Release date: June 6, 2006

The opening hums in Charley Patton's 'High Water Everywhere' is suggestive of old Cream harmonies and gets the British blues theme in Joe Bonamassa's upcoming CD, You & Me, started immediately. Basically, that's what it's about. Though the title of this song and the lyrical content may suggest thoughts of a hurricane-ravished New Orleans, the sound is a combination of American blues and British rock, the latter akin to Beck in the Bogert and Appice days. It's a fine intro song, as Bonamassa once again pays homage to yesteryear's greats, both American and British.

'Bridge To Better Days' is a funky, rocked up Bonamassa original. If you've seen Joe live recently, you've seen him do it. The lead solo is incredible, the opening riffs and chops as well. His vocal ability shines, too. 'Asking Around For You' is a slow blues track with the addition of a string section. Though it's very Bonamassa in originality, it has a Gary Moore approach to it. It segues nicely into a dark and extremely moving, slow blues number called 'So Many Roads'. Again, the lead solo midway thru is brilliant. I love the fact that there's three slow blues numbers on the CD. The third, Led Zeppelin's 'Tea For One', is probably his best cover to-date. Bonamassa's guitar playing is worthy of Jimmy Page admiration and guest vocalist Doug Henthorn (of Healing Sixes) compliments Robert Plant's original effort nicely. The emotion and character is present between those amazing riffs and solos.

Diversity is present throughout. The Dan Robey penned 'I Don't Believe' is a house rockin' gem. 'Tamp 'Em Up Solid', once recorded by Ry Cooder, is interesting for its acoustic and slide framework. 'Django' is an instrumental Jeff Beck would be proud of. 'Palm Trees, Helicopters, and Gasoline' is another Bonamassa original. Though this instrumental folk song has a Jimmy Page and Bert Jansch flavor to it, it's done with the speed and accuracy of a modern day Joe Bonamassa. Incredible is the best way to describe it.

Though a British blues theme is what's happening here, You & Me is diverse in material and awash with excellent guitar work. It's very much electric blues, and extremely powerful, yet also soft and mellow where it should be. Joe recently noted that 'You & Me' is like a 'refined' 'A New Day Yesterday', with a bigger and more sophisticated production. That pretty much describes it. Bonamassa fans will be thrilled with it, because as good as his previous CDs are, it's probably his best to date. It's a perfect display of just how much he has grown as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. That the album was recorded with the incredible rhythm section of drummer Jason Bonham and bassist Carmine Rojas undoubtedly has a lot to do with its excellence; however, the icing on the cake is that it's Joe Bonamassa they're backing. You & Me is one of the best blues-rock CDs to come about in quite a while. It's destined to be a classic.

You & Me Track Listing
1. High Water Everywhere
2. Bridge To Better Days
3. Asking Around For You
4. So Many Roads
5. I Don't Believe
6. Tamp 'Em Up Solid
7. Django
8. Tea For One
9. Palm Trees, Helicopters, and Gasoline
10. Your Funeral And My Trial
11. Torn Down

Label: Premier Artists; Release date: June 2006

Links
Joe Bonamassa Talks about Sloe Gin
Record Producer Kevin Shirley Talks about Sloe Gin
CD Review: Sloe Gin by Joe Bonamassa
2006 Joe Bonamassa Interview
Joe Bonamassa
You & Me on Amazon.com