and then play it. Kevin believed the show would be more exciting with a band and he got to work. All of a sudden, we had a five-piece group, and 72 hours to rehearse 20 or so songs. It was amazing, different than anything I’d ever done before.”

An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House features gorgeously textured music made with a wealth of rare, vintage, organic, and “oddball” instruments. Highlights among the 22 songs include “Woke Up Dreaming”—the one acoustic song, and fan favourite, that Bonamassa regularly plays during his electric shows— as well as “Around The Bend,” “Driving Towards The Daylight,” “Ball Peen Hammer,” and “Sloe Gin.”

The show is produced by Kevin Shirley, whose productions have been at the top of the charts for decades, including works from Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden to Beth Hart and John Hiatt.

“To say this was a challenge is an understatement,” said Bonamassa. “To say this was a departure from anything I had ever done before is an even bigger understatement. I can say with full certainty that it was the most enjoyable tour I have ever done. On this tour I really learned the virtues of my singing lessons over the years. Take away those long guitar solos, all that sustain and that big Gibson sound and what is left leaves you no option but to dig deep and sing until you can’t sing anymore.”

 

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It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since Gary Moore passed away of a heart attack at the age of 58 during the early hours of February 6, 2011.

I first heard the news when Joe Bonamassa tweeted: Gary Moore, RIP.

Gary was on holiday at the Kempinski Hotel in Estepona, Spain, with his girlfriend at the time. His death was confirmed by Thin Lizzy’s manager Adam Parsons. Tests later revealed that Moore had an excessive amount of alcohol in his system.

So much has been said about Gary Moore. He was without a doubt one of the all time blues guitar greats.

I applauded the 5-CD release of “Essential Montreux” as a pure masterclass of blues guitar in a previous review.

Shortly after Gary’s death, Joe Bonamassa perfected his cover version of “Midnight Blues” and began weaving it into his live performances. Many say this Joe’s version is better than the original – and while that is debatable, my preference is to simply sit back and enjoy a guitar virtuoso paying homage to one of his heroes.

I have watched this video dozens of times and still get lost in the music. So much so that I now prefer absorbing the emotion with my eyes closed and headphones on.

See for yourself as Joe Bonamassa plays tribute to Gary Moore:

 

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Those of you who want to delve further into Gary’s memory, here is a link to Guitar Player Magazines last interview with Gary [CLICK HERE].

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Want to Hang Joe and Gary on Your Wall?

Be sure to check out Creative Bone Artworks,: “Art That Rocks” Collection – specifically the amazing renditions of Joe Bonamassa and Gary Moore from artist Tom Noll!

Tom’s “Art That Rocks” print collection includes Limited Edition prints from original oil paintings of many famous Blues and Rock guitarists and bands – available for immediate purchase!

Contact Tom Noll directly to inquire about ALL art prints for sale.

These are high quality, collectable, limited edition reproductions printed on non yellowing, acid free, 100lb. dull cover stock that will be professionally shipped to you – ready for the framing of your choice. I will personally testify that the quality of these art prints will exceed your expectations!

Contact Tom and place your order!

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Guitar Center is holding another one of their awesome, amazing contests. This time, the prize is one a kind. There has never been another contest of this caliber that offers this type of prize. You may ask, how good can it be? Well it is just that damn good.. Check out the press release from Guitar Center:

Guitar Center’s Blues Masters, through its unique partnership with Joe Bonamassa, will not only offer ten musicians the chance to perform in Los Angeles backed by Bonamassa’s band, but will also provide one undiscovered blues guitarist with career-altering opportunities for development and exposure under the mentorship of one of the biggest names in blues rock. The grand prize includes an opening slot at Joe Bonamassa’s headlining show in Los Angeles this fall, $10,000 cash, gear from Gibson, Ernie Ball , Marshall Amplification and Dunlop as well as a mentor session in studio with Joe Bonamassa and producer Kevin Shirley , who has worked with the likes of Journey, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and more.

“I am proud to be part of a program created to help foster the careers of emerging musicians who are so passionate about the blues,” said Joe Bonamassa. “It’s exciting to use my experience to help up-and-coming artists finesse their skills, all while connecting a new generation of fans and musicians with the wonder that is The Blues.”
-Joe Bonamassa

To enter Guitar Center’s Blues Masters Featuring Joe Bonamassa visit: www.guitarcenter.com/bluesmasters

How to Enter: Beginning in February through April 30th aspiring blues guitarists from across the United States are invited to submit their best lead guitar performance to one of the ten official Joe Bonamassa tracks supplied at www.guitarcenter.com/bluesmasters.

Submissions will be ranked through Guitar Center’s technology partner Yoov.io, a leading social television platform that syndicates and measures content engagement throughout web.

All artists who enter will be ranked based on their online fan growth during the first round. In the second round, the top-ranked artists will be reviewed personally by Joe Bonamassa who will handpick 10 finalists to perform live with Joe’s band in Los Angeles. Based on these live performances, one winner will be chosen to open for Joe Bonamassa himself in Los Angeles. Additionally, the grand prize winner will receive cash, gear, studio time and a mentor session with Joe Bonamassa. All entrants to Guitar Center’s Blues Masters must be 18 years of age or older. For official rules please visit: www.guitarcenter.com/bluesmasters.

Guitar Center’s Blues Masters Winner Will Receive:

• Opening performance at Joe Bonamassa’s Los Angeles Headlining date
• $10,000 cash
• Gear from top music manufactures including Gibson, Ernie Ball , Marshall and Dunlop
• A 4 song EP produced by Joe Bonamassa and Kevin Shirley
• A career consultation and mentor session with Joe Bonamassa
• Feature in Guitar Player magazine

“We’re excited to launch a new Guitar Center program that puts the necessary tools and opportunities into the hands of musicians to help them attain recognition for their skills,” said Maria Brown , Manager of Music and Entertainment Marketing for Guitar Center. “Guitar Center and Joe Bonamassa have an incredible relationship, partnering on many projects thanks to his extraordinary talent, collaborative spirit and commitment to blues music education, we are confident that this program will once again shed light on the multitude of undiscovered talent that exists within the thriving Blues music community.” As the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments, Guitar Center is dedicated to supporting the global music community and providing musicians with opportunities to get their music heard. Guitar Center’s commitment to unsigned artists runs deep with a full calendar year of diverse programs aimed to enable musicians by providing the opportunity and exposure they need to be successful. No other retailer is developing platforms for their customers like Guitar Center.

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