Tales Of Time
By Martine Ehrenclou
Three-time Grammy nominated blues/rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa returns with Tales of Time, a live concert film and album recorded over two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Tales of Time is set to release on April 14th via Bonamassa’s J&R Adventures in CD/DVD, CD/Blu-Ray, 3 LP 180 gram vinyl and digital formats.
Tales of Time features the blues-rock superstar in peak form, performing raw and rocking tunes, pushing the boundaries of the genre with his band of superb musicians. It’s the next best thing to seeing Bonamassa live, as he seems to give in to his performances, letting loose on guitar riffs and solos, and genuinely enjoying enjoying the collaboration with his band. Against the stunning visual backdrop of the venue, few can deny the thrill of watching him perform.
The CD features ten tracks from Bonamassa’s acclaimed album Time Clocks and the DVD includes extra tracks such as “Mountain Time,” “Dust Bowl,” “Midnight Blues” “I Didn’t Think She Would Do It” and “The Ballad of John Henry.”
As always, Bonamassa surrounds himself with world class musicians including Reese Wynans (keyboards), Calvin Turner (bass), Lemar Carter (drums, percussion), Josh Smith (guitar), and Jade MacRae, Mahalia Barnes and Dannielle DeAndrea on vocals and percussion.
The CD and DVD open with Deepak Chopra narrating passages of Kahil Gibran’s The Prophet over percussion. Joe’s melodic guitar is heard as the rocking crowd pleaser “Notches” kicks into gear. Modulating his voice from soulful to powerful, Joe proves his mettle on this tune, a showstopper indeed. Watching Bonamassa play this inspired guitar solo is a treat for any guitar fan, including this one. The cinematography and sound are unparalleled.
The bluesy “The Heart That Never Waits” is a standout, with Wynans killing it on keys, backed by the incredibly tight rhythm section. Joe’s vocals sound a bit strained but the backing singers fatten the sound. His guitar playing is as you’d expect–soulful and exhilarating. The cinematography on the DVD pans from above the stage to Wynans, to the rest of the band, and of course to Joe who riffs on a blond Telecaster. Vocal powerhouse Jade MacRae sings a brief solo spot over Lemar Carter’s monster drumming.
The crowd goes wild.
After the rocking march of “Curtain Call,” the song “Mind’s Eye” slows things down, beautiful and simple in the most un-simple ways. Joe is at his best here on vocals and guitar. A song of heartbreak, it’s one of Bonamassa’s most moving and melodic.
Joe has an ear for melodies, his songwriting impressive on numbers like “The Loyal Kind,” the blues rocker with a 70s vibe “Known Unknowns” and the blues rocking “Just ‘Cos You Can Don’t Mean You Should.”
Mid way through the DVD, Joe and the band go to town on “Evil Mama,” a rhythmic standout. Once again, the rhythm section locks down while Wynans works his magic on B3. One can never get enough of the famed keyboard player. The song is a seamless rocking number that includes Joe’s devil-in-the-details guitar solo played on a Les Paul. One of the benefits of the DVD, is seeing Joe and the band digging deep and grooving.
When Bonamassa takes his foot off the gas like on the DVD-exclusive “Midnight Blues” by Gary Moore, that’s when it gets real. Soulful isn’t just a word here on this slow blues gem.
On the DVD, Joe closes the show with a story about writing with the noted songwriter Will Jennings, adding a dose of humor as he launches into “Mountain Time” a mid-speed rock ballad from his 2002 album So, It’s Like That.
Video bonus features for the DVD include “Dust Bowl” and “The Ballad Of John Henry.”
Pre order Tales of Time HERE
“The Loyal Kind (Live)”
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