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Joe Bonamassa Offers FREE DOWNLOAD from Black Rock CD!

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For a limited time… you can download “Blue and Evil” from Joe’s new Black Rock CD for FREE.

Click the image to the left, or CLICK HERE to do directly to the download site.

I’d suggest you do it soon, as this offer took Joe’s servers down over the weekend – but as of a few minutes ago… they were back up and running.

Note the promotional code that you must enter is: BNE2010.

If you missed my previous blog posts about the upcoming CD, you can find follow the links below:

Posted January 20th, 2010: Joe Bonamassa’s BLACK ROCK CD Review

Posted January 4th, 2010: Joe Bonamassa Black Rock CD Coming

Joe Bonamassa’s BLACK ROCK CD

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This morning started out as just another day at the office…  I had a full backlog of “to-do’s” that were all part of playing catch-up after a busy NAMM week.  But along about 10am the mailman arrived and neatly camouflaged in a brown bubble envelope was a promotional copy of Joe Bonamassa’s BLACK ROCK CD.

CANCEL ALL APPOINTMENTS!

BLACK ROCK was recorded at, and named for, Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece.

“With this album, we wanted to explore a “world feeling”, and this was the inspiration behind going to record in Greece and using some of the best Greek musicians to add a little flavor to a couple of the tracks.  But it’s by no means a “world” album.  We wanted Joe’s usual youthful and energetic tones to play alongside the worldly vibes of the Greek bouzouki and clarino,” said Kevin Shirley, producer (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zepplin and most recently “The Ballad of John Henry”).

Bonamassa added: “It’s the kind of record Kevin and I wanted to make.  We needed to rock again a bit like on my first album”.  And rocking is exactly what they did.

Joe scored big-time when he signed up blues legend B.B. King for a duet on a rendition of “Night Life” whigh originally appeared on King’s 1967 album, “Blues is King”.

Other tracks include Jeff Beck’s “Spanish Boots”, Leonard Cohen’s poetic “Bird on a Wire” (which I have had on auto-repeat for about an hour…), Otis Rush’s “Three Times A Fool”, Bobby Parker’s “Steal Your Heart Away”, Blind Boy Fuller’s “Baby, You Gotta Change Your Mind”, John Hiatt’s “I Know A Place” and James Clark’s “Look Over Yonder’s Wall” as well as the Bonamassa originals “Quarryman’s Lament”, “When The Fire Hits The Sea”, Wandering Earth”, “Athens to Anthens” and “Blue and Evil”.

Joe Bonamassa has been on quite a roll over the past 2 years with the release of the double CD “Live From Nowhere in Particular”, followed by “The Ballad of John Henry” and then the double DVD “Live From the Royal Albert Hall”.  He was named “Best Blues Guitarist” in Guitar Player Magazine’s 2009 Readers Choice Awards for the 3rd consecutive year and recently awarded the “Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award” at the U.K.’s prestigious Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards.  Guitar World Magazine dubbed Bonamassa “The Blues Rock Titan” and finally… (demonstrating the true measure of musical success in the 21st Century), his single “Lonesome Road Blues” is a part of Guitar Hero V’s New Blues Masters Track Pack!

Even with all of that, Joe is not taking a break.  BLACK ROCK demonstrates truly ground-breaking territory for the young blues legend by integrating international sounds with sizzling blues and good old fiery rock n’ roll.

BLACK ROCK will be in stores on March 23, 2010 and you won’t want to miss it!

Joe Bonamassa – Black Rock CD Coming 03/09/2010

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Joe Bonamassa’s next CD titled: “Black Rock” will be released on March 9, 2010.

Produced by Kevin Shirley, the new material was recorded at Black Rock, a brand-new studio/villa in spectacular Santorini, Greece.

“This is our sixth project together,” Shirley says. “When we started recording together way back when, one of the tenets of our working relationship was that we were going to push the boundaries. I recognize where Joe’s roots are, but we were going to take the blues to different places. So over the years, we’ve gone swampy, we’ve gone eclectic; in our conversations, we’ve recognized that there are different blues genres: Memphis versus Chicago, Delta blues, Appalachian music, New Orleans, and it’s all related — even back to Celtic music. We’ve always wanted to explore blues around the world and see how all that fitted in.”

Shirley went on to say: “The first thing we did was have a session with these two Greek guys, Thanasis Vasilopoulos on clarino and Manolis Karadinis on bouzouki,” Shirley says. “Neither of them spoke English, and it was an interesting way of getting the music going. We actually recorded one track sitting outside on the patio outside the studio. At night it’s so quiet there, the recording was beautiful. These were different elements that we introduced into Joe’s sound.”

