Legendary rock musician and songwriter Dave Mason has unveiled a new version of the timeless Traffic hit, “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” breathing new life into the classic song with the help of modern blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa. The collaborative effort delivers a fresh yet reverent take on a piece that has captivated audiences since its original release in 1967. The single is available on all streaming platforms via Joe Bonamassa’s KTBA Records. Watch the new animated music video NOW.
“Dear Mr. Fantasy” has been a cornerstone in Mason’s live sets, a testament to its enduring brilliance and his personal connection to the song. “’Fantasy’ has been a favorite song of mine since its release in 1967,” Mason shared. “I’ve played it live for years in a number of different arrangements. As I’ve often said, there are no old songs, just good songs, and ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy,’ in my mind, is one of the finest examples around.”
In an exciting turn for fans, Mason has joined forces with Joe Bonamassa, whose guitar mastery and vocal prowess are well-suited for the complexity and depth of the iconic track. Mason’s enthusiasm about the collaboration is palpable: “To have the opportunity to incorporate one of the modern-day great guitar players, Joe Bonamassa, is as exciting to me as playing with Jimi Hendrix. He is the first person I wanted to include on this new version of ‘Fantasy.'”
The synergy between Mason’s seasoned artistry and Bonamassa’s fresh perspective has culminated in a rendition of “Dear Mr. Fantasy” that honors the original while standing firmly with a foot in the contemporary music scene. “The combination of talent with great song structure is exhilarating to me, and I knew Joe would play it like nobody else,” Mason expressed. “He has a uniquely keen sense of precise timing, unobstructed by a bluesy groove that’s perfect for this song.”
This collaboration is more than just a revisit to a beloved classic; it’s a fusion of tradition and innovation. Bonamassa’s contribution is not limited to his guitar genius; his vocal ability adds a new dimension to the track. Mason celebrates this, saying, “He brings everything up, and ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy’ is both classic and current, an exceptionally difficult balance to do but Joe Bonamassa pulled it off powerfully with grace and genius.”
The new version of “Dear Mr. Fantasy” featuring Dave Mason with Joe Bonamassa is available now on all major streaming platforms. It serves as a poignant reminder of Traffic’s musical genius and as a bridge connecting generations of rock enthusiasts.
ABOUT DAVE MASON Fans and critics alike hail Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason as one of the most talented songwriters and guitarists in the world – which is why he is still performing over 100 shows a year to sold-out crowds. Best known for his soulful voice and unsurpassed guitar playing, Dave founded two bands by the age of 15: The Deep Feeling, and The Hellions. At 18, the Worcester, England native teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood to form the legendary band Traffic. At 19, Mason penned the song “Feelin’ Alright.” The rock anthem, first recorded by Traffic and then covered by dozens of other artists (including Joe Cocker), cemented both Dave’s and Traffic’s legacy, and had a profound influence over rock music that continues today. www.davemasonmusic.com IG – @davemasonmusic FB – @DaveMasonMusic YouTube – @davemasontