Joe brought a stellar lineup out to Greenwich and elsewhere for his celebration of British Blues. Picking obvious numbers and mixing them with rarer compositions, the group touched on the history and influence of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page and their respective outfits. To hear him rattle out the sturdy Mayall warhorse Little Girl alone justified attending. This release finds the cream of players presenting quality songs plus Bonamassa’s ever-improving singing. Here are the details as we know them …

Joe Bonamassa, the two-time GRAMMY-nominated blues rock guitar icon, who will kick-off his UK and European tour March 9th, has announced the release of British Blues Explosion Live on Friday 18th May 2018 on CD/DVD/Blu-Ray & 3LP (Black / Red, White & Blue) via Mascot Label Group in Europe and J&R Adventures in North America.

The DVD and Blu-ray includes amazing bonus content such as Joe performing “Taxman” Live at the Cavern Club, Joe being honoured with a “Brick In The Wall”, the British Blues Explosion Explained by Mick Wall and a photo gallery of the British Blues Explosion UK Tour.

A Salute to the British Blues Explosion, featuring the unbelievable music of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page! Joe pays tribute to his British Blues heroes during a short but very sweet tour of Britain – 5 performances only. This show was recorded at Greenwich Music Time at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London on 7th July 2016.

Joe Bonamassa has been more influenced by the impact of British Blues than by any other music out there. From a young age, the musically inclined Joe fell in love with the hard-rocking, gritty and edgy sound that emanated from mid-1960’s Britain. This is especially true of the highly innovative and evocative guitar music produced by three of the field’s greatest heavyweights, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. With the deepest reverence for what these three men have accomplished and a true love of their music.

Joe Bonamassa’s love of the British Blues is at the heart of his musical inspiration; and, for the first time, with this unforgettable performance he was able to give special homage to the British guitarists that inspired him, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.

The five-piece band included Michael Rhodes (Bass), Reese Wynans (Keyboards), Anton Fig (Drums) and Russ Irwin (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals).

Tracklisting

1. Beck’s Bolero / Rice Pudding

2. Mainline Florida

3. Boogie With Stu

4. Let Me Love You Baby

5. Plynth (Water Down The Drain)

6. Spanish Boots

7. Double Crossing Time

8. Motherless

9. SWLABR

10. Tea For One / I Can’t Quit You Baby

11. Little Girl

12. Pretending

13. Black Winter / Django

14. How Many More Times

You can watch the official trailer for Joe Bonamassa ‘British Blues Explosion’ in this article. 

Pete Sargeant