• From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Topic: Is it me, or...?

Let me preface this by acknowledging the tremendous support and exposure that BluesWax has given Joe over the years. It's been very much appreciated. But unless I have missed it somewhere, I can't help but notice the complete lack of even a passing mention of a new record that debuted #1 on The Billboard Blues Chart, and then held that #1 position for 5 straight weeks? It it just me, or has anyone else wondered the same thing? Or has there been a mention of Sloe Gin, and I missed it?

It's not my intent to bash BluesWax. As I mentioned they've given us a lot of ink. I just thought that a new Blues record making such a splash on the charts would be something deemed newsworthy and/or warranting a mention in such a publication. Maybe there's a article in the works...or maybe I concern myself with stuff that I shouldn't!

  • From: St. Louis, MO
  • Registered: 2006-06-20
  • Posts: 960

Re: Is it me, or...?

Stu,

I agree with you! I just received the new e-zine of BluesWax and after skimming through it, not a mention of it, not even a pic of the CD on the left hand side. I have some pics from the Greater Ozarks Blues Festival a couple of weeks ago and will submit some photos to them, of course with our beloved Joe and Co. along with Aunt Kizzy's Boys and Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials. I am not sure how they are in regards to photographers submitting unsolicited photos...we will see.

I am disappointed in BluesWax and their complete avoidance of acknowledging Joe and Sloe Gin and the ranking on the charts.

~Rhonda

"I don't think obsessions have reasons, that's why they're obsessions....National Geographic likes their pictures in focus..." Robert Kincaid

photogal's Website

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Is it me, or...?

Hi guys. I noticed the same thing so I sent them an e-mail. BluesWax, as you know, is connected to Blues Review, and yes, they've always been big Joe supporters. Maybe it's just that this CD is so different they are having trouble? I suggest you send them a note also..Cathy

  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Re: Is it me, or...?

It wasn't my intent to stir up any bees nest here. I guess it's fine to email them if you want but please keep it positive! They have been very good to us in the past.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Is it me, or...?

oh well

IM ON A BRIDGE TO BETTER DAYS

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Lee
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  • From: Minnesota
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
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Re: Is it me, or...?

It seems to me that BluesWax and Blues Revue are always a little slow when it comes to reviews. I think it was a few months after "You And Me" was released that they finally did a review. I also don't think they really pay much attention to the charts. I've talked to their representative at the past two Bayfront Blues festivals and they do indeed think rather highly of Joe. Like Stu said, please keep your e-mails positive.

  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: Is it me, or...?

Stu,
I receive all the e-zines and have noticed the same thing...I have not seen a single mention of Sloe Gin or Joe.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • Rocket
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Re: Is it me, or...?

Blues Wax /Blues Revue have been unquestionably excellent in the past for Joe Bonamassa.  Not privy to insider info, yet I would have to venture perhaps they are just trying out a "keeping an ace up the sleeve" act until the timing suits both?  Sustained position IS news, but it can also be news that is considered worth "Watching" without comment or coverage, until something-or nothing, changes...just a quick opinion of mine.

Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”
  • jim m
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  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
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Re: Is it me, or...?

Not sure what to make of it either. There was a review of  Robben Ford's new one in the last issue. I wouldn't expect them to give Robben any attention since he is outside the tight little blues box. I would expect something soon on Joe. If not. Maybe they are making a non statement about Joe's direction.

Who knows. The blues community is pretty much split on Joe. Those that love him inspite of his blues sacralidge and those that don't. Blues wax did find a way to exclude Joe at least partially from the Artist/Album of the year nominations. I'm sure it wasn't the editors idea as much as it was pressure from the blues community. I will refer to them as purists.

Joe's recent spurt in popularity hasn't been hurt too much by the lack of love shown by Blues Wax or Blues Review.

jim m's Website

  • susan
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  • From: Lake Mary, FL/USA
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Re: Is it me, or...?

I did notice that and I think it's a little wierd.  I do think they will interview Joe at some point.  I just thought it would have happened by now.  I actually thought it would have happened the first week the record debuted #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.  Oh well, What do I know?  hmm

Susan

"Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding"
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Is it me, or...?

I got a return e-mail saying "We're big fans of Joe's here. Sometimes reviewers can be kind of slow. Thanks for your patience."...Don't worry, Chip Eagle is one of my Blues Heroes, my e-mail was polite......Cathy

  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 3,742

Re: Is it me, or...?

I personally dont think Joe gives a hoot, whether they support him now or not, he said he has to follow his heart. If the album is outside of the blues purist box..OH WELL!!... to bad, get over it. Claptons put out some over the years that fall well outside the box, I'll bet they dont toss him aside for even a second. Star power baby, Joe will have it in his hand worldwide, then they all come running....again!!!!

