Customer Reviews

The Ballad of John Henry

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been a huge fan of Joe Bonamassa since I discovered his music about 5 years ago. To this day, my favorite albums of his are 2003's "Blues Deluxe" and 2006's "You and Me", his first work with uber-producer Kevin Shirley. Joe himself says that he considers "The Ballad of John Henry" to be his finest work to date. Whether you agree with that is going to depend on which 'era' of Joe's music you prefer.
Joe Bonamassa in 2009 has come a long way from Joe Bonamassa circa 2000-04. At that time, he was a young guitar slinger. He played with a 3-piece band that showcased his absolutely jaw-dropping guitar skills at the forefront. Songcraft was secondary to musicianship, and not necesarily in a bad way. He simply relied more on taking older blues standards and interperting them in his fiery, high-octane style. In late 2005, he met producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Journey, The Black Crowes, Iron Maiden) who was suitably impressed with Joe's guitar skills and voice, but was convinced that to broaden his audience, Joe needed to work on more solid songcraft, polish his singing, and tone down the guitar heroics. Two friends and I were actually at the show in October 2005 where Shirley saw Joe play for the first time. (We accidentily stole his reserved table until a bar employee informed us we couldn't sit there because Mr. Kevin Shirley was coming in! lol.)
His first offering with Shirley twirling the knobs was "You & Me" in 2006. I believe this (along with "Blues Deluxe") is Joe's finest work to date. It showcased all facets of Joe's talent (raw blues, Jeff Beck-like instrumental excursions, 70s-British Zeppelin/Free style blues-rock), and the guitar soloing was still plentiful. He ditched his longtime band and replaced them with more seasoned studio musicians. Next up was '07's "Sloe Gin". This record took the focus off Joe the guitar hero and went for a more song-oriented, laid-back approach. While it contained some great tracks and nothing on it was unenjoyable, what seemed to be missing was the spark, the boogie. Everything on the album was slow-to-mid tempo, only once (On John Mayall's "Another Kind of Love") did we see any sign of the hyper-shredding boogie monster that used to blow the doors off small clubs across the country with his 3-piece band, and even that track didn't match the energy of things like his versions of "You Upset Me Baby", "Travellin' South", "Burning Hell", and "Never Make Your Move Too Soon".
His new album "The Ballad of John Henry" continues on this path. The good news? It's a better album than "Sloe Gin". It's less patchy and feels a lot more cohesive. Joe penned 7 of the 12 tracks himself (in the past typically only about 3 tracks per album were original compositions), and his songwriting is obviosuly developing under Shirley's tutelidge. "John Henry" feels much more like a complete work than did "Sloe Gin". However, with that progression comes another step away from the rollicking boogie blues monster that Joe was a few years back. Some of the longtime fans of this style are going to be disappointed at the slower tempos and the lack of fiery guitar histronics as compared to his early-mid 2000's albums. And that's my criticism of this record: he's gone too far in the opposite direction. "You & Me" was so good because it straddled the line perfectly, allowing Joe to mature while still being what he is: one absolutely-fooking-amazing guitar player. Almost everything on "John Henry" plods along. The songs are long, slow, and heavy. While they're all very good, the playing is fantastic, the band is tight, and Joe sounds like a million bucks, there's something missing. You keep waiting to hear that up-tempo, fiery, bluesy boogie track that never comes. You're looking for that blazing, 100 MPH guitar solo, and Joe honestly just doesn't seem interested in doing that anymore. It's almost as if he feels he took that genre as far as it could go. I admire him for not wanting to repeat himself and to mature as a musician, but I feel like if his next album continues this trend, he's going to fall into a rut, which is exactly what he was trying to avoid a few years ago. He felt like he was stagnating, so he moved onto to a new producer and a new sound. Now he's in danger of stagnating with THAT sound. Kevin Shirley has taken him a long way, but it may be time to look for another new producer when it's time to record "John Henry"'s follow-up. All that said, "The Ballad of John Henry" is a very, very strong album, and any fan of Joe's or of the classic blues-rock genre in general will certainly find a lot to like. Old school fans looking for blazing guitar work a la "Blues Deluxe" and "Had To Cry Today" may be somewhat disappointed, so be warned. Fans of "You & Me" and especially "Sloe Gin" will eat this up.

