Not feeling it
2
By prspilot
I have loved JB for over a decade, and seen him live a few times (and he was AMAZING). I have loved just about everything he has done. Unfortunately, this release I am not feeling it at all. His style doesn't mesh well with the songs he's covering. It feels like the "soul" of the songs is missing unlike the 3 Kings covers..where he nailed it. There are a few good tracks, but to me it will be a pass.
Those who can do, those who can't criticize the ones who do.
5
By thebluesman26
Let's address the elephant in the room. The guitar playing community has devolved into a position in which artists like Joe Bonamassa would be ostracized no matter what he would do with this album. If he took the traditional route, he would be branded as "unoriginal." If he would take a different route, all the purists would bash him for not having the "feel" or "mojo." No one on this earth would do this to a classical pianist releasing an album playing compositions of Mozart and Beethoven or a jazz singer performing Ella Fitzgerald tunes.
Joe Bonamassa plays according to his own style and abilities. Yes, even the way he dresses is part of his style as an artist. Just remember, every artist has an image to sell in their records and concerts. Whether you like it or not, to each his own.
Now that we got this out of the way, let's focus on the album. The live album is a snapshot of Joe's homage of some of our heroes. The vocals were great and the song choices were fantastic for the album. This theme of diving deep into Clapton, Page, and Beck have given the gateway to people discovering more great music. After seeing him recently, I was blown away by his newer material coming in September. In all, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Middle of the road
3
By jkdgun
There are some tracks here that I like as a blues/rock fan. Love the old Joe of Rockpalast days but the new Joe, not so much. First, this was live and I have no idea what kind of sound Joe was looking for here but his guitar sound was echoed and flat. Very different than his normal tone. The keyboards seemed far to featured on this album as a whole so for those who love keyboard work will like it. Bass didnt come thru to clearly at times and others it was very transparent. Drums kicked nicely. I will keep one foot in the door just in case Joe decides to get back to punching it hot and nasty. Just too mellow for me.
Classic JB
3
By ItsChilly
Not trying to sound like the originals...
Great playlist
5
By Wanger60015
Seen joe many times. Wish he’d do this set in Chicago. Great tribute to British Rock
Not his best
3
By Brontosaurious
I have seen this guy play live and was very much impressed. But here songs are kind of a rush job. some tracks are godo
Five Stars to a true current blues/rock legend
5
By DoubleT&T
Most of the negative reviewers here are a bunch of deaf old dits that live in the past!!! They probably like disco & bubble gum music too... Joe is a true musical talent, good voice & phenomenal guitar player. Joe does these classic songs with absolute precision while adding his own flair. Keep up the good work Joe!!! And by the way, if you want to put out an album every week, I’ll be pleased!!!
DoubleT&T
Lighten Up, Baby! by Jimi’sGone?!
4
By Vikings rule packers drool
Yeah, yeah, expectation was probly too high... But say Brit Explosion to a ‘60’s rocker and all we heard was Brit Invasion. We all know where to go for the originals, BlzGtr. And we know we’re not gittin’ Hendrix or Page on stage anywhere. Bonamassa has never headlined as an incarnation; he knows how to ‘pay tribute’ to what he respects in this genre. You see him in concert bcz his love affair with that instrument charms you into mush. Any musician who can write “Woke Up Dreaming”, let alone EVER play it twice, doesn’t need the critic’s blather here on technique. (And there were some valid critiques of JoeyB...)
I wanted the full on Invasion, not Pretending- as pretty as it is. He can get there one day if he wants to. But I loved this album and have already put the gems on my Playlist, (thank you for the priceless reminder!) Just made me want the Full On Brit Explosion Line up album sooner!
Joe's covers
4
By Mr. Musicman
I also prefer the originals. That's not what Joe should be judged on. I think his solo work is outstanding.That's what he should bejudged on. I think he covers the old songs as a tribute to the great guitarists who have gone before him.
Dull as Dishwater
2
By The Bradleyss
Poorly recorded, everything played slow, bad singing...sounds like a fairly typical bar band on a slow Thursday night.
