by Brian D. Holland.

The latest studio CD from Joe Bonamassa, The Ballad of John Henry, will be released on February 24, 2009. The included twelve tracks, seven of which are Bonamassa originals, come together to make the seventh compelling studio project from the New York based blues-rock guitarist. He embraces this diverse collection of contemporary and conventional songs, calling it his strongest work to date.

Listeners will soon discover that the intensity of the music matches the lyrical content throughout, as the album's dual lyrical theme is split between songs of the working-class hero and of the more personal nature, Joe's relationship issues of recent.

The title track, "The Ballad of John Henry," also known to some as "Spike Driver Blues," opens the CD with a wallop, as he wastes no time in getting the raw power and flagrant passion out there. The catchy lead guitar riffs and hooks that drive it along, as well as its downright bluesy and subdued intervals, put it right into the diverse Bonamassa arena. He once again demonstrates that even though a song is contemporary and powerful, its link to tradition is only a measure away. John Henry, the folk legend and working class hero, is depicted brilliantly. Effective moans of anguish from Joe's slide guitar amid rhythmic railroad hammering leave little to the imagination in the lyrical story of the ailing human spirit. Take notice of this one, as it's certainly a Bonamassa original for the records.

Listen to "The Ballad of John Henry" from The Ballad of John Henry

"Stop!" is a killer slow blues that's everything Bonamassa in passion and performance. Although he beckons a cry of ailing love with soaring guitar notes of fury and passion, his voice flourishes alongside the six-string flair. In fact, throughout the whole CD, it doesn't appear to be a talent he's taking lightly, as the fervor and control he exerts in his songs through voice is outstanding. In other words, the ability doesn't take a backseat to his superb musicianship by any means.

More energetic blues-rock and searing guitar dexterity emerges in the funky "Last Kiss." The down-on-his-luck swagger of Tom Waits' "Jockey Full of Bourbon" is really quite interesting, a bold transformation as well. With its acoustic and traditional approach, along with a Vaudeville piano additive, the song's atmosphere doesn't prevent Joe from plugging in a loud and distorted guitar to beef up the mix.

"Story of A Quarryman" is abundant in guitar flair. Its numerous rhythm and lead dubs take it through a multitude of melodic changes and diversions. The dual lead guitar segments are harmoniously brilliant. "Happier Times," a song of love lost, is a moody and atmospheric excursion, complete with soaring notes and brilliant tone.

Originally covered by the likes of Nina Simone and Sammy Davis Jr., the Anthony Newly and Leslie Bricusse penned "Feelin' Good" is given the full electric, acoustic, and slide guitar treatment. Joe belts out the vocal passionately. He keeps the Nina Simone covers going with the Aillene Bullock penned "Funkier than a Mosquito's Tweeter." More in the vein of Ike and Tine Turner or James Brown here, this danceable and fun tune is funked up to the max.

"The Great Flood," another Bonamassa original, is a slow blues tour-de-force, heavily laden with sizzling notes of passion and emotion. The short and acoustically atmospheric "From the Valley" segues nicely into the CD's closer, "As the Crow Flies." Once again giving life to songs of the past, Joe takes this Tony Joe White composition and personifies it respectfully and admirably, adding his own vocal and guitar accents to it.

It's easy to discern that Joe Bonamassa is a performer who puts a lot of thought and energy into his releases. That extra effort exhibits itself in the end product. The Ballad of John Henry is an album of new horizons for Joe, with personal and meaningful lyrical content that matches the passion of the music. The CD is a display of his guitar playing prowess, a talent that not only gets better as he ages, but is easily one of the best on the music scene today, in both style and tone. Each song is comprehensive and complete in its own right, with brilliant instrumental arrangements and sonic adventurism throughout. It's the perfect follow-up to his 2008 release, Live From Nowhere In Particular.

Every now and then, a brilliant player possessing solid roots comes along and causes a resurgence to occur, one that stirs notice and reverence upon the deserved music that started it all. Joe Bonamassa is one of those particular musicians whose style sheds light on the blues. That said, he appears to be doing it for rock and roll as well. He easily flows between both genres with competence and flair, melding everything into a style that's all his.

The Ballad of John Henry Track Listing
1. The Ballad of John Henry
2. Stop!
3. Last Kiss
4. Jockey Full of Bourbon
5. Story of A Quarryman
6. Lonesome Road Blues
7. Happier Times
8. Feelin' Good
9. Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter
10. The Great Flood
11. From the Valley
12. As the Crow Flies

Label: J&R Adventures

Links:
Joe Bonamassa
The Ballad of John Henry on Amazon