Joe B. has become somewhat of a polarizing figure in the blues community.
Does his brand of blues infused rock help broaden the blues genre or does this music often times have little or nothing to do with the blues? Probably a little of both. For all intents and purposes this is his niche. Some slow blues, shuffles and bombastic arena rock. Some interesting covers like the Tom Waits tune "Jockey Full Of Bourbon". What sets this man apart from the rest is pretty simple... He's IMMENSELY TALENTED! The title cut may lean more toward progressive rock, but it sounds great! All seven originals are quite good especially the tight and crisp "Lonesome Road Blues". Blues Deluxe will always remain my favorite disc however, this just might be his most well rounded effort. He is what he is. A guitar virtuoso and an ever improving singer-songwriter. Is this Blues? You be the judge.

Wow Is all I can say. I seem to agree with most people. My 2 favorites are at #1 "You & Me" then "Blues Deluxe".
And "Slow Gin" certainly was slow and patchy.
But I think he's back on the right track here. He did several tracks from this new CD Live tonight. All were blistering , had much more crafty songwriting. And I think he Is headed In that new direction only I'm liking It.
Two of my highlights from the "John Henry" CD are 9) Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter" which has that blistering guitar some other reviewer was looking for with a great upbeat song WITH HORNS.
And the track that follows It for Blues "The Great Flood"
I will always like the Joe that reminded me of Led Zeppelin songs I never heard. Opened me to some good music. I should give 5 stars but "You & Me" Is still better so 4 stars. But If your a blues fan Really get going save your lunch money and buy this CD. You'll not regret It.
He really should be invited to play at Claptons Crossroads festival!!
But for all I know he has.
But my hats off for a over 2 hour straight performance at The Landmark In Syr tonight. Thanks Joe
What you need to know as a buyer-he has the best songwriting ever yet No downside to me. Still Smoking on this CD

I finally get it. I've been following Joe for about 8 years, and I have all of his discs and both DVD's. I like them all. I'm a fan...big one. Seen him live at least 6 times. I think he's the greatest living blues/rock electric guitarist.

That being said, the last couple of albums disappointed me a bit. I really liked them, but found myself skipping a few songs and wishing for a little more of something I couldn't identify. I'm still a hold-out who likes the live CD, So, It's Like That, and Blues Deluxe the best...that's hard to say though, b/c some of my fav songs of his are on other recordings (mostly the originals). But that's the point. Joe's been trying to find his perfect marriage between blues and pop/rock/soul etc. for many years, which is great. We don't need another Clapton, SRV, KWS, BB King, etc...we need Joe to be Joe.

He's been saying for a few years that he's looking for that sound...that blend of styles...that would be only his. Bringing new blues fans up from the younger generations. You and Me was great, but didn't feel complete, Sloe Gin was even better, but still I skip a song here and there.

The Ballad of John Henry is complete. It's the answer to the question Joe's been asking himself for years. Who am I as an artist. I love Joe's covers...but original music is how a musician communicates most effectively, and I love Joe's originals...the emotion of them. Maybe that's why I love So, It's Like That so much.

If you want more Blues Deluxe, listen to it again. If you want more Joe...this album is chock full of him. I don't skip songs on this one. Enough said.

I have all of Joe'e CD'S and I must say this is his best all around project. Like an other review he has his own music. Blues? Rock? Call it what you like. This CD is at a place all by its self. I love good rocking blues as well as traditional Blues. This is not one of those. I love good Rock & Roll and mabey it is closer to that. What ever it is it is "Top Notch Music" Great sound, flows super as a album and has a message to it. "Life is Great Life is hard" I say put on a pair of headphones and turn it up. "gp"

I was waiting impatiently to receive Joe's new album and as soon as it appeared in my mailbox, I played it. What a great album! Great stuff, great stuff this time. More or less six years after the publication of Blues Deluxe Joe delivers a terrific album that deserves "full" five stars. Even if you cannot define this CD as a traditional blues album, the offer this time is more blues oriented than in Joe's previous CDs and the result is, in my opinion, outstanding. Blues Deluxe remains for me not only Joe's best effort to date, but also one of the best (if not the best) modern electric blues album of all time, however The Ballad of John Henry comes close second! From the opening track to the end this CD is packed wall to wall with excellence. Moreover, and for the first time, Joe enriches the sound of the band adding a small brass section that works very well in the general album context. As you would expect the guitar playing is simply breath taking and Joe's singing is great and inspired. It is difficult to find a favourite song in here as they are all excellent, however if I have to mention few tracks I believe that "The Ballad of John Henry", "Last Kiss", "Jockey Full of Bourbon", "The Great Flood" deserve a special mention while "Stop", "Lonesome Road Blues" and "Feelin' Good" are real gems. In particular, in my opinion, "Stop" is one of Joe best songs ever. In conclusion an excellent effort that surely will please all the blues - rock aficionados and that, at the same time, will not disappoint blues lovers. Outstanding!

