• eva
  • eva
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  • From: germany
  • Registered: 2007-03-15
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Topic: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

Hi everybody,

When I was listening to Sloe Gin and some live recordings lately (which happes every day...) I just thought that Rick´s keyboards add so much to the whole sound ... a touch of melody here and sometimes a kind of "epic feeling" there.

I really like the straight sound of a Bluesrock Trio (in perfection on ANDY Live) and I do also like the big Chicago-Bluesbands, but I was just wondering what you guys think is the perfect thing for someone like Joe?!
I mean I couldn´t imagine Joe in a 10-people Band, but I love to hear some keyboards and harmonica (Burning Hell!) added to the original Trio.
It´s just that kind of "full range Blues sound" that I love.

So what about you? We all know that Joe can stand up on a stage completely alone and he still rocks like nobody else, but what kind of Band would you like to see him play with ?

In my opinion Joe, Bogie, Carmine and Rick are the perfect Bluesrock quartet! smile

Eva

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

They're a perfect combo...it's a match.  They've gone to a full theatrical Experience.  Don't get me wrong, I love a power trio.  It is limited though.

I also love Cold Blood, Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, but this isn't about me is it?

I think they're perfect just like they are.  They are all stars in their own right, but they work for Joe, who is the youngest.  If Rick and Carmine, at their age and experience, and Bogie too, have that much love and respect for Mr. Bonamassa, say no more.

It's chemistry.  Its emotion.  They carry it well.  You wouldn't set a diamond in anything less than a perfect setting.  They are powerful.

needasmoke
jeff

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • max
  • max
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  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2008-01-31
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Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

My dream band would be a 4 piece but with a rhythm guitarist instead of keyboards.

Technique doesn't come into it. I deal with emotions.
-Jimmy Page
  • gsj
  • gsj
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  • From: North Essex, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-21
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Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I think the present line-up is exactly right for where Joe is right now. Who knows what the future will bring.

never give up, never slow down
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  • gary
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  • From: Palatine Illinois by Chicago
  • Registered: 2006-08-25
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Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

gsj wrote:

I think the present line-up is exactly right for where Joe is right now. Who knows what the future will bring.

I agree.I like the keys added to the mix.

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

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I have to admit (nothing at all against Rick) that I was skeptical about the addition of keyboards. I guess that stemmed from my love of Joe and the "power trio" experience.
I gotta say that I love the addition of keyboards. Once again, Joe knows what he's doing and the sound he wants to convey.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • Registered: 2007-11-25
  • Posts: 143

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

Yeah, Joe knows what sound HE is after and I respect that.  Honestly I like the trio much better.  I like that small band feeling with BIG sound.  I mean talk about bringing back the POWER trio.  Joe and the boys totally reinvented it.  I just think that was Joe's strong point.  His sound was so big that it was almost hard to believe it was a 3 piece.  The keys add to the songs and fill them out, but to me it isn't necessary and the band was perfect the way it was.  Just my opinion that I'm not afraid to throw out there.

  • Registered: 2007-11-25
  • Posts: 143

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

However, now that there is a keyboard player and the band is a 3 piece no more, it will be interesting to see how Joe will exploit this new avenue.  As a fan I love pretty much all they do and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in Joe's career.

  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I much prefer the sound of a four member band than a three. Why? When you have two lead instruments (guitar and keyboard, guitar and guitar, guitar and harmonica, ect.) It allows for you to play off the other one. I think this really helped out Stevie Ray when he added Reese Wynans, he had an instrumental equal. As far as Clapton is concerned, who here can disagree that having Doyle Bramhall and Derek Trucks added a little more oomph to his playing. I think it's extremely easy for things to get stale in the trio format.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

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  • Registered: 2007-11-25
  • Posts: 143

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I just hate keyboards, lol.  I guess it can get stale in a trio...but damn Joe didn't seem stale at all to me and was nowhere near.  Joe and his vocals were the only lead instruments required.  I see your point... I guess I just miss the days of Joe in a 3 piece at a small venue just rippin it.  Since changing bassist, drummer, and adding keys...and this new album which was really different than the rest...I just miss some of the old stuff/sound that's all.  Not that I don't love what he's doing now...I just loved the old setup as well.

