"Blues Deluxe," the new CD from Joe Bonamassa, is promoted as his first 'official' blues CD. His former discs "So, It's Like That" and "A New Day Yesterday" are more classic rock (with a blues influence).

I came across this disc at a listening station in Barnes And Noble - and was immediately taken in by a rousing rendition of BB King's "You Upset Me Baby" followed by a foot-stompin' rendition of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell." You could immediately tell that Joe Bonamassa was not here to pay tribute to the blues, he was here to bring it to a new level.

This is not entirely a covers disc, "Woke Up Dreaming" is a blistering acoustic track (yes blistering -- the guitar is almost set on fire in the intro), and "I Don't Live Anywhere" is a dreamy-heartfelt ballad that shows Bonamassa can write with the best of them.

It is here where I can say this CD is a great listening experience. The song where Bonamassa brings "Blues Deluxe" to level above great, is in fact, the title track (a cover of the great Jeff Beck). The solo in this song is comparable to some of the best of the best (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton). The raw emotion that filters through the guitar solo is enough to channel into anyone's soul, and make them nod in appreciation for what has been 'said'. I, in fact, am one of those souls.

-- Brian Cohen ("Are You Blues" Founder)

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