Regular readers of TheGuitarBuzz.com know that Joe Bonamassa is a favorite around here and his recently announced 13th album, “Driving Towards the Daylight” is the perfect example of why.

Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards the Daylight

Producer Keven Shirley first teamed with Joe Bonamassa to release “You and Me” back in 2006 making “Driving Toward the Daylight” their seventh collaboration in as many years.

Their time together has proven to be a marriage made in blues heaven as they continue to push the evolution of blues rock to new and higher levels.

As expected, this CD highlights Bonamassa’s signature style of blues, roots, and rock & roll. There is plenty of old and plenty of new. The old feels new and the new feels newer. It includes four “Bon-originals” and seven cover songs.

Shirley wanted to pull more out of Bonamassa and did so by bringing in a stellar group of session players the likes of Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford and son Harrison Whitford on guitar, Anton Fig on drums, Arlan Schierbaum on keyboards, Michael Rhodes on bass and Jeff Bova and The Bovaland Brass on horns.

The track list is well balanced, starting off with Bonamassa’s own “Dislocated Boy”, a power-filled-rocker that will hopefully make the set lists on Joe’s summer/fall tour. The hard driving beat is a perfect opening track and sets the stage for what lies ahead.

[LISTEN TO A PREVIEW OF "DISLOCATED BOY"]

Next, Joe covers Robert Johnson’s “Stones In My Passway”, and demonstrates yet again that “The Blues Ain’t Dead” by taking a 75-year-old blues roots classic and transforming it to the Zeppelin age. According to Joe, the song was Kevin’s idea – which certainly explains the vibe!

[LISTEN TO A PREVIEW OF "STONES IN MY PASSWAY"]

The title-track follows and illustrates Joe’s talent going well beyond six-strings — to the pen — as Joe releases his creativity on one of his strongest authoring’s yet. The lyrics pull you in and the melody holds you there…

Here is the official “Driving Towards the Daylight” video:

The entire “Driving Towards The Daylight” track is available as a free download here.

“Who’s Been Talkin” is a Howling Wolf cover that’s one of my favorites. Starting with a clip of Wolf’s actual voice, Joe rips into the main riff and turns the listener back once again to the roots. It’s also has that Zepp’ish-like feeling with a melody that just sticks in your gut.

[LISTEN TO A PREVIEW OF "WHO'S BEEN TALKIN"]

The Bluesy trend continues with a cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Got All You Need”, It’s a tune that Joe refers to as a “Greasy Chicago Shuffle”…with a 60′s British flair. Lot’s of fun with this one!

“Joe does Whitesnake” with Bernie Marsden’s “A Place In My Heart” and adds enough emotion to make you believe Gary Moore has come back to record one more song. Close you eyes and get lost in the tribute. I sure did.

[LISTEN TO A PREVIEW OF "A PLACE IN MY HEART"]

The gears shift back to blues-rock with a killer version of Bill Withers “Lonely Town Lonely Street”. About half-way through the song you realize there is only one chord being played…attribute that to Shirley’s magic on the board.

“Heavenly Soul” shows off Bonamassa’s well matured (he just celebrated his 35th birthday) vocals. For a guy that at one time did not want to sing…he’s come a long way.

Next up is Tom Waits’ “New Coat Of Paint” with the massive guitar solo we have come to expect from Joe… and he does not disappoint.

“Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go” is an upbeat and Rockish version of an original Gospel tune with awesome lyrics. Let me say it now…this guy can turn any song into a blues-rock masterpiece!

The surprise closing track is the Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes classic, “Too Much Ain’t Enough Love” featuring Jimmy Barnes himself on vocals. The blending of Jimmy’s vocals and Joe’s Les Paul chops are seamless.

Recent attendees of Joe’s concerts have heard Joe’s jokes about not having a hit record after 12 albums and 140+ tracks – which is frankly, utter blastpheme.

Most of us have our own definition of what makes a hit record (which differs greatly from the music industry rules). For me, a hit is simply defined as a song I can’t wait to play again. Using that criteria, Joe Bonamassa has a lot of hits…. 11 of them on this record alone.

“Driving Towards the Daylight” will be released on Monday, May 22nd by Provogue Records.

Want to Hang Joe Bonamassa on Your Wall?

Be sure to check out Creative Bone Artworks,: “Art That Rocks” Collection – specifically the totally cool Joe Bonamassa print titled: GOLDFINGERz 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!

Limited Edition prints are still available of this amazing Joe Bonamassa artwork!

