1 Topic by wvgirlinky (edited by wvgirlinky 2014-05-02 08:07:54)

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Topic: Joe's Band Mates

I  just wanted to put it out there that all the guys that play with Joe are superb.  They really make Joe look so good.  We all know that the band has to be cohesive and these guys are.   Every Album or Live tour has had just top rated musicians.  Gerry O'Connor, Mats Wester, and Lenny Castro are such great additions to the band.  First time I saw Mats last year he was kind of stiff but this year he has loosened up an smiling.  That Nykelharpa is perhaps the coolest instrument I have ever seen.   Gerry is superb. Love the 4 string banjo and his violin playing adds such a cool touch. Lenny of course is the premier percussionist in the world. Such a happy fellow. The odd things he uses to make music is fun too.  Derek Sherinian is  a fantastic keyboard player.  I was curious to see how he would fit in and He is great.  Have always been a big fan of the Hammond.  he makes that thing talk.  Really like his part in the acoustic band as well.  I love watching him play. Very expressive.   Tal is just Tal.  Perfect drummer in my opinion.  He is so much fun to watch.  His face goes from explosive to tender and back again.  He keeps the audience going.    This is perhaps one of the tightest bands anywhere. 

Thanks for listening. Just wanted to give them some kudos!!!

Edit to add Carmine as David pointed out, big Duh. 
Carmine is the coolest bass player on earth.

  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 2,350

Re: Joe's Band Mates

wvgirlinky wrote:

I  just wanted to put it out there that all the guys that play with Joe are superb.  They really make Joe look so good.  We all know that the band has to be cohesive and these guys are.   Every Album or Live tour has had just top rated musicians.  Gerry O'Connor, Mats Wester, and Lenny Castro are such great additions to the band.  First time I saw Mats last year he was kind of stiff but this year he has loosened up an smiling.  That Nykelharpa is perhaps the coolest instrument I have ever seen.   Gerry is superb. Love the 4 string banjo and his violin playing adds such a cool touch. Lenny of course is the premier percussionist in the world. Such a happy fellow. The odd things he uses to make music is fun too.  Derek Sherinian is  a fantastic keyboard player.  I was curious to see how he would fit in and He is great.  Have always been a big fan of the Hammond.  he makes that thing talk.  Really like his part in the acoustic band as well.  I love watching him play. Very expressive.   Tal is just Tal.  Perfect drummer in my opinion.  He is so much fun to watch.  His face goes from explosive to tender and back again.  He keeps the audience going.    This is perhaps one of the tightest bands anywhere. 

Thanks for listening. Just wanted to give them some kudos!!!

And then there is the Legendary Carmine Rojas!!!  lol

Music is good for the Soul...

3 Reply by whirlwind (edited by whirlwind 2014-05-01 16:41:10)

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2014-02-23
  • Posts: 515

Re: Joe's Band Mates

+1 to all the band members being top notch....I also love it when Blondie gets in on some action....he is very cool!

Anton Fig....and Bogie....top notch

Rick, a big kudos on the keyboard.

Horn section....hell yeah......Lee you rule!

My Favorite Bonamassa Songs
Happier Times... Sloe Gin...Last Kiss...Lonesome Road Blues...Blues Deluxe...No Slack
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  • From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Registered: 2012-02-03
  • Posts: 241

Re: Joe's Band Mates

Don't forget about Arlan, best hammond player Joe's ever played with

I'm broke, motherf**ker!
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

matirocker wrote:

Don't forget about Arlan, best hammond player Joe's ever played with

Add "in my opinion" over "best" or put them both together as one. 

I never met or heard a Bonamassa band mate or a group or artist sitting/joining in with Joe or the reverse of Joe sitting/standing in with any group or artist that I did not like. big_smile big_smile
Some more than others, but that is splitting tiny hairs that have fallen off others' raised eyebrows.


Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
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  • From: Clearwater, Fl
  • Registered: 2013-11-02
  • Posts: 347

Re: Joe's Band Mates

With the Letterman show coming to an end, will Anton be available to do more touring?  I thoroughly enjoy Tal, but Anton is Anton. You can't do any better than that.  To me he is the premier drummer in the world today.

The only thing we deserve, is an opportunity.  Everything else has to be earned.
  • Registered: 2006-07-11
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

Tal fits in just fine. 

Anton is a good guy but not near the best of drummers.  Way too many out there that do so much more.

"Holy Toledo"  -  Bill King   "Just Win Baby" - Al Davis  "The Autumn Wind" - Steve Sabol
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

bobkatmsu wrote:

With the Letterman show coming to an end, will Anton be available to do more touring?  I thoroughly enjoy Tal, but Anton is Anton. You can't do any better than that.  To me he is the premier drummer in the world today.

You beat me to the point, Cat! smile

Maybe I can't do any better than that, but my opinion on your blanket statement is that there are several drummers capably playing at the level of both Anton and Tal.  Not as sucessful, perhaps, nor having such stable or rewarding gigs, but talents equally real and potentials to amaze as well. How the fit along side Joe might be, I have no idea, off the cuff.

