Welcome to the forum. As you must know, the live DVD of A New Day Yesterday was recorded in a pretty small place in Fort Wayne, Indiana, back in 2001. (I remember taking a road trip long ago to see Joe in Fort Wayne, at a Hot Dog Festival--or maybe a BBQ rib fest--of all things.) And since you mentioned Bloodline, you've probably seen this on YouTube, but in case not:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb2-ZyF- … redirect=1
There's really nothing mystical about Joe's career. He's been putting in the effort to reach this point, ever since he was 4. When you've got talent and a goal, even at that tender age, not much can stop you.
When Bloodline didn't make it past one album, Joe was still a pup, mind you. Knowing the way he talks about his parents keeping him in line, even as they took him to play early solo gigs, but then had him home in time for bed and school the next day, I would imagine Joe was basically busy with finishing high school, and practicing, practicing, practicing.
The wikipedia article on Joe is a decent source of further info, if you've never seen it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Bonamassa
On Joe's Planet Rock radio show of a week ago, he revisited learning to tour from Ian and Martin (and co.) while opening for Jethro Tull...those would have been epic shows. Wonder if anyone here ever caught one? All I've seen is references and Joe playing with them on YouTube vids.
FWIW, I once saw Ian and company touring for "Too old to rock and roll, too young to die"--one of many Tull shows I've seen over the years. But back then, Joe pretty much had just been born--or was about to be. (I was in college, at the time [1977]. Boy, some recollections just make one feel old.)
Thanks for sharing the No Slack link.
Play like you've worked at it, and don't worry about sounding like your influences. You can't cheat on them, or your practice, anyway. If you've worked hard at your skill, your audience will know it.