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

I will personally testify that the quality of these art prints will exceed your expectations!

Contact Tom and place your order!

The album will be released by Provogue Records on April 24th, 2012.

Walter Trout - Blues for the Modern Daze

The turning point for Trout was his tenure with British blues giant John Mayall. Trout became part of the Bluesbreakers’ lineage of great guitarists along with Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor. By 1989, Trout formed his own band, released his debut album Life In the Jungle, and rapidly became a star in Europe. His first US release, 1998′s critically heralded Walter Trout, made him a permanent fixture in the American blues rock scene.

“My main inspiration for this album,” says Trout, “was the country bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, an early blues innovator who recorded such timeless gospel informed blues numbers as Soul of a Man and Nobody’s Fault But Mine. His music is beautiful, primal, direct and deeply spiritual.”

“The album explores a side of my music that’s rooted in my first musical love, and it reveals something about me, too. It sums up the thoughts and attitudes of somebody who is getting a little older and is feeling like he’s a part of another era, with different values and a different perspective on life that’s prevalent today.”

For more information and tour dates, visit Walter Trout’s Official Website www.waltertrout.com.

Set for release May 15, the 13-song set is an instrumental tour de force featuring tracks spanning from the late 1990′s to the present. It’s powered throughout by Carlos’ instantly recognizable virtuoso lead guitar and the Santana Band’s world-class musicianship. Only one song features vocals from Santana’s lead vocalists Andy Vargas and Tony Lindsay, all other tracks are instrumental only.

Carlos dedicated the album to Native American Indians, acknowledging Australia’s 2008 apology to the Aborigines, and President Obama’s signing of the 2009 Native American Apology Resolution. He says, “I encourage any and all countries (that have not as yet done so) to acknowledge the first people of their land, and make this a collective global effort.”

Shape Shifter comprises mostly original compositions that Carlos has been stashing away for such an instrumental project—long awaited by fans—and he conceived the album’s sequence as thoughtfully as its track selection. The songs flow together as the magical sustain of Carlos’ guitar—and the spirit behind every note—makes music that breaks through all cultural and language barriers, the music of Santana.

Carlos Santa Print

Want more Carlos Santana? Hang him on your wall!

Be sure to check out Creative Bone Artworks,: “Art That Rocks” Collection – specifically the Carlos Santana print 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!

Limited Edition prints are still available of this amazing Carlos Santana artwork! Contact Tom Noll directly to inquire about ALL art prints for sale. Place your order now for immediate shipment!

Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, CA and Studio at the Palms in Las Vegas, NV, Driving Towards The Daylight is a balanced and back-to-basics album that highlights Bonamassa’s signature style of Blues, Roots, and Rock & Roll.

Driving Towards The Daylight was produced by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin), making this Bonamassa and Shirley’s seventh album collaboration in six years.

We’ve taken some really traditional old blues songs – the Howlin Wolf song “Who’s Been Talkin” and Robert Johnson’s “Stones In My Passway,” says Shirley, and we’ve tried to imagine how they would do them in a rock context. It’s a very exciting return to the blues in a very visceral way. It’s vibrant and it’s gutsy and it’s really, really rugged.
- Kevin Shirley

Joe Bonamassa

Brad Whitford, speaking from the studio in Vegas, said, “This is definitely more influenced by the stuff that the guys and musicians in this room love, early ‘60s English and American rock and blues. I guess we’ll never get that out of our system and its fun to come in here and find our own path down that highway.”

Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards the Daylight

Other tracks include Bonamassa’s versions of Tom Waits’ “New Coat Of Paint”, Bill Withers’ “Lonely Town Lonely Street”, Bernie Marsden’s “A Place In My Heart”, and Willie Dixon’s “All I Need”. On the album closer, Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes sings lead vocals on his 1987 hit “Too Much Ain’t Enough Love”.

Premiering today, and continuing each week for ten episodes is “Countdown To Daylight”, the new reality series of 3-4 minute webisodes that you can find on Joe’s website and YouTube.

The videos will feature interviews with Joe and his band as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the band recording Driving Towards The Daylight in the studio. Tune in every Friday for a new episode on Joe’s official YouTube channel.

Check out episode #1 below:

Are you a Joe Bonamassa fan?

Be sure to check out Creative Bone Artworks,: “Art That Rocks” Collection – specifically the totally cool Joe Bonamassa print titled: GOLDFINGERz 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!

Limited Edition prints are still available of this amazing Joe Bonamassa artwork!

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

I will personally testify that the quality of these art prints will exceed your expectations!

