This album was the beginning of a change in fortunes for Mr. B. Before this record, he was well known within blues circles, but he was finding it hard to break through. He had recorded 4 albums before this that had been well received, but he seemed to be treading water. So for this record, grade A producer, Kevin Shirley, was brought in to give him a much needed shot in the arm. You have to say it worked rather well, as 15 years later they are still working together.
The album is a near enough 50/50 split with originals and covers, and as usual, Joe plays his ass off – only this time, due to a killer production, each song hits the spot. I know a lot of people don’t like Shirley’s style of production and the sound he gets, but you have to agree it’s a marriage made in heaven for Joe.
The emphasis on this record was to make a true blues album, and not a rock album with a hint of blues. Originals like Bridge To Better Days which is a fantastic song, and a traditional cover like Your Funeral And My Trial, just work so well here. It’s so easy to do blues covers and just play them without giving them the respect they deserve, and I think Joe does a great job here of mixing the two perfectly. If I’m pushed for a favourite I would go for Django, as Joe’s playing is so good and so emotive. Bonamassa doesn’t make bad records, and the attention to detail is second to none.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
