Joe Bonamassa is without a doubt one of the busiest musicians in the world, as he juggles a hectic solo career as well as appearing as a studio guest on just about any opportunity that comes his way. With his constant touring schedule, there's been no shortage of live album & video releases in recent years, so why should his fans plunk down another chunk of change for Live at Radio City Music Hall you ask? Well, for one thing, despite the overabundance of live Bonamassa albums over the last five or so years, he changes up his setlist so often that each live release rarely overlaps the song selections, so each album is a standalone for the most part. This 2disc set, recorded and filmed in January of 2015 at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City, was Bonamassa's first time headlining the historic venue, where he sold out two nights, not an easy feat for most musical acts. It documents the end of his 'half acoustic/half electric' tour, where he spotlighted his acoustic band The Huckleberries, featuring Gerry O'Connor (Irish fiddle), Mats Wester (niyckelharpa, mandola), former Stevie Ray Vaughn bandmate Reese Wynans (keyboards), and Lenny Castro (percusion). The second half of the set features his electric band, comprised of Carmine Rojas (bass), Wynans, Tal Bergman (drums), Lee Thornburg (trumpet), Nick Lane (trombone), and Paulie Cerra (sax).
The CD includes 13 songs, and the Blu-ray 20, plus an extended documentary of behind the scenes stuff titled 'Joe Bites the Big Apple', a fun look at the events leading up to his historic two-night run at Radio City, including a great scene where Joe's parents give him some musical treasures passed down from earlier Bonamassa generations. The concert features a wide variety of of songs and styles, from the upbeat funky blues of "Love Ain't a Love Song", the rocking "Living on the Moon", to the stellar acoustic renditions of "Dust Bowl" and "Different Shades of Blue", there's a little something for everyone here. Through it all, Bonamassa lends his considerable guitar & vocal talents, and it's especially thrilling to see and hear him firing off jaw dropping solos on his Gibson Les Paul, making the guitar sing and scream at the same time. The Blu-ray is delivered in glorious high definition, with superb sound and excellent camera & editing work, easily one of the best I have seen in recent memory. It all comes in a nice little package complete with a thick booklet packed with photos and info. If you've been setting up a growing library of Joe Bonamassa live albums & videos, you can add another one to that collection.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
Disc: 1 (CD)
1. I Can't Be Satisfied
2. One Less Cross To Bear (Newly Recorded Song)
3. Living On The Moon (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
4. I Gave Up Everything For You, 'Cept The Blues (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
5. Dust Bowl
6. Trouble Town (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
7. Still Water (Newly Recorded Song)
8. Different Shades Of Blue (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
9. Happier Times (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
10. Never Give All Your Heart (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
11. Hidden Charms
12. Love Ain't A Love Song
13. So, What Would I Do? (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
Disc: 2 (Blu-ray)
1. Joe Bites The Big Apple (titles)
2. Dust Bowl
3. Trouble Town (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
4. Still Water (Newly Recorded Song)
5. Different Shades Of Blue (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
6. The Huckleberries - Introducing the acoustic band
7. Black Lung Heartache
8. Happier Times (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
9. Never Give All Your Heart (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
10. Hidden Charms
11. Living On The Moon (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
12. I Can't Be Satisfied
13. Double Trouble
14. One Less Cross To Bear (Newly Recorded Song)
15. Love Ain't A Love Song
16. Introducing the Electric Band
17. "Happy Birthday Mom!"
18. I Gave Up Everything For You, 'Cept The Blues (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
19. So, What Would I Do? (Previously Unreleased Live Track)
20. Joe Bites The Big Apple (Bonus-behind-the-scenes footage)
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