Contact Tom and place your order!

Warren Haynes LIVE at the Moody Theater

This is a two-set multi-camera DVD concert film/audio CD package shot in Austin, TX during the band’s “pure dynamite” (Boston Globe) debut world tour.

All Pre-Orders come with an exclusive live bonus CD of acoustic Warren Haynes performances from the 2011 tour. This bonus disc will also include the three tracks that are only on the DVD portion of Live At The Moody Theater, which are “Power & The Glory” from the show itself, and “Patchwork Quilt” & “Hattiesburg Hustle” from Soundcheck/Rehearsal that same day.

Caleb Quaye and the Faculty

Caleb Quaye has a worldwide reputation as a signature lead guitar player since the late 60’s and early 70’s.

He is known most notably as Elton John’s original lead guitarist having played on all the “early stuff”, as well as numerous studio sessions for many other name artists.

Over the years, Caleb has played with Harry Nillson, The Beach Boys, Joan Baez, Al Kooper, David Foster, John Klemmer, Eddie Henderson, Dusty Springfield, Liza Minnelli, Brenda Russell, Joan Baez, Ralph McTell, Pete Townsend, The Troggs and Hall & Oates… to name just a few.

Several years ago, David Letterman asked his guest Eric Clapton: “So what’s it like to be the best guitar player in the world?” Clapton replied, “I’m not. Caleb Quaye is!”

Today, Caleb travels the world sharing his music and talent with the the emerging generation of gospel musicians and worship leaders, mentoring them in their musical and leadership development.

I had the opportunity to see Caleb play LIVE at the NAMM Show in Anaheim last month at one of their late night concerts. I had heard Caleb play before and knew it would be a great event so I went early to grab a spot of the front row.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have my video camera with me… but fortunately… another YouTube member did. They uploaded the concert a few days ago.

Caleb has blended Jazz, Rock and Fusion into a style that all players can appreciate. A very humble man, with an amazing touch on the strings. Check this out:

You can find the rest of the show on YouTube by [CLICKING HERE]:

Caleb’s band, The Faculty, includes:

Charles Williams on Keyboards – who has performed or recorded with such artists as Philip Bailey, Andrae Crouch, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo, Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, The Midniters, Ry Cooder and Los Lobos, to name but a few.

Robert “Pee Wee” Hill on Bass – an outstanding bass player and longtime friend of Caleb’s has performed or recorded with Billy Preston, Sly Stone, Jimmy Smith, Rufus, Chaka Kahn, Bob Dylan, T-Bone Burnett.

Doug Mathews on Drums – an accomplished drummer in a diversity of styles has played with Phil Keaggy, Howard Roberts, Rique Pantoja, Rick Elias, Red Young, Tommy Walker.

All the Way Live CD

The band recently released “All the Way Live”,which closely tracks their NAMM show set. Check it out on iTunes by clicking the image of the CD cover.

For those of you who love music that grooves with a commonality of faith, heart and spirit among the musicians, this set may be just what the doctor ordered to put some pep in your step! And some joy in your day because it was recorded all the way live!

-Caleb Quaye, liner notes

Check out the bands official web site by [CLICKING HERE].

Carlos Santana - Live at Montreux 2011

Santana, founded in the late sixties, came into the spotlight following their appearance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.

Their eponymous debut album was released the same year and became a global success, introducing the public to the band’s unique blend of Latin rhythms and guitar based rock.

With legendary guitarist and band leader Carlos Santana at the helm, hit albums and singles followed through the seventies, eighties, nineties and up to the present day.

Both Carlos and the band have been frequent visitors to Montreux over the years and in 2011 they presented a stunning concert of their greatest hits, classic album tracks and brilliant cover versions from their debut album right up to 2010’s “Guitar Heaven”.

This is the ultimate Santana live concert and absolutely not to be missed.

Over three hours of music!

Joe Bonamassa Live at The Beacon Theatre

Awarded by Billboard Magazine as the #1 Blues Artist of 2010, watch blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa perform Live at The Beacon Theatre with special guest appearances by Paul Rodgers, John Hiatt and Beth Hart.

His 2011 release Dust Bowl debuted at #1, the 3rd consecutive album by Bonamassa to debut #1 on Billboards Blues Albums, and #37 on Billboard’s Top 200, making it his highest-selling and chart-ranking U.S. debut to date.

The DVD and Blu-Ray will be available on March 26, 2012.

Larry Carlton Trio - The Paris Concert

Larry Carlton Trio: The Paris Concert

Larry Carlton’s The Paris Concert, recorded in April 2008, has been released on CD and digital download.