Read the entire article from MixOnline.com by CLICKING HERE.

POST UPDATE – CLICK HERE

Led Zeppelin – Black Dog – Celebration Day is Coming

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Led Zeppelin was, is, and always will be a driving force in the evolution of heavy metal. Their heavy, guitar-driven blues rock opened the world to an intriguing new sound, influencing generations of bands.

Now, more than 40 years after they first came together, they are still one of the most popular rock bands in history, with music that surpasses much of what is produced today. (Phoenix New Times)

I never had the opportunity to see Led Zeppelin live and in person…YouTube doesn’t count… so when the CD/DVD/Blu-Ray combo hits the market next week, I will be ready to BUY.

Celebration Day was filmed in December 2007 at the band’s storied reunion show at London’s 02 Arena. Here is the first official video to be released – check this out:

Black Country Communion DVD Coming 10/10/11

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Black Country Communion - LIVE over Europe DVD

I sent out a tweet last night that said: “Think Joe Bonamassa is just a blues guitarist? Think Rock-n-Roll!”

Black Country Communion, the English-American rock supergroup featuring the talents of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) will release their first live concert DVD on 10/10/11 and I just received my review copy last week.

I must say that listening to “Song of Yesterday” is a like religious experience.

For a limited time you can download the audio FREE at the BCC website.

For those who can’t wait, I have embedded the YouTube video that was posted with the live audio overdub. This is not the video from the DVD, but it is the actual audio.

The 2-DVD live set was filmed with 14 HD cameras and 5.1 surround sound during the band’s debut tour in the summer of 2011. Over three nights, playing to packed venues in the German cities of Hamburg, Munich and Berlin, the 18-song set list (17 originals and 1 cover) hits on both of BCC’s albums – 2010’s debut and 2011’s sophomore release 2, whichThe Sunday Mercury praised, “This is classic rock goes large, an album that lives up to its heritage. It may not be bettered this year.” Live Over Europe highlights include the songs “Black Country,” “One Last Soul,” “Save Me,” “Man In The Middle,” “Cold,” and “Song of Yesterday.” Bonus features include an exclusive 28-page collector’s booklet and DVD with a 20-minute “behind the scenes” featurette and photo collection.

“We saw that this live act could be an awesome force of nature to behold; one that promised legendary performances like those of our heroes of Classic Rock. The plan was to get them out there for the entire world to hear. Records allow a certain musical finesse, but live performance promises so much in the very transient nature of a gig; chances are taken, boundaries are crossed and the most exciting performances explode. Two studio albums built a repertoire big enough for a full concert which allowed us to unleash the monster for the rest of the world to see and feel.”
– Producer Kevin Shirley

BCC recently completed their debut tour, visiting a select number of cities in North America and Europe. On June 10, the band played to a near sold-out crowd in Anaheim, CA where The Orange County Register exclaimed, “The four members of BCC truly recast the heavy rock of the ’60s and ’70s and yank it into the 21st century as well as anyone in recent memory.” At the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, The Birmingham Mail called their performance “rip-roaring” and “breath-taking.”

Black Country Communion Releases First Official Music Video

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Black Country Communion – the English-American hard rock group featuring vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa – have released their official music video for featured track “Man In The Middle.”

It can be viewed BY CLICKING HERE:

“Man In The Middle” is Track 2 off Black Country Communion’s highly anticipated sophomore album “2,” which wa officially released last week.

The video for “Man In The Middle” was directed by Davin Maske and produced by Accurate Productions. Filmed all over Los Angeles, the video features in-studio footage of the band intercut with Hughes cruising around in a cherry red 1965 Ford Thunderbird through the hills of Hollywood, down the Sunset Strip, and along California’s iconic Highway 1.

Hughes had planned to film a video for “Man In The Middle” since the song’s inception. “While writing ‘Man In The Middle,’” said Hughes, “I had a clear vision that this song needed to be filmed. Once again we had a film crew in the studio, and we shot some extra footage on location for the vocals, as the song is very visual. It’s Rock ‘n Roll.”

Black Country Communion played their first live gigs last December – a pair of sold-out shows in London and Wolverhampton. Both shows earned rave reviews with The Birmingham Mail calling the band’s performance “rip-roaring” and “breath-taking.” Due to high demand from US fans for a set of live stateside performances, the band booked a number of summer dates beginning June 9 in San Diego, CA; followed by dates in Anaheim, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; St. Louis, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Hampton Beach, NH; Sayreville, NJ; and Washington, D.C. The band then heads across the Atlantic for multiple dates in Europe and the UK.

