Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl
"Dust Bowl" is the 12th solo album release by blues guitar maestro Joe Bonamassa. Not being one to let the grass grow under his feet, he has lined up a world tour to support the album release. This is on top of the imminent release of the second Black Country Communion album and appearing at their live shows; a busy man indeed.
Following on from his successful 2010 album 'Black Rock', Bonamassa again draws on the experience of producer Kevin Shirley. The album features Vince Gill, Glen Hughes and John Hiatt.
The Bonamassa penned 'Slow Train' opens the album. The moody, British style blues is unmistakably Bonamassa. The arrangement and playing are, as you would expect, impeccable and the guitar licks as accomplished as ever. Bonamassa had a lot to live up following the release of 'Black Rock', but on hearing this track, you instantly know he's at his best. Being in his 30's, Bonamassa has managed to write beyond his years by drawing on a wide array of subjects for his writing.
The album is varied and in places touches on the 'Country' side; no great surprises here due to the obvious influences of Gill and Hiatt. The John Hiatt/John Porter written 'Tennessee Plates' sees Hiatt dueting with Bonamassa and Chad Cromwell playing drums, whilst Vince Gill plays on 'Sweet Rowena', a song he co-wrote with Pete Wasner.
It's not all blues. 'Heartbreaker' is a great classic rock song and sees Glen Hughes singing along with Bonamassa; a match made so often with Black Country Communion. Another upbeat song is 'The Whale That Swallowed Jonah' where Bonamassa's guitar playing excels and his voice filled with emotion. This emotion is evident all over this album and the guitar playing so often quite sublime.
I'm not sure yet whether this is Bonamassa's best album to date because 'Black Rock' was such a milestone. What can be certain is that his collaboration with Kevin Shirley and his choice of musicians is certainly working. His songwriting seems to get better with each release and he has a rare mastery for rearranging others' work. After a few more listens and with time I'm sure it will knock 'Black Rock' off its pedestal.