To the best of my knowledge, Joe jammed with Anton prior to Tal, and they're friendly, but Tal and Joe in my opinion are so very special a combination, whether in Joe's solo show or together in Rock Candy Funk Party.  To me, so far, they are unbeatable and I carry hope they don't part any time sooner or later. 

I would probably expect many, many demands requesting Anton post Late Show With David Letterman, if Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra don't retain residency in their slot with the change.  I've heard no mention of the band's fate, has anyone else?

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.”
  • Registered: 2012-03-17
  • Posts: 235

Re: Joe's Band Mates

The RiverCat^-^ wrote:

Tal fits in just fine. 

Anton is a good guy but not near the best of drummers.  Way too many out there that do so much more.


True

First rate session player, but not really near the top echelons. 

If you are interested, here is the DDD top 10 most skilled drummers


1 - Vinnie Colaiuta (Solo, Frank Zappa, Sting, Chick Corea)
2 - Dave Weckl (Solo)
3 - Steve Gadd (Solo, Chick Corea, Paul Simon)
4 - Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis)
5 - Buddy Rich (Solo)
6 - Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Person, Fantômas, Solo)
7 - Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes, Earthworks, Solo)
8 - Dennis Chambers (John Scofield, Santana, John McLaughlin)
9 - Tony Williams (Miles Davis, Solo)
10 - Marco Minnemann (Solo, Paul Gilbert, Aristocrats)

http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/forum/v … &t=155

10 Reply by MINI_Zoso (edited by MINI_Zoso 2014-05-02 07:24:27)

  • From: Moncton, NB Canada
  • Registered: 2013-02-03
  • Posts: 469

Re: Joe's Band Mates

Rocket wrote:

Add "in my opinion" over "best" or put them both together as one. 

I never met or heard a Bonamassa band mate or a group or artist sitting/joining in with Joe or the reverse of Joe sitting/standing in with any group or artist that I did not like. big_smile big_smile
Some more than others, but that is splitting tiny hairs that have fallen off others' raised eyebrows.

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

Okay, so I did laugh out loud at that one.  You have a way with words sir.


May I add my admiration for all the above as well.  Joe's collaborations have all seemed to work so well.  The best seem to attract the best I suppose.

Steve

2011 Gibson Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Studio...among others.
Beacon Theater, New York, May 18, 2013/Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea, Feb. 17-21, 2015/3 Kings Tour, Bangor, ME, Aug. 12, 2015
  • Registered: 2012-05-31
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

Yep,  like I said superb every one of them.  If we are adding collaborators I want to include Brad Whitford and Michael Rhoades.  Blondie for sure gets kudos for just total coolness factor.  Another reason to love Joe is that you never know who might pop up on an album, a show or a tour. Such a fun thing.  Thanks Joe lol

  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: 2010-12-01
  • Posts: 278

Re: Joe's Band Mates

I wonder if Anton will be touring with Ace Frehley with his new cd coming out.

  • From: Oklahoma City
  • Registered: 2013-03-10
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

After hearing some questions bout 2014 ticket prices,  it should be noted that Joe now has a larger payroll than in the past.

And its well worth it.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

Artisan wrote:

I wonder if Anton will be touring with Ace Frehley with his new cd coming out.

I'm gonna doubt it. Anton is usually a studio drummer. Love the work he did on the Frehley solo album and Frehley's Comet.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
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Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

15 Reply by gary (edited by gary 2014-05-02 21:23:37)

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Re: Joe's Band Mates

I have enjoyed all of Joes band mates over the years.Everyone standout.
They all bring something a little different to the table.

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2014-02-23
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

wvgirlinky wrote:

Yep,  like I said superb every one of them.  If we are adding collaborators I want to include Brad Whitford and Michael Rhoades.  Blondie for sure gets kudos for just total coolness factor.  Another reason to love Joe is that you never know who might pop up on an album, a show or a tour. Such a fun thing.  Thanks Joe lol

+1.....love Michael Rhodes

My Favorite Bonamassa Songs
Happier Times... Sloe Gin...Last Kiss...Lonesome Road Blues...Blues Deluxe...No Slack
Equipment For Listening To Joe
Sennheiser HD800 Headphones & Mad Ear+HD Headphone Amp
  • Registered: 2012-05-31
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Re: Joe's Band Mates

Well we are getting close to a completely new group  set up for Joe and wanted to say fond farewell to the "huckleberries" as Joe calls them.  I totally enjoyed Gerry, Lenny, and Mats the past year or so.   Derek also was a great pianist.   Saw the practice photo that shows Reese on Keys and Lee Thornburg on horns.  What ever or Whom ever else comes in this year I know they will be top notch.  With the cruise also coming up I am excited  for all the jam sessions you all will see and hear.  Thanks Joe for the wonderful musicians you expose us too.  Just first rate.