Wow! What can I say? When Joe plays you are taken to a different place. I own every CD this guy has put out and this one is destined to become one of his best. If you are a lover of guitar type blues and terrific vocals then you will not be disappointed. This CD is a must have in any collection Buy, Buy, Buy.

My wife first informed me that this cd was coming out. Upon hearing the title, I immediatlely said, "let's preorder this", no further questions asked. Reasons for this? I have all of his other cds, and the 2 dvds offered so far. We also have had the pleasure of seeing him perform at Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma, in September of last year.
Among the songs he performed at that show was the title track to this cd.
Enough said, as to my reasons for preordering this. I'm just so glad that I was on vacation that week, as I work a long second shift.

Track for track, this cd rocks probably better than anything Joe's done to date,and it still retains a major feeling for the blues. For pure blues sake, "Blues Deluxe" will always remain unsurpassed, but I also appreciate the rock element in the blues, and this one just might be unsurpassed in that respect. Perhaps the greatest praise that I could say of Joe, is that he's not putting out some heavy metal "no skills" guitar crap, but instead is incorporating the blues into his own interpretation of blues rock music. "Stop!" and "The Great Flood" are two excellent slower blues numbers on this disc. I love slower blues, and "If Heartaches Were Nickels" (live from Fort Wayne) is still my favorite Joe B. song. Although I've only listened to this cd about 4 or 5 times, I would have to say that "Song for a Quarryman", "Lonesome Road Bues". "Happier Times" and the title track really stand out. But the one that stands out the most is "Last Kiss". Clocking in at 7:15, It really shows off what Mr. Bonamassa can do. Another pleasant surprise was his cover of "Feelin'Good". Although missing the saxophone of the late great Chris Wood, Joe again delivers a stellar take on this classic tune. You can see where his priorities lie.

One Of Joe's influences when he was growing up was the late great Rory Gallagher. Joe's cover of "Cradle Rock" is still one of my very favorite
Bonamassa tunes. I would love to hear him do a rendition of " A Million Miles Away".

Joe's last album had some really good tracks. How can you complain about "Bridge To Better Days", "Tea For One" & "So Many Roads"?

It is my belief that this latest album is a step up in the right direction for Mr. Bonamassa. In an age when so many of our guitar heroes
have either passed on or lost their creativity, Joe still remains a force.

They're may be those who want to nitpik and say that Joe isn't this or isn't that. I would have to say that I would defineatly give this album
five stars. Call it what you want, but for anybody to give this less than 3 and one half stars, I'd call it messin' with the kid.

That's right, Joe has grown up, it's only natural. He now seems to be more interested in intricate, interleaving productions than cranking out blistering guitar solos at this point. Unfortunately, I myself (10 years older than Joe) don't grow up, I guess. I STILL want blistering guitar! These songs on this CD are very good, and his singing is primo. Unfortunately, his blazing guitar skills take a bit of a backseat on this effort--similar to Sloe Gin in that respect. I'm sure that Joe has no desire to replicate "Blues Deluxe" every time he records an album, and I respect and understand that. It's just that...I've been listening mostly to just Joe's later releases over the past year or so, and just the other day I heard the studio version of "Blues Deluxe" on the radio, and I didn't even recognize him!...until he started singing, of course. But when I heard the guitar intro, I was absolutely floored...all over again! "Who is that?", I demanded to myself. I had just forgotten how AMAZING his blues chops really are. On John Henry, they're just restrained somewhat. He sort of lets loose on one or two numbers, but that's about it.

Two technical-related complaints I have are the mastering and mixing. There is practically NO BASS on most of the CD. I had to turn the bass way up, and still it wasn't enough. And on top of that, the kick drum was clipping (this has nothing to do with the bass EQ on my stereo being turned up--it's in the recording), making those annoying clicks. There is no excuse for that! This is a professional, commercial release, and the mastering is just sloppy. Another casualty of the loudness wars....no wonder home studios are stealing business from "professional" studios.

So, overall, an interesting branch-out from Joe B., but don't expect much Blues Deluxe-level guitar wailing.

I caught Joe by accident on a public television fund raiser. They were presentiing his performance at the Prince Albert Hall. Never heard of this guy and I'm a music fanatic. Bought the album...went to the '
Dust Bowl Tour show in Kansas City and was blown away. I've seen 'em all....Clapton, Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jeff Back, SRV, Segovia and Satrianni.....WATCH OT WORLD....PHENOM has ARRIVED.