JOE BONAMASSA
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 (Mascot)
Joe Bonamassa is known for playing an eclectic mix of blues music, and Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 includes covers by such greats of the genre as Peter Green and Guitar Slim. The album has already spawned four singles – the latest, Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) is one of only three original tracks out of 10.
Those who prefer their blues ‘weepy’ may be a little disappointed – true, the album opens with an emotional cover of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland’s Twenty-Four-Hour Blues, but then branches off in the direction of rock’n’roll and swing. I Want To Shout About It has a definite ‘let’s twist’ vibe, before Bonamassa winds down again with the heartfelt Is It Safe To Go Home, written by the record’s producer Josh Smith and deserving of five stars on its own. Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the original Blues Deluxe album, is a great showcase for Joe Bonamassa’s talents and influences alike.
words LYNDA NASH