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.
The Seymour Duncan Custom Shop has teamed up with blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa to produce the Joe Bonamassa Signature Pickup Set.
This immaculately crafted and calibrated dual-humbucker set accurately replicates the P.A.F. pickups in Joe’s beloved 1959 sunburst Les Paul.
Their rich, dynamic, and nuanced voice will appeal to all tone connoisseurs who cherish the passion and power of the original humbucker. There are only 1,959 sets available and they are all signed by Seymour and Joe and contain extra features such as a special USB flash drive with special interviews, features and more.
GuitarDaddy’s Comments:
My questions are 1) Will these pickups be used in the next version of Joe’s signature Les Paul? and… 2) 1959 sets total? I can only imaging the street price of these PUPpies…
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.
There’s been a lot of BUZZ around here lately about guitars and art.
Right in the middle of our “Name the Gary Moore Painting Contest” (there is still time to enter), I posted about another masterpiece painting with the International release of “GOLDFINGERz“, a stunning rendition of Joe Bonamassa ripping it up at Montruex.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to interview the man behind the brush, world-renowned artist and owner of Creative Bone Artworks, Tom Noll.
We had a great time talking guitars, painting, Harley’s, Les Paul and life.
Here is the transcript:
What is life like for you on an average day?
Well, waking up is a good start. I never take a day for granted and I fill it with creativity. I’m always envisioning what I can transfer from brain to canvas, and how I can best capture my subject. A long ride on the Harley is always a good brainwave session.
How long have you been painting “professionally”?
My oil painting has only been the last 4 1/2 years. I’ve worked in the design and advertising world for 32 yrs., and after a serious health scare decided to start my Creative Bone Artworks and create a vibrant body of work to leave behind.
The Freeman Newspaper, November 21, 2009
What made you choose Rock-n-Rollers and Guitar Players as your painting subjects? I mean…have you ever painted a picture of a barn in a wheat field? Starting out with fluid watercolors in the late 70’s, I painted the barns and landscapes and did the art fair circuit on the weekends. Recently, I painted the large 8’ x 9’ Bob Marley on request from a client and fell in love with the energy. Now, I live for the positive response to my work, and the happiness that I see it brings to others.
Is it your goal to one day meet the person that you painted? You know, the “artist” meets the “artist” kind of thing? Have you been able to meet anyone that you painted?
Yeah, its always great to meet that person after you’ve spent weeks looking into their psyche to discover what moves them, to bring them to life on the canvas. One such situation was my fortunate meeting with Les Paul, and hanging with him for an afternoon.
Where you able to show him your work? What did he think?
Oh yeah. He was very humbled and he signed several prints and the original oil painting. Its one thing to nail his image, but then you have to get his ax right. With Les Paul…talk about pressure! We used the painting as the backdrop to his book signing that day, and I gave him the framed print #1. He was thrilled! Ultimately, the image filled the front of the local newspaper on the day he was laid to rest.
Tom Noll painting Les Paul
You know when you can put a guys image on his fan’s living room wall for that constant recognition, who wouldn’t be pleased with all that that brings.
I keep missing Joe (Bonamassa) at his shows, and twice friends have delivered images to him for me. Once in Milwaukee, before I had painted him, he was shown what I was planning to do with him in that cool gold lame suit, and then after it was done, he saw an image of it finished in LA and he approved and signed a photo print to me. I’d had a “Name the Painting” contest with his fans going at the time, and I was told Joe wanted to submit an entry, but, well…he’s a busy guy.
Tell me about your guitars! When did you start playing?
I started on a Fender Squire, but I was really challenged and it didn’t even feel right. Then one day I said to myself, “well ya dumb &#%&, you’re lefty handed. So I flipped it over and restrung it, ala Jimi style…and immediately I sounded exactly like him…ha, ha!
Les Paul Signing
Do you have a favorite axe?
Well, the Squire is now retired on the wall, graced with a Joe Satriani signature, and I’ve purchased 4 lefty guitars. I’ve got an electric acoustic guitar, a Martin Backpacker for on the Harley, a Custom Tele, but the Les Paul is probably my fav.