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

One of the most phenomonal keyboardists on the planet is the unsung hero of Led Zeppelin,
John Paul Jones.  He played more than bass...on stage & in the studio.  Zep wouldn't have been the same without him.  It's an evolutionary thing music is.

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • From: The East Coast of Nowhere, UK
  • Registered: 2008-02-11
  • Posts: 2,284

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I too had reservations about a keyboard player joining Joe until I heard the band first hand. I was concerned that the keys would be too high in the mix and would detract from Joe's outstanding playing. I needn't have feared as Rick's contribution was perfect, never getting out of control as I've heard with some keyboard players where it just sounds a mess. When Rick did give a little solo it was perfectly in keeping with the song being played.

I guess the best compliment I can pay is that I hardly noticed the keyboards or maybe I only have eyes for Joe. Ooer, that sounds a bit *****, but you know what I mean. smile

Phil

Ars Longa, Vita Brevis

“The guy who has helped the blues industry the most is Joe Bonamassa and I would say he is more rock than some rock stuff, so to me blues is whatever you want it to be!”
Simon McBride in my interview with him in Blues Matters! Issue #56
  • From: Kansas
  • Registered: 2007-10-12
  • Posts: 375

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I love keyboards.  In fact, I'd rather have a key player than another guitarist, tbh.  I think the keys add a whole other dimension to a band.

That being said, I will always have a special place in my heart for power trios....

Well, the night I was born
Lord I swear the moon turned a fire red
  • From: The Netherlands
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 667

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

Like the way they are right now.
A 4 piece band. The trio was great to,but i think that Rick ads a lot in the band.
A big band is a bit to big for me. Maybe fun for one night,but i stick with this band.
The sound is great and they fit perfect together.

Marianne's Website

  • From: Wheeling, IL
  • Registered: 2006-12-07
  • Posts: 618

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I have loved Joe in every iteration of his band. I loved the power trio, I love the 4-piece (the addition of keyboards is what has allowed Joe to take things to new levels), and I would dearly love to see Joe backed with a horn section (Tower of Power anyone??) As long as Joe is there, you can't go wrong. big_smile

I'm just saying.
  • From: Cazenovia, NY
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 482

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I didn't like the "idea" of adding a keyboardist for all the reasons mentioned.  I saw an earlier show (back in the Eric & Kenny era) where Joe had a keyboardist, & it didn't really add anything (imho).  HOWEVER, after seeing the last tour with Rick I've changed my mind completely.  That was probably the best show I've seen Joe play in 19 years!  The overall sound was amazing!!!  The keys added sooo much to the sound.  Rick has my FULL support.  I hope he sticks around with the band for a looooong time!

L8r... John

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"  unknown
  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

Each incarnation of Joe's band has had it's own advantages in my opinion. I first heard Joe after ANDY and before SILT was released, so the E&K era will always represent the, "Classic" lineup for me. I've always preferred the raw power-trio format, like early Grand Funk, where each instrument plays a very prominent and important part in the music. I prefer hearing the guitar, bass and drum clearly and individually and how they play off each other as opposed to a more blended sound. The dynamics (or limitations)  of a 3-piece forces a style of play and arrangement that is more closely aligned mith my personal preference. That being said however, I do also love that multi-guitar wall of sound that the Outlaws and Skynyrd had, and I also (like Jeff mentioned) really like big bands like Tower of Power, EARLY Chicago and BS&T.

I do not mean to come off sounding like I do not enjoy or appreciate the new band. The new band is outstanding and very professional...and a good fit for the direction of Joe's growth and evolving compositions and arrangements.

  • From: Boston
  • Registered: 2007-01-13
  • Posts: 415

Re: Bluesrock Trio or a real big Band?

I liked the power trio too . I also like the addition of the keyboards ,
they give Joe more room to breath.
I vote Rick can stay ...lol

                   JBrules