COVER STORY
Joe Bonamassa by Christie Goodwin
To that end , Bonamassa has dug even deeper to respect his roots by honoring some of his strongest influences on his recent spate of tribute tours , the latest of which can be seen and heard on his current release , Live at the Greek Theatre , recorded on August 29 , 2015 , at the fabled Los Angeles outdoor venue in Griffith Park . Next up is a live run in tribute to the three British Kings — i . e ., Eric Clapton , Jeff Beck , and Jimmy Page . “ It ’ s a huge task what we ’ re doing , and it ’ s a huge responsibility to service the music properly ,” believes Bonamassa . “ We ’ ve been doing these tributes the last 3 years , because they ’ re fun . Last year , we did the Three Kings — Freddie , B . B ., and Albert . It was the same vibe as the year before that when we did Howlin ’ Wolf and Muddy Waters [ captured on August 31 , 2014 , for the brilliant Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks ]. I think that gig at Red Rocks was my best gig ever , to this day . We walked out there and had a quiet confidence . It was joyous from the downbeat . I was feeling good . The band was just on fire . You ’ re in front of 10,000 people and you go , ‘ How does life suck at all at this moment ?’”
Though Bonamassa confirms this year ’ s British Kings live dates will be “ the last in that series , for a while ” in terms of tribute shows , he realizes what ’ s at stake for the bigger picture . “ It is fun , and every time I ’ ve done one of those , I come out a better musician ,” he admits . “ Immersing myself in someone else ’ s catalog only helps the newer stuff I ’ m doing .”
Mike Mettler writes the weekly Audiophile column for the Digital Trends website and is also the music editor of Sound & Vision . He interviews artists and producer about their love of music and its creation on his own site , The SoundBard
www . soundbard . com
Bonamassa takes none of his achievements for granted . “ Sometimes I wake up and I really am very thankful and grateful ,” he concludes . “ The fans have put me where I ’ m at , 100 percent . You know , I think the diversity of the catalog has helped the diversity of the audience . It ’ s not just one thing .” Diversity in material and an unwavering willingness to grow and continually challenge his skill set — that ’ s how Joe Bonamassa goes riding with the Kings to appeal to a whole new generation of eager listeners . ■
OCT / NOV DIGITAL EDITION GUITAR TRICKS INSIDER 41