Tom, you have painted an amazing list of past and present musicians. How do you go about choosing who will be on the easel next?
You know, I’m pretty approachable, and often its by request…and if the subject is someone I’m passionate about, I’m off and running. I’ve also done my fair share of custom paintings for clients that the public never sees.
Most guitar players will play guitar well into the late stages of their lives. What about painters? How long do you see this creative drive staying alive in you?
Hmmm…I’m guessing the lifestyle of a musician is a bit more “late night” than mine. If they can hang in there, I’ll be right behind them with my brush. Then, as with the late Gary Moore, now that he’s passed, its my obligation to capture his spirit forever.
Other than painting and playing guitar, does Tom Noll have any other passions?
Ha, ha…step into my garage!
Tom Noll with his painting of Joe Bonamassa, "GOLDFINGERz"
Check out the Latest GUITAR ART BUZZ!
The long awaited print of the Joe Bonamassa oil painting, “GOLDFINGERz”, is now available!
After a patient wait by Joe’s avid fans, the print is finally here!
Available is a 13″ x 37 1/2″ giclee paper print of the Tom Noll original work in oil of Joe tearing into it at Montruex, in his Gold Lame suit. Tim Sorrell Jr. appropriately named that painting “GOLDFINGERz” to Tom’s liking. (Photo reference courtesy of Dr. Jazz…Ueli Frey of Switzerland).
This piece is available to grace your walls for an intense visual while you’re drifting to Joe’s bluesy tones that you know and love.
Visit Tom’s site, Creative Bone Artworks, to place an order directly with him. With same day shipping, Joe will be on a plane headed your direction!
I was lucky to catch a glimpse of this pose from the 2010 Montruex Jazz Fest (Photo reference courtesy of Dr. Jazz… Ueli Frey of Switzerland), and immediatly envisioned this killer painting. I’m proud to be able to spread the word of Joe, and offer to the fans around the world, a visual to go with their prized music collections. -Tom Noll, GOLDFINGERz Artist
Tom has been very gracious in allowing TheGuitarBuzz.com to announce the availability of this print to the world! I want to publicly thank Tom for his support of THE BUZZ and for his faith in this website’s ability to spread the word about GOLDFINGERz.
I received my GOLDFINGERz print a couple of days ago and will say that it’s an absolute stunning work of art! I highly recommend that every fan of Joe Bonamassa order this print. Believe me, you will not be disappointed! - GuitarDaddy
(Better yet, order 2 and give a Christmas present to your favorite guitar lover/player!)
Last night I went to my 4th Joe Bonamassa show. The guy is amazing! His tone is off the charts.
So this morning I am on a tone quest… for Joe’s tone. Came across this video…and with Christmas just 19 days away, well, maybe Santa will drop one off in Arizona.
From Dunlop: The Dunlop JBF3 Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face, a handwired Germanium version of this classic pedal, tweaked for Joe’s thick humbucker sounds and housed in a stunning copper enclosure.
The JBF3 is made with top-shelf components, including Cliff jacks and Omeg pots, and its distinctive finish will develop a unique patina over the years. Two NOS Russian military transistors provide loads of classic, creamy fuzz tones, really coming alive when the Fuzz Face is running full tilt into a cranked tube amp.
The Dunlop Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face is an amazing tone tool, and due to limited production, is certain to become a collector’s item as well
Joe Bonamassa just completed an epic 2-night show at the Beacon Theater in New York City.
As if seeing JB himself is not worth the price of admission…fans at these concerts were treated to guest spots from John Hiatt, Beth Hart and Bad Company’s very own Paul Rodgers.
Until the DVD it is released, you can peruse YouTube for video clips. Here is one of the better ones with Joe and Paul belting out versions of “Fire & Water” and “Walk in my Shadows”.
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 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.”
Buckle up before you hit the play button on this video!
Joe Bonamassa jams guitar with Michael Casswell from Guitar Interactive.
iGuitar met up with Joe Bonamassa and interviewed him while he was in the UK. This video is the guitar performance before Michael Casswell began asking Bonamassa about this Gibson Les Paul ’59, songwriting and the new Black Country Communion Album.
