This was the concert that promoted Joe Bonamassa from the ranks of promising young artist with a following, to international star and brought him to the attention of all who followed guitar based music! Playing the Royal Albert Hall is something that Bonamassa claimed was a lifetimes ambition and so he really set out to make an impression with a slightly tweaked line up. Bogie Bowles was joined on drums by Anton Fig in a double drum attack which really made for a powerful sound and was a delight to see for any frustrated drummer like myself! As per normal, veteran Bass player, Carmine Rojas and Keyboard man Rick Melick completed the line up. Bonamassa effortlessly went from Delta and Chicago based blues to rocking the house, Jimmy Page or Gary Moore style and is equally at home playing soulful blues licks or shredding. Bonamassa's credentials were further enhanced by a guest appearance from former Manfred Mann Vocalist Paul Jones, who blew up a storm playing harmonica. JB then followed this up by announcing none other than Eric Clapton on to the stage! They launched into blues standard 'Further On Down The Road' which developed into a jam of truly legendary proportions which prompted Joe to exclaim at the end that "that was the coolest thing I've ever done!" And I can believe it as it was certainly one of the coolest things I've ever seen! Put Bonamassa on stage with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore or virtually anybody and this guy will shine just as brightly because make no mistake, this guy's a genius! The support act was the highly impressive Scott McKeown.
Playing the Royal Albert Hall is something that Bonamassa claimed was a lifetimes ambition and so he really set out to make an impression with a slightly tweaked line up.
Bogie Bowles was joined on drums by Anton Fig in a double drum attack which really made for a powerful sound and was a delight to see for any frustrated drummer like myself!
As per normal, veteran Bass player, Carmine Rojas and Keyboard man Rick Melick completed the line up.
Bonamassa effortlessly went from Delta and Chicago based blues to rocking the house, Jimmy Page or Gary Moore style and is equally at home playing soulful blues licks or shredding.
Bonamassa's credentials were further enhanced by a guest appearance from former Manfred Mann Vocalist Paul Jones, who blew up a storm playing harmonica.
JB then followed this up by announcing none other than Eric Clapton on to the stage! They launched into blues standard 'Further On Down The Road' which developed into a jam of truly legendary proportions which prompted Joe to exclaim at the end that "that was the coolest thing I've ever done!" And I can believe it as it was certainly one of the coolest things I've ever seen!
Put Bonamassa on stage with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore or virtually anybody and this guy will shine just as brightly because make no mistake, this guy's a genius!
The support act was the highly impressive Scott McKeown.