Black Country Communion: Track by Track Review

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This is a follow up post to my announcement about receiving a promotional copy of Black Country Communion’s self-titled CD last weekend.

If you missed that post CLICK HERE.
To read more about Black Country Communion, CLICK HERE.

I have listened to the CD many times and while I certainly have my favorite songs, every track is a solid rocker that will stand on it’s own.  So here we go…track by track:

1.) “Black Country” was the original name of the band (before they added the “Communion” part) and now it’s the name of the opening track. The base line thumps and Glenn strongly states: ”I am a messenger, this is my prophecy. I’m going back to the Black Country” and just like that you are sucked into the swell of a guitar and drum combination that has your chest pounding. It’s a strong statement and the very genesis of BCC.

2.) “One Last Soul” has been getting a lot of airtime because of the viral YouTube video where the band played together after a Bonamassa concert. Glenn takes the vocal lead and slaps out a compelling base line with Jason adding drums a-la perfection. The band really gels on this one. I call it classic rock — totally reborn.

3.) Beautifully melodic and inviting, “The Great Divide” drives you the the next level of rock and blues mastery. Glen combines his superb vocals with a bit of screaming (he is the Voice of Rock!) but it all works well on the ears. Joe lays down a sizzling solo with genius phrasing and tone while Derek scoops everybody up and sets up the next lap. After three tracks, you are hooked.

4.) “Down Again” is a somewhat simplistic and slightly predictable blues rocker. Not to worry though…as the song has an addicting nature. Then just when you think you have it figured out, everything slows dramatically and ushers you back in you seat to revel in the moment.

5.) “Beggarman” opens with a welcoming riff that has a definitive Hendrix accent. The lyrics are very simple ”I won’t be no beggar man…”, and that is the weakest point of the track — perhaps the entire CD.  Yet still, it’s a rocking tune and a catchy vibe.

6.) The opening riff to “Song of Yesterday” gently leads you on a stairway to a new kind of heaven. The deliberate beginning gains momentum and breadth and soon explodes into a blues rocker with enough significance to climb the charts. Joe sings the lead and Glen provides strong support. Joe rips off a steaming signature solo midway through the song that is pure Bonna-madness. The song closes with Joe and Glen harmonizing together like a duo that has been together for years instead of days.

[LISTEN TO “SONG OF YESTERDAY”]

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7.) My guess is that “No Time” gave Jason Bonham flashbacks. After all, what’s rock n’ roll without a tiny bit of Zepplinesque? It’s 4 minutes of pounding drums and a bass line that drills deep into your ears. Glen’s vocals are passionate and convincing.

8.) “Medusa” is a remake from Glenn’s days with Trapeze from 1970. He says he was “just a lad” and to that I say that the additional years between recordings have added a maturity to his voice that provide tremendous emotion and feeling. Musically, the song closely mirrors the 1070’s version. Another example of how BCC has delivered classic rock to the modern day.

9.) “The Revolution In Me” is my favorite track. Joe carry’s the vocals effortlessly on this hard driving blues rocker — the kind we have become used to hearing from Bonamassa. We finally get to hear Derek play the Hammond.

10.) “Stand (at the Burning Tree)” gives all of the band members a change to shine. Bonamassa hammers out another riff, Glenn adds some way cool vibes to the lyrics and Derek gets to blend much more Hammond into this mix. We are treated to more blistering Bonamassa solo work at just the right times. Lots and lots of everything to go around on this one.

11.) Glenn and Joe team up to share vocal leads on “Sista Jane” — a real rocker that grabs you by the neck and drags you along for the ride. Glenn & Joe pull off some serious vocal magic and just when you think the song will slow down Joe heats up and leads the band with a massive jam that showcase why he is a modern day “Blues God”. He is about to be promoted to “Rock God”.

12.) The closing track, “Too Late for the Sun“, is an eleven-minute-plus jam with Joe and Glenn swapping the vocal lead. While somewhat methodical, this is a great closing effort to an amazing debut album.

It’s hard to believe these guys never really played together (Derek had never heard Joe Bonamassa play until they were together in the studio!) and after seven days huddled with Kevin Shirley, an album with this synergistic quality could be produced. -GuitarDaddy

This CD has not been formally released and my thirst is soaking wet for the next one.

Black Country Communion Promotional CD Arrives!

