I knew this was coming. I really did.

Honestly, I thought it would come earlier than it has, perhaps even a year or more ago. But there is no reason to delay it further… now is the time… so here goes….

I receive about a dozen emails a week from GuitarBUZZ readers. Most are very complimentary and thank me for posting a story or review that they had not read anywhere else.

But in the course of an average week, I can expect one of them to read something like this:

“Hey GuitarDaddy, I really enjoy following your blog but I have to ask: “Why do you write so much about Joe Bonamassa”? I mean, the guy’s good, but he’s just a blues player!”
Sincerely,
Regular Reader.

Well, this post is my answer to that question.

Dear RR,

Thanks for your email. I truly appreciate it. I often wonder if anyone reads this crazy passion of mine. The fact is, even if nobody read it at all, I’d still do it!

To accurately answer your question, I need to share something with you.

I need to take you back to the very first post on TheGuitarBuzz.com. I wrote it on December 31, 2008, a little over 3 years ago.

It was New Year’s Eve and after 3 months of research, planning and teaching myself how to use WordPress, I was launching TheGuitarBuzz blog with the first post. It marked the end of the 3 month “development period” that began just a few days after attending my first Joe Bonamassa concert… and here is my ticket to prove I was there:

My first Joe Bonamassa concert was the inspiration for "TheGuitarBuzz.com"

The concert was 2 hours away and it was well after 1:00am when I finally got back home. But even after a 10 hour work day, a 4 hour round-trip drive between Phoenix-Flagstaff and a 2+hour concert, I wanted to play my guitar as soon as I walked in the door.

Why did I want to play my guitar when I should have collapsed into bed? It’s simple. I left that concert inspired because that night, I found my GUITAR HERO!

The truth is, Joe Bonamassa inspires me to play and he also inspired me to create this blog.

I fell in love with the guitar all over again that night and when I finally did lay down in bed, the inspiration to create TheGuitarBuzz came to me. I did not sleep much…for several days.

So I pay tribute to that inspiration by following his career and posting (often) about his guitar playing. My “tribute posts” started with the very first blog post. I titled it: “Here’s To The Guitar Hero!“.  Allow me to re-post a few portions of the “Genesis Post” on TheGuitarBuzz.com:

…[I'm not talking about] the “video game” Guitar Hero… but the REAL Guitar Heroes.  You know… the guys like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Larry Carlton, Brian May, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Sonny Landreth, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Ronnie Earl, Eric Johnson, Jeff Golub, Norman Brown, Robben Ford, Carlos Santata, Robert Cray and so many other six-stringer’s that authored licks more memorable than the songs they’re a part of…

Guitar Heroes have tones you can identify from the first note you hear.  From jazz to classical and from punkers to shredders, these are the guys that rock my world, your world and the world of countless other guitar lovers everywhere. When I listen to my Hero’s play, I am reminded why I play.

There is no other instrument like the guitar. In the hands of a new player, it represents the ability to be expressive, inventive and artistic.  In the hands of an accomplished player, the guitar is the centerpiece of musical creation…

Is the Guitar Hero a dying breed?  I don’t think so.  There are plenty of young guns out there like Derek Trucks, Guthrie Govan and Joe Bonamassa that inspire the next generation to keep the flames alive and burning.  They motivate us to keep practicing, keep learning and keep playing…

Oh by the way, in case you think Joe Bonamassa is the only guitar player I listen to…get this: I have over 12,000 songs on my iPod. Only 169 tracks are by Joe Bonamassa (yes, that’s his entire library of recorded songs plus a few rips from YouTube!)… but Joe is still my GUITAR HERO!

I think he’s a Guitar Hero to a lot of other players as well.

In the past few weeks, his latest album “Dust Bowl” was nominated for “Best Rock Blues Album” and the album “Don’t Explain”, a compilation album Joe did with Beth Hart was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album”.

Classic Rock Magazine - Joe Bonamassa Cover

But don’t think that Joe Bonamassa is “just a blues player”. No RR, not anymore…not at all.

It has taken a while for the media to catch up but finally, this month, Joe Bonamassa was plastered on the cover of “Classic Rock Magazine”!

What’s that title again? “Classic Rock”!

Any why not? Alongside his brilliant solo career, Joe is a founding member of Black Country Communion, the band who has released 2 scorching rock albums, a live DVD and was named “Breakthrough Act of the Year” at the most recent Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards.

Listen RR, I will admit that Joe gets a lot of press on TheGuitarBuzz. Consider me guilty as charged. But a quick glance at my Tag Cloud will reveal the dozens of players and bands who have been referenced in the over 400+ blog posts that have followed that New Year’s Eve 2008 launch.

So where to from here? Well, rather than post yet another Joe Bonamassa post later this week, I will merge it into this one. That way the overall count won’t be as skewed! My plan was to post this video later in the week, but after further thought I believe it fits perfectly right here as the video begins with Joe and his personal reflection on how his career got to where it is today.

The video is a first-class production from Jim Dunlop, introducing Joe’s “Signature Pedals” — the Cry Baby and the Fuzz Face.

“Dunlop is very proud to present two signature pedals that were developed in collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, an artist who is famed for not only being one of the most talented guitarists working today but who also owns one of the most discerning ears when it comes to guitar tone and gear. Joe talks to us about the passion and dedication he has for his craft, the story behind the creation of his signature pedals working alongside Dunlop’s product designer Jeorge Tripps, and gives an intimate solo performance where he features his use of these electronics.”

The truth is, RR, there’s a lot to write about Joe…and I doubt I will stop anytime soon.

Would you stop writing about your hero? Of course not. And neither will I.

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.”

Watch the exclusive video premier of Black Country Communion (Jason Bonham, Derek Sherinian, Glenn Hughes & Joe Bonamassa) recording The Great Divide for their upcoming CD!

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.

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 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.

Black Country Communion

What’s in a name? A lot of problems if you don’t have the legal right to use it.

So it was for Jason Bonham, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian and Joe Bonamassa… until now.

The band they formed was originally announced as “Black Country” until they learned that the name was already being used.

Apparently the problem has been resolved… Meet “Black Country Communion“:

The bands official web site is up. Check it out by clicking HERE.