Joe Bonamassa - Had to cry today (full album) 2004
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*****
Even in his fourth studio album, dated 2004, Joe Bonamassa imposes as the title one of the covers contained ... the most prestigious and successful: it is a masterpiece by Steve Winwood who in his time (1969) opened the first and Blind Faith’s only album.
In “Had To Cry Today“ the influences are explicitly mentioned and are wide-ranging, demonstrating that it is certainly not culture that Bonamassa lacks.
Armed with a substantial arsenal of vintage and handcrafted guitars, with amplifiers from various eras (the instruments used for the main parts are mentioned for each song), Bonamassa presents himself full of enthusiasm, with good instrumental technique and a robust voice.
Taking inspiration from great guitarists might be dangerous, but Joe doesn’t try to imitate his heroes; he indulges in his own interpretation of those languages, with a sound that in the end, despite the different instruments used (Gibson ES 335, Fender Stratocaster, artisanal Tele), has a distinctive imprint that he evokes without citing, emulating in spirit more than in details.
At ease in the tightest songs as in slow blues, with electric as with acoustic, Bonamassa moves with ease delving into various forms of blues and rock, adding a pinch of country, ranging with a certain taste; even if the emphasis is on virtuosity, a good dose of emotion emerges to balance the performances.
The mix of covers and originals this time says 4 and 7 respectively.
Among the covers there is “Reconsider Baby“ by blues master Lowell Fulson, with which Clapton also toured his celebrated “From The Cradle“.
Less known is “Never Make Your Move Too Soon” by the inevitable , on which however Joe takes care to let us know, from the liner notes, that his version is inspired by the sound of the second Jeff Beck Group, the one from the beginning seventies.
Albert Collins’ version of “Travellin’ South“ is rendered in an early Ten Years After style.
Then there are the originals signed by Bonamassa, and this is where the album takes on greater interest.
“Around the Bend” emotionally evokes the barren hills and endless greenery of Ireland or Scotland.
“When She Dances” is a melancholic and atmospheric song, almost an exercise in Dire Straits style.
“Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat” is a virtuosic rag in which Bonamassa travels very agilely like an expert countryman.
Still in a somewhat virtuosic context, but always with due passion, there is also the instrumental final “Faux Mantini“: an acoustic on the right and one on the left chasing each other, accompanying each other and occasionally going in unison.
One of the best works of the guitarist from the state of New York, “dirtied“ by the usual, reiterated (and honestly declared) reliance on his many idols.
Four and a half stars.
00:00 Never make your move too soon
04:06 Travellin south
07:56 Junction 61
08:45 Reconsider baby
15:37 Around the bend
20:49 Revenge of the 10 gallon hat
23:43 When she dances
28:36 Had to cry today
35:27 The river
40:56 When the sun goes down
43:41 Faux Mantini
Joe Bonamassa – guitars, acoustic guitar, vocals
Eric Czar – bass, fretless bass
Kenny Kramme – drums, percussion
Benny Harrison – Hammond organ
Jon Paris – harmonica