Hey there. Let’s begin with a disclaimer. I’m partial to live albums – when they’re done well. So it’s no surprise that I love Joe Bonamassa’s latest album, Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman, because it’s just outstanding.
It has all the elements that make music exciting and vital. No musical corner-cutting here. Great songs, arrangements, production, and musicianship that’s just … wow!
The album gets bonus points too. First, because it was (essentially) a live performance of Bonamassa’s Royal Tea album before that one was released. (That’s ballsy.) Second, it raised over $30k for musicians in need of Covid help. (Kudos there.) And third, it was recorded during one of the best livestreams made during lockdown – reaching thousands of fans across dozens of countries. (I for one, needed that.)
And speaking of livestreams, that’s part of the deal with this release. You can own the concert video now too. Good deal!
Of course the one thing lacking was a real, live audience. Instead, Joe and his band played to technicians and a sea of cardboard-cutout-filled seats. Not ideal for a band’s energy level. But when you listen to the tracks, there’s not a drop of energy missing. Score one for real pros.
This is Joe Bonamassa at his King-of-Blues-Rock best folks. If you’re already a fan, Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman will remind you why. If you’re not, you might just become one after a listen.
Online Corner
This week’s latest crop.
Videos
- Blues Traveler is feeling the pull of love – it’s pulling as heavy as a “Ball And Chain”
- The Atomic 44’s may be coming for you real late at night so watch out for the “Boogeyman”
- Sean Chambers is premiering a single from his next album, “Hidden Charms,” a Willie Dixon tune
Audios
- Wilburt Lee Reliford’s posthumous album “Seems Like A Dream” has dropped a single: “Tappin’ That Thing”
- Deb Ryder points out that you never know what tomorrow will bring so it’s best to “Just Be Careful”
- Colin Linden’s dropping his first single, “4 Cars,” from his upcoming (September) album “bLOW”
- Southern Avenue reminds us all that we’ve all got to test our limits from time to time, so “Push Now”
Articles
- Jose Ramirez, the Costa Rican Bluesman, gets the full, in-depth interview treatment in the latest Blues Blast Magazine
- Shemekia Copeland gives a nice interview in Relix on the heels of her multiple Blues Music Awards last week
Podcasts/Livestreams
- The Gibson Garage is now open in Nashville; here’s the grand opening Experience/Show
- A Buddy Guy Documentary is out now – and I’m thinking it’s about time
Spotlight: The Blues Festival Guide
Talk about your valuable resources! That’s what you get from The Blues Festival Guide.
For 19 years The Guide has been fanning the Blues flame. And becoming a go-to source for some of the deep-dive Blues info fans need. Here’s how they describe what they do. “New Blues fans are cultivated, marginal Blues fans are converted and Blues societies gain new members.”
They do this by assembling an encyclopedic listing of Blues Festivals from all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe. So you can find the grass roots Blues going down in your backyard. They also have a huge list of links for just about any Blues artist or associated entity you could think of. Oh, and did I mention it’s all free?
New Blues Albums
This week’s collection.
Out Now
- Joe Bonamassa: Now Serving: Royal Tea From The Ryman
- Deb Ryder: Memphis Moonlight
- Kelly’s Lot: Where And When
- Guy Davis: Be Ready When I Call You
- Chris Gill: Between Midnight And Louise
- Mike Goudreau Band: The Isolation Blues
Coming Soon
- Alligator Records: 50 Years Of Genuine Houserockin’ Music (Jun 18th)
- Cedric Burnside: I Be Trying (Jun 25th)
- Dave Kalz: Relish (Jun 25th)
- Dom Martin: Savages Live At The Harlington (Jun 25th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
More new tunes this week on the ATWB: New Blues Playlist are from Deb Ryder, Blues Traveler, Earl Thomas, and of course Joe Bonamassa (and more).
I update the Playlist every week with the new tunes I like. (It’s my job man.)
So check them out on Spotify — and please Follow or Share.
Photo by Adrian Maximiliano Arellano on Unsplash
I’ll Leave You With: Some Buddy Guy
Here’s the ever-young Buddy Guy performing “Mustang Sally” at the Glastonbury Festival in 2008. (When he was a mere 72 years of age.)
This clip gives you the “Full Buddy” treatment. He’s hotdogging, screaming, conducting the crowd, smiling, and generally having more fun than anyone in the audience.
Not for nothing, the clip also shows off the keyboard player, Marty Sammon. One of my absolute faves.
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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