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!

Some of Doyle’s influences include, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Donny Hathaway, Freddie King, Albert King, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sly & the Family Stone, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Curtis Mayfield.

In 1992 Doyle formed Arc Angels with Charlie Sexton and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rhythm section of bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton (also known as Double Trouble).

Eric Clapton took an interest in Bramhall’s music and they have often toured and recorder together. Doyle co-wrote “Superman Inside” and played guitar on Eric’s 2001 solo album, Reptile. He occasionally joined Eric on stage.

Doyle became Clapton’s second guitarist after Andy Fairweather-Low backed out of the tour in 2004. He also toured with Eric Clapton as part of his 2006/2007 world tour along with slide guitarist Derek Trucks and he performed at the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival at Chicago’s Toyota Park.

While all of that is very interesting, the most amazing fact about Doyle is that he is left-handed and usually plays the right-handed model of a guitar upside-down! When he does play a left-handed model, the guitar is strung as if to be played by a right-handed player (as was the case with Albert King.)

In other words:

• The low E string is at the bottom of his guitar
• The high string at the top of his guitar.
• The pick-guard is on the top.
• Strings are bent DOWN, not UP.
• The most common pick motion is an “Up-Pick”.

Check out this video to see his most unusual style in action and up close.

Of course, a Flying V almost looks the same either way…Enjoy the VIDEO.

(Note: at :40, Clapton looks away from Doyle’s sharply as if to say “I can’t watch that!)

We have hosted several of Tom’s “Name the Painting” contests and watched Tom capture so many of our guitar heroes on canvas.

So what has Tom been up to lately?

Check this out:

Hi Friends,

A real quick update…

Ok, I know I’ve been quiet…but I’m not goofing off…really!!

Tom Noll's 10 Foot Les Paul

Having been selected as one of 10 artists in Wisconsin to paint my own 10 foot tall guitar as part of Gibson’s “GuitarTown” Public Art Project, I’m just approaching the midway point on the figures and guitars, and thought I’d share my excitement.Many of you have been following the progress on my website… TomNoll.com

Thanks for all the support.

On my site you’ll find pictures from day 1 to present, and links to articles about the GuitarTown project. There’s been some great media coverage and the tempo in town is building.

Now on to side 2. I’ve added 1 more Les Paul guitar slinger to the original design of 5…a huge player with his own signature Les Paul guitar. Follow along for the next 3 weeks and I think you’ll agree with my additional choice. (you didn’t think I was just going to tell you?)

Also, last week as the intro offer for the Billy Gibbons artprint came to a close, I drew a name from all the people who’d purchased prints, and I’ve shipped the classic black and white photo of Muddy Waters & Billy Gibbons out to the winner…Kevin Coe of “Old Friends Vintage Guitar Store” in Wentzville, MO. Congrats Kevin!!

You know in closing…I can’t fail to mention the “Art Around the World” at http://www.creativeboneartworks.com/paintingPhotos.htm

visit there…it keeps growing globally…thanks!!!

Until next time…Think Big!!

Tom

Tom Noll
22236 W. Hillcrest Dr.
Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
cell 262-844-7499

http://www.tomnoll.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/Creative-Bone-Artworks-Art-Prints

This time it’s Eric Clapton’s LAYLA.

More about Ed’s YouTube Channel coming soon…

“5 Rutbusters That Will Change the Way You Play”.

LINK TO: 5 Rutbusters That Will Change The Way You Play

For me, I found that a string gauge change yielded the most dramatic impact on my playing. Going from 10′s to 9′s was HUGE.

I had to get over the idea that “Real Men Play 10′s” and instead embrace the fact that “Real Men Play Guitar” (and the heck with what their string gauge is….)

By the way, I am a bending freak now!

Check out the article and tell me what you think!

AMAZING PLAYING on a totally unique guitar!

Ronnie Montrose

“A Concert For Ronnie Montrose – A Celebration of His Life In Music” will feature the original Montrose lineup (Sammy Hagar, vocals; Bill Church, bass; and Denny Carmassi, drums), performing the landmark first Montrose album, with special guest Joe Satriani on lead guitar. The original Gamma lineup (Davey Pattison, vocals; Glenn Letsch, bass; Denny Carmassi, drums) will also be on hand, with special guest Marc Bonilla on lead guitar. There will also be an All-Star band, comprised of many of the great musicians that Ronnie played with over the years. Some of the confirmed artists include: Neal Schon from Journey, Steve Smith formerly from Journey, members of Tesla, Eric Martin from Mr. Big, Rickie Philips from Styx, Eric Singer from KISS, Tommy Thayer of KISS and Jimmy DeGrasso from Y & T and Alice Cooper.

Ronnie Montrose was born in San Francisco and moved with his family to Colorado when he was two, returning back to his native home when he was 19 years old. In 1969, he started a band with Bill Church called Sawbuck, but that project got sidetracked when Ronnie was hired to do studio work with Van Morrison (Tupelo Honey), Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter, Herbie Hancock, and others. In 1973, he formed his own band, Montrose, who recorded two albums together. The debut Montrose album went platinum and has been called the “first American heavy metal album.” In 1979, Ronnie formed Gamma, who recorded four albums. Ronnie continued to record through the 1980s and 1990s, and Gamma put out their fifth album in 2005.

“Ronnie was the kindest man I had ever met. I am honored that he was my husband and best friend as well. We slept together, we woke each morning together and we shared every meal together. We savored every moment that we had together. I am so proud of him for the man he was, which extended far beyond his musical abilities. I am full of joy to have been a part of his life, and I’m so happy that he was a part of mine. I dearly thank all of you for your friendship and love you shared with him. I know it meant everything to him.
All love,
Mrs. Leighsa Montrose”

Sammy Hagar stated, “One of my top priorities this year was a Montrose reunion. Ronnie and I planned to do it in Cabo in October. I am so sad it won’t happen, but on April 27th, Joe Satriani, Denny Carmassi, Bill Church and I are going to play the hell out of some Montrose!!!”

Tickets to “A Concert For Ronnie Montrose – A Celebration of His Life In Music” will go on sale on March 30 at 10am. General admission tickets are $55.00 and VIP Reserved tickets are $175.00. AXS.com and goldenvoice.com

A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit the Ronnie Montrose Fund for San Francisco Bay Area Musicians through SweetRelief.org.

Guitar Player magazine will be providing a special limited edition, eight page program for the evening’s events.

BamMagazine.com is a media sponsor for the “A Concert For Ronnie Montrose – A Celebration of His Life In Music” benefit concert.

Here is a link to Sammy Hagar’s Rolling Stone remarks on Ronnie Montrose:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/sammy-hagar-remembers-ronnie-montrose-20120306

For more information, contact: Josh Vittek 760-683-5100 josh@vittekpr.com