Dust Bowl

Joe Bonamassa | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 22, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Premier Artists
• ASIN: B004LSJCJM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (117 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,431 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2011 release from the American Blues guitarist and singer/songwriter, winner of Billboard Magazine's #1 Blues Artist Of 2010 award. Dust Bowl combines the gritty, blues-based tones of Bonamassa's first albums with the fluid, genre-defying sounds he's mastered in the years since, plus a dose of Nashville in duets with legends John Hiatt and Vince Gill. Dust Bowl, producer Kevin Shirley explains, is very firmly rooted in the Blues, but definitely explores the outer reaches of the genre and showcases Joe's amazing virtuosity as he digs deep into his psyche in some lengthy and blistering guitar solos.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Smorgasbord of Blues-Rock Treats March 22, 2011

By Coach305

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

Joe Bonamassa is nothing if not old-school, releasing an album a year since 2000 despite touring relentlessly. That's a refreshing change from the modern norm of artists going years between releases/tours. "Dust Bowl" is the latest in Joe's increasingly-impressive catalog.

The album opens with "Slow Train," an original that features a clever instrumental intro mimicking the start-up of a steam engine, a blistering solo, and an arresting vocal. "Dust Bowl," another original, is a twang-and-tremolo treat with a vocal reminiscent of "Book of Dreams"-era Steve Miller and a spooky spoken-word voice-over by Peter Van Weelden, Joe's current favorite amp guru. The rollicking "Tennessee Plates" features a rocking duet (both vocal and instrumental) with John Hiatt. Next up is a cover of the Bobby Troup/Leah Worth jazz classic "The Meaning of the Blues," with some more of Joe's tasty soloing; definitely not the Miles Davis version! "Black Lung Heartache" is another original that deftly blends some unusual stringed instruments with a crunchy rock riff. "You Better Watch Yourself," an old Little Walter hit, is meat-and-potatoes blues-rock that gives the wah pedal a workout. "The Last Matador of Bayonne," another original, slows the pace but features a soaring solo in Joe's trademark style. Joe's Black Country Communion bandmate Glenn Hughes joins in for a duet on the Paul Rodgers/Free classic "Heartbreaker," and their affection for the material comes across in a fine performance. Another cover, of the Tim Curry/Michael Kamen grinder "No Love On the Street," keeps the classic blues-rock vibe going and features guests Beth Hurt and Blondie Chaplin. "The Whale That Swallowed Jonah," another original, is an up-tempo number with a nice blend of acoustic sounds (including Joe on mandolin) with electric. Vince Gill drops in for a visit on a cover of his "Sweet Rowena," a guitar/vocal duet that is one of the album's high points. The album winds up with "Prisoner," written by Blue By Nature's Karen Lawrence, a song Barbra Streisand made famous when she sang it on the "Eyes of Laura Mars" soundtrack.

I suppose it is to be expected that an artist will always describe her/his most recent work as "the best yet" (as Joe does in the liner notes here), but in this case I would agree. This is a collection of finely-crafted, affecting performances in a variety of styles. Joe's vocals have never seemed more relaxed and confident, and the guitar work is exemplary (duh!). Joe says he was worn out from touring and needed a break when this album was recorded. I'm sure that was true, but this album sure doesn't show it. Highly recommended.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Way to go, Joe! March 31, 2011

By David Pangburn Jr.

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have only been a Bonamassa fan for a couple of years now.... when I first heard him I was impressed with his versatility as a guitar player. He covered tha gamit of rock and blues and he did it with his own style. With so many Guitar-slingers and SRV wannabe's, I found Joe Bonamassa to be original and sincere, playing some of the greatest classic songs with his own unique blend plus writing some really good songs of his own. My Joe Bonamassa collection has bulked up over the past couple of years, and now he seems to be in a period of creative genius where I find albums rolling out in short due. His collaborations with other artists indicate that Joe is a musician, not just another egotistic "Hey. Look at me!" guitar player. I saw Joe in Wilmington Delaware last year and he was tremendous. DUST BOWL shows Joe coming into his own. He has developed a sound that is strictly Joe Bonamassa and each album has that stamp that automaticly makes you recognize him. But its not same ole same ole stuff...its fresh and crisp and so very clean. Joe Bonamassa is a winner and every album he has released these past couple years demonstrate his greatness as a musician. If you like this style of Blues/ Rock, you cannot go wrong with any Joe Bonamassa CD.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome--as always! March 22, 2011

By Cynthia Wells

Format:Audio CD

For me, it's always a GREAT day when my man Joe releases new tuneage. I am NOT a professional music reviewer, but I love everything he's ever done, not to mention his humbleness. My kind of guy all around. Especially in the absence of Stevie Ray (I'm still grieving). I know that all music is down to personal taste, and for me, Blues does it mighty fine--'specially Joe's!