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A promotional copy of Black Country Communion’s CD arrived in my mailbox on Saturday.

Black Country Communion Promo CD

After completing my first listen-through, I have to say that this is one kick-ass rock-n-roll collaboration of some great musical talent!

Black Country Communion is comprised of legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

“Black Country Communion is a devastating head-on collision between American and British rock influences-a true supergroup that delivers a titanic rock experience greater than the sum of its supremely talented parts.”

Black Country Communion Track List

Black Country Communion is the brainchild of producer Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin). The band initially came to fruition when Shirley saw Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa join forces on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event. Shirley then recruited Bonham and Sherinian to complete the group.

Named after the industrial area in Britain where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised, BCC began rehearsing and recording tracks written by both Bonamassa and Hughes at Shangri¬La Studios with producer Kevin Shirley in early 2010.

The result is a recording masterpiece with 12 tracks of superbly mixed rock n’ roll that includes enough bluesy grit to rip your ears off!

[CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN TO A PREVIEW OF: “THE REVOLUTION IN ME”]

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“It sounds simple really. Make a record of the type of music you love to listen to. But after almost thirty busy, passionate years making records, there are only a handful I love.

My first loves are those that I, like so many, grew up with -Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Bad Company (I actually didn’t hear Free until much later) – so when I heard Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa tearing through an impromptu jam on Glenn’s song “Medusa”, a light bulb went off. Joe’s manager, Roy Weisman, was standing next to me at the House Of Blues in Hollywood, grinning like a stoned Cheshire Cat. saying “we got something here” – so I said “lets go!

Imagine putting together YOUR dream band! Here’s mine … ”

-Kevin Shirley, Producer

The official release date is September 21, 2010.

Black Country Communion’s Self-Titled Debut Album UPDATE

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Black Country Communion Debut Album

Black Country Communion’s Self-Titled Debut Album Available For Pre-Order On Aug. 9, 2010!

Los Angeles, CA, August 9, 2010: Black Country Communion – the English-American rock supergroup featuring vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa – will make their self-titled, 12-track debut album available for pre-order starting August 9 on the band’s website by CLICKING HERE.

Download The Brand New Single “One Last Soul” For Free!

Black Country Communion will also guest on the nationally syndicated radio show “Rockline” with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with the band by calling 1-800-344-ROCK(7625).

The album will be officially released and available in stores in the UK and Europe through Mascot Records on Monday, September 20 followed by a North America release on Tuesday, September 21 through Bonamassa’s own J&R Adventures Label. The album was produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin), and mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig. It was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu in early 2010.

All songs are sung by Glenn Hughes, with the exception of “Song Of Yesterday” and “The Revolution In Me”, which are both sung by Joe Bonamassa. Hughes and Bonamassa share lead vocals on “Sista Jane” and “Too Late For The Sun”. Also included is a new version of “Medusa”, the rock classic Hughes originally recorded with his first band Trapeze.

The seed for Black Country Communion was planted when Shirley saw Hughes and Bonamassa combine forces on stage in Los Angeles in Nov. 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center’s King of the Blues event. Shirley then recruited Bonham and Sherinian for the project, which is named after the industrial area in the British Midlands where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised.

Black Country Communion is planning a tour in 2011.

Pre-Order New Joe Bonamassa CD DUST BOWL

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CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE NEW JOE BONAMASSA CD “DUST BOWL”!

Joe Bonamassa is set to release his 12th full-length solo album, DUST BOWL in the UK on March 21st and in the USA on March 22nd. The album will be promoted on Bonamassa’s forthcoming 2011 Dust Bowl World Tour that will take in America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.

DUST BOWL is Bonamassa’s 9th studio release on Provogue Records in Europe and his J&R Adventures label (which he created with long-time manager Roy Weisman) in the US and his 6th collaboration with Dust Bowl’s producer, Kevin “Caveman” Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Black Country Communion).

Shirley most recently produced Bonamassa’s 2010 release, Black Rock, which entered the UK album chart at #14 and 2010′s self-titled debut album from Black Country Communion, the Bonamassa-helmed, British-American rock supergroup with Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) and Derek Sherinian (Billy Idol, Dream Theatre).

Recorded in sessions at Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece, Ben’s Studio in Nashville, TN, The Cave in Malibu, CA and The Village in Los Angeles, CA, Dust Bowl combines the gritty, blues-based tones of Bonamassa’s first albums with the fluid, genre-defying sounds he’s mastered in the years since, plus a dose of Nashville in duets with legends John Hiatt and Vince Gill

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