by Brian D. Holland
Joe Bonamassa dreamed of being a professional guitarist and playing the Royal Albert Hall ever since he was a young boy growing up in Utica, New York. This dream came true on May 4, 2009. In reference to that ultimate concert experience, he states in the DVD’s onset, “You only get one shot to make it right.” As his fantasy becomes realized, the trepidation is compounded when his longtime idol, guitarist Eric Clapton, steps onstage to play alongside him. Does Joe get it right? He certainly does.
He walks onstage playing the howling intro notes to Django as the jam-packed hall welcomes him with a standing ovation. Trading off guitars (a Les Paul Gold Top for an Ernie Ball Music Man Baritone), the tone monster then delves into “The Ballad of John Henry”. With another Les Paul in hand, he soars off on a blues lead trek in “So It’s Like That” (from the 2002 CD of the same name), a definite crowd pleaser. “Last Kiss”, from The Ballad of John Henry CD, puts Bonamassa well into his first set.
Following incredible performances of “So Many Roads” and Stop”, Eric Clapton takes to the stage for an exhilarating “Further On Up The Road”, in which both virtuosos take turns singing and soloing. Joe utilizes a new Yamaha LJX 26C acoustic in “High Water Everywhere”, and then takes his Les Paul into a 9-minute “Sloe Gin” excursion.
In the intro to DVD two, Joe talks about his early influences. A slide show of the young musician alongside some of them, most notably B.B. King (right before his twelfth birthday), ensues during the conversation. He explains that the chance meeting led to an opening slot with the great bluesman, a show in front of 5000 people. A tour then followed.
Highlights on the second DVD include Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Your Funeral My Trial”, with Paul Jones (Brit singer, harmonica player, and actor) on blues harp. Joe then displays his prowess once again for blues lead soloing in “Blues Deluxe”. Though that’s nothing new for him, it’s extra nice here in the Royal Albert Hall setting, placing him on a pedestal with Clapton and the best of them. He kicks some bluesrockin’ ass in “Story Of A Quarryman” and does ZZ Top some Rio Grande justice with his version of “Just Got Paid”. Placing the audience in spellbound mode with the soaring notes in “India”, the intro segues magically into “Mountain Time”. The show closes with “Asking Around For You”, from 2002’s You and Me album.
For long-time fans of Joe Bonamassa, those who’ve been around since his early days, this DVD is a gratifying keepsake of a major highlight in the musician’s career. When a performer headlines London’s Royal Albert Hall, it’s probably safe to say that he’s finally made it. And although there’ll be more achievements for him, the concert herein is no doubt an excellent one. It’s not only a momentous occasion for Joe Bonamassa, it’s one for bluesrock in general.
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The included booklet contains an excellent description of Joe’s gear, so there’s no need to go into much detail here. However, besides 5 Les Pauls, his Ernie Ball/Music Man John Petrucci Baratone is a very nice instrument, and full of colorful tone. He used that as well as a 2009 Music Man 25th Anniversary Hardtail. All were plugged into his ’87 Marshall Jubilee and others (also noted inside). The DVD tone is impeccable throughout.
The importance of a good band is imperative to any live show, so the band members are listed here:
Joe Bonamassa: guitar and vocals
Rick Melick: keyboards, tambourine, and backing vocals
Carmine Rojas: bass
Anton Figg: drums
Bogie Bowles: drums
Lee Thornberg: trumpet and arranger
Sean Freeman: sax
Mike Feltham: trombone
Disc One
1. The Road To The Royal Albert Hall (short documentary)
2. Django
3. The Ballad Of John Henry
4. So, It’s Like That
5. Last Kiss
6. So Many Roads
7. Stop!
8. Further On Up The Road (with Eric Clapton)
9. High Water Everywhere
10. Sloe Gin
Disc Two
1. I first met B.B. King (short documentary)
2. Lonesome Road Blues
3. Happier Times
4. Your Funeral My Trial (with Paul Jones)
5. Blues Deluxe
6. Story Of A Quarryman
7. The Great Flood
8. Just Got Paid
9. Mountain Time
10. Asking Around For You
Extras:
Bus Interview (Joe talking about the music while playing his Gold Top thru a Marshall Class 5)
Woke Up Dreaming (acoustic)
Label: J & R Adventures
Links:
Joe Bonamassa Live From the Royal Albert Hall on Amazon
Joe Bonamassa
Editor: If you’d like to catch a glimpse of a very young Joe Bonamassa sharing the stage with Danny Gatton check our latest Publisher Note HERE.
