Kinda hard to believe that little Joe Bonamassa, the child guitar prodigy at age 8, has crossed the 30 year mark and come a long way since his Bloodline days. Yep, Joe is all grown up now and has proven to be way beyond a child of the novelty with a guitar or another SRV wannabe (KWS?). In fact, Bonamassa continues to expand his chops showing no signs of peaking or leveling off in his ability.Similar to players like Gary Moore & Popa Chubby, Joe can duplicate great guitar players, and incorporates a lexicon of legendary guitar styles from BB to Clapton to Jeff Beck to Eric Johnson-- even up to the phrasing of fellow contemporary Derek Trucks. And although he's currently having fun with those trademark Eric Johnson runs, he's most fond of the Blues where he stays anchored. Opening many many shows for BB King opened Joe's eyes and ears to the broad dynamics of just one note. He can burn it up, but knows that it all starts and ends on just one note. And tone... Joe knows tone.
To keep us in step with Joe Bonamassa, I've assembled a few Youtube performance links which best exemplify his current playing level, as well as demonstrate that he just gets better & better.
Video #1 - Trading licks with Walter Trout, check out the Jeff Beck thumb & fingers in Joe's first solo.
Video #2 - Feb. '08, medley riff off of ZZ's Just Got Paid.
Video #3 - Jan. '08, NAMM - trying pedals at FUCHS booth.
Video #4 - Jan.'08 - Gibson plug, Dynamics & Phrasing- great licks and wise advice.
Video #5 - March '08 - Netherlands, Acoustic Blues. Pete Townshend on steroids!
Video #6 - March '08 - Netherlands, Starship Trooper with a little Cliffs of Dover on the side.
Check the touring schedule-- it's FULL and all over the place!
Links:
jbonamassa.com
bonamassablog.us
myspace.com/jbonamassa