Shred

  • gary
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Re: Is it me, or...?

I do believe Blues review will get to, it but as been said here there is a little lag in reviews from release.I have a connection will have someone ask if its in the works. I am not sure about how the ezine works[should be quicker on reviews]

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

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  • gary
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Re: Is it me, or...?

Shredit wrote:

I personally dont think Joe gives a hoot, whether they support him now or not, he said he has to follow his heart. If the album is outside of the blues purist box..OH WELL!!... to bad, get over it. Claptons put out some over the years that fall well outside the box, I'll bet they dont toss him aside for even a second. Star power baby, Joe will have it in his hand worldwide, then they all come running....again!!!!

Shred

I am not sure about the ezine but I do know that blues review has reviewed many cds that are not pure blues ,some cds that are even pretty much soul or rock.Joe was on thier cover not too long ago

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

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15 Reply by Rocket (edited by Rocket 2007-10-04 23:00:05)

  • Rocket
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Re: Is it me, or...?

Shred I don't think Joe does give a hoot and neither do I really, but then I think again quickly and I still do.  I can expand my thoughts from before that I think waiting is a game that can pay dividends, if say, a very long run on top for Joe occcurs here, since both publishers and artists can do VERY well when things ARE very well already for the artist (just look at a crappy Rolling Stone issue and try to figure who's gettting the better deal, the "hot" artist or the publication-neither, usually both!). Indeed things ARE very well for Joe Bonamassa right now (feel the love Joe!).  However, Joe has aslo let the cat out of the bag reagarding the near future! Non-statement, stalemate, or just stalling for "(even) Better Days", it'll all come out in the wash as the saying goes.  But if I were a publishing editor, I wouldn't want to get hung out on the line to dry.  Not singling Blues Wax or Blues Revue out, they HAVE been there...Others publishers could and should be scrambling, artists in any field can get picky and choosy if their situation affords it.  Some movie stars demand certain interviewers, let alone publishers or other news media!!!
Rock On & Please, Do Keep the Faith,
Rocket

Shredit wrote:

I personally dont think Joe gives a hoot, whether they support him now or not, he said he has to follow his heart.
Shred

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

16 Reply by Stu Craig (edited by Stu Craig 2007-10-31 16:08:18)

  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Re: Is it me, or...?

Well with another issue of BluesWax coming and going last week, my curiosity got the better of me. Here's my email to BluesWax and their response:

-----Original Message-----
From: Stu Craig [mailto:aplusstu@callatg.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 8:52 AM
To: blueswax@visnat.com
Subject: Good Morning!


I am curious about something.

Joe Bonamassa's latest CD Sloe Gin was released in August of this year. It debuted at #1 on Billboard's Blues Charts. If I am correct in my understanding, with the exception of a 1-week dip to #2, it has remained at #1 for the past 2 months.

I know your publication has provided tremendous support to Joe Bonamassa in the past, and I also know his fans are very appreciative of this. Joe's fans have been very supportive of BluesWax as well. Your logo, linked to your URL has been prominently displayed on Joe's Fan Website since 2005.

Unless I have missed it along the way, the lack of any mention of a record that's been on top of the blues charts for 8 or 9 weeks now is somewhat conspicuous in it's absence - regardless of who the artist might be. As a fan of Joe Bonamassa I was just curious if the record was not well received by your staff, or perhaps there were undisclosed, "Political" issues at hand?

Thanks for your time. I very much enjoy your publication and look forward to it every Thursday!

Kind Regards,

Stu Craig
Bremerton, WA


From: BluesWax
To: Stu Craig
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 9:03 AM
Subject: RE: Good Morning!


Sorry for the slow reply. Thank you for the kind words. Unlike most publications we do not assign reviewers CDs, they chose them weekly from a list of those available. The sales or popularity of a CD really doesn't affect whether we review it or not. In fact we try to focus on lesser known artists.

Then we send them out to the reviewers. Then we wait for the review to come back.

"Sloe Gin" has been out to a reviewer for some time and we have yet to get a review back. The reviewer has been contacted.

There are no undisclosed or political issues, just a slow process. Hopefully you find some other reviews that interest you.

Thanks for reading BluesWax. We are proud to work for you.

Benjammin
Reader Services, BluesWax

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
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  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
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Re: Is it me, or...?

Maybe the guy or gal is just enjoying it too much to stop and write it up???  Baffling me.

Rock On & *sigh* Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”
  • gary
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Re: Is it me, or...?

seems kinda wierd the reviewer hasnt responded by now. luck of the draw on reviewers. I know they review alot of lesser known artists,but I have never seen them miss reviewing a cd that is in the tops of the blues charts.

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website