Joe Bonamassa is the best blues guitarist of his generation. In fact, he's the best guitarist of any genre of his generation. The man can play like no one else-or, perhaps, anyone else, as Blues Deluxe proves.
The album, with nine covers and three originals, shows the scope of Bonamassa's brilliant mastery of his instrument, from B.B. King's You Upset Me Baby to the pounding fury of John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell", to his update of Robert Johnson's "Walking Blues." The covers range from solid to great, with the Jef Beck's group giving Bonamassa the most fun.
But, that's not to say Bonamassa isn't capable of writing a good song himself. On the contrary, the originals on the album are quite strong offerings: Woke Up Dreaming has some incredible acoustic guitar work; Bonamassa shreds up something nasty in this track that has no drums, bass or anything else beyond his voice and guitar, and doesn't feel the least bit empty because of it.
I Don't Live Anywhere, Bonamassa's second original track, begins with a nice little blues lick and contains a delicate solo that shows his masterful touch. While not the catchiest track, it's a how-to guide on blues guitar.
Then there's "Mumbling Word", another acoustic track that doesn't have the fire brand finger work of "Woke Up Dreaming", but is more catchy and a very nice way to end the album.
You Upset Me Baby: 4/5
Burning Hell: 4/5
Blues Deluxe: 5/5-this track has one of the craziest blues solos ever.
Man of Many Words: 3/5
Woke Up Dreaming: 4/5
I Don't Live Anywhere: 4/5
Wild About You Baby: 3/5
Long Distance Blues: 3/5
Pack It Up: 4/5
Left Overs: 3/5
Walking Blues: 3/5
Mumbling Word: 4/5
Overall, this is a great blues album that could service as an intro to blues course. Pick it up.
