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Joe Bonamassa

British Blues Invasion Live BluRay

Review by Gary Hill

After  a short bit of documentary that outlines the British blues movement of the 1960s we’re taken into the concert to continue. It is immediately apparent just how good Joe Bonamassa and his band are as they tear through the opening instrumental medley. It is clear from the onset that they are not content to just reproduce these tunes. Instead they bring their own flavors to the recipes, creating something unique from the familiar ingredients. This show is cooking with fire and spice.

The video quality here is top notch. So is the audio. That really lets the performance shine, and shine it does. I love how, rather than covering the major hits of the movement, they take on the deeper cuts. I have always thought that Bonamassa was like a more faithful blues version of Led Zeppelin, so it is appropriate that he hits several of their tunes. Still, that is far from the end of the line with Cream, Jeff Beck, John Mayall and more getting air time. There is even one from Willie Dixon and one Bonamassa original. Their version of “SWLABR” rivals Cream, really.

There are some cool bonuses on the disc, too. Perhaps the best of those is a black and white video of Bonamassa and company covering The Beatles’ “Taxman” at The Cavern Club. How appropriate is that? Bonamassa’s guitar is on fire on the tune via an extended jam, too. They also include a video of Bonamassa getting a brick in the wall of The Cavern Club. Journalist and author Mick Wall talks about the British Blues movement in another bonus feature. A photo gallery rounds out the bonus features.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

 
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