The trio includes Larry’s son, Travis Carlton, on bass, and also drummer Toss Panos.

The performance took place at the famed New Morning in Paris.

A DVD version of the concert, with bonus materials, is also available.

GuitarDaddy Tip: Listen to sample tracks, or better yet… download the entire CD from eMusic.com for only $5.39!

Not sure how long that deal will last…

Great Gypsy Soul - Tommy Bolin and Friends

CD AND SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE CD WITH BONUS TRACKS ARE SET FOR RELEASE MARCH 27, 2012 ON 429 RECORDS.

All Star Lineup Contributes To All New Recordings of “Teaser” Tracks Performing Alongside Bolin

Guests Include Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes, Nels Cline, Steve Morse, Steve Lukather, Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa and many others!

In the annals of rock history, Tommy Bolin occupied a brief, but shining stint as a brilliant guitarist who wowed those in the know with his mastery of many genres—rock, fusion, funk, reggae and heavy metal among others. Along with a much lauded solo career that, pushed the boundaries of rock/jazz fusion, Bolin played with The James Gang and Deep Purple which set him up for major solo guitar stardom which was cut short by his untimely death in 1976. Not to be overlooked, there’s been much written about the guitar wunderkind and now a top notch roster of players have signed on to pay tribute to Bolin on a new CD titled: GREAT GYPSY SOUL.

Produced by Greg Hampton and Warren Haynes, it’s a remarkable project that brings together major players who actually perform alongside Tommy Bolin’s playing and vocals from the recording outtakes to his solo debut album “Teaser.”

Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes (a key supporter of the project), Nels Cline, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa, John Scofield, Derek Trucks, Glenn Hughes and Myles Kennedy all contribute to this amazing project.

GREAT GYPSY SOUL will be released on 429 Records on March 27 in both a single CD format and double CD with bonus tracks. A series of promotional concerts are also in the works.

Tommy Bolin was the quintessential guitar prodigy who focused his talents within the burgeoning rock/metal scenes of the early 70′s as well as mastered a highly lauded jazz fusion technique, catching the attention of rock tastemakers and guitar legend peers. It was just a matter of time before Bolin was making a name for himself playing on projects as diverse as Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” project (considered one of the great jazz fusion recordings of all time), replacing Joe Walsh in the James Gang, playing session work on seminal fusion projects by Moxy and Alphonse Mouzon, to replacing Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. With the release of his second solo album “Private Eyes”, what should have been a red letter moment for Bolin, opening up for Jeff Beck in Miami, sadly turned tragic as Bolin was found dead of an overdose shortly after the gig.

Says Warren Haynes: “Many of the guests added after the fact have a close personal connection to Tommy—all share in acknowledging his place in rock history. Watching (and hearing) it all come to fruition some 35 years later was a journey of its own—well worth the travel.”

Here is the Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. The Grind w/ Peter Frampton
2. Teaser w/ Warren Haynes
3. Dreamer w/ Myles Kennedy and Nels Cline
4. Savannah Woman w/ John Scofield
5. Smooth Fandango w/ Derek Trucks
6. People People w/ Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson
7. Wild Dogs w/ Brad Whitford
8. Homeward Strut w/ Steve Lukather
9. Sugar Shack w/ Glenn Hughes and Sonny Landreth
10. Crazed Fandango w/ Steve Morse
11. Lotus w/ Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Huges and Nels Cline

Disc 2 Bonus CD:

1. Flying Fingers w/ Oz Noy and Nels Cline
2. Marching Bag –Movement One w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Greg Hampton, John Scofield, Sonny Landreth
3. Marching Bag—Movement Two w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Steve Lukather, Derek Trucks, Peter Frampton
4. Marching Bag—Movement Three w/ Gordie Johnson, Bolin, Nels Cline, Oz Noy, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa
5. Marching Bag—Movement Four w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, Oz Noy, Brad Whitford, Peter Frampton

FOR A LIMITED TIME, A CD PREVIEW IS AVAILABLE HERE:

http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/429details/d_tommybolin.asp

429 Records is a unit of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American based division of Nippon Columbia, the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group has evolved into a Grammy Award winning and chart topping independent music company consistently outperforming competitors in key music categories as monitored by Billboard Magazine. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining and is based in Los Angeles, CA.

BOTH THE CD AND THE SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE CD WITH BONUS TRACKS ARE SET FOR RELEASE ON MARCH 27, 2012.

For more information visit: www.429records.com