With 36 studio and live albums released, nearly 2,000 concerts performed, and a loyal following, Joe Bonamassa undeniably is one of the biggest names in blues today. What else could be expected of a musician who got his start at age 12 by opening for the late B.B. King?
Throughout his 35-year career as a blue guitarist, singer, and songwriter, the New York native has racked up 27 #1 hits on the Billboard Blues Chart and three Grammy Award nominations. Every one of his live concert videos is a masterclass in cinematography and sound, especially his new release, “Live at the Hollywood Bowl with 40-Piece Orchestra.” Listening to Bonamassa’s music or watching him perform on a screen is moving, but neither compares to witnessing him live in concert.
Ahead of Bonamassa’s tour launch on Aug. 2, Evansville Living contributing writer and music enthusiast Art Woodward spoke by phone with Bonamassa about this 20-year span in his repertoire, his nonprofit supporting other musicians, and what listeners can expect at his Aug. 16 concert at Old National Events Plaza’s Aiken Theatre.
Evansville Living: Joe, what can concertgoers expect at your live show?
Joe Bonamassa: This new “Blues Deluxe Tour,” is the first time in nine years that we have done the 11-piece band. It’s more of a straight blues show. I am looking forward to bringing it to Evansville. It’s really, really good.
EL: The current tour pays tribute to your 2003 record, “Blues Deluxe,” and showcases your current, 2023 release, “Blues Deluxe Vol. 2.” How have you grown as a person and as a player in the twenty years between the two albums?
JB: Back in 2003, I wore two chips; I had one on each shoulder. (laughs) I’ve mellowed out since then. I had to prove to myself that I still have a passion for it … and I do. The new album still captures the raw thing from 20 years ago. I’m 47 now; I couldn’t have made this record back when I was 25.
EL: Your nonprofit organization, called Keeping The Blues Alive, helps struggling musicians, and donates instruments to schools across the country.
JB: I have been very fortunate in my career, but I deal with a lot of musicians who aren’t able to make ends meet. We have been doing this for 16 years now, and we’ve raised over $2 million, which, for a little guy from upstate New York, is not bad.
Art Woodward, also known as Art the Dude, is a writer and lifelong lover of music — skill sets that serve him well when reviewing Evansville’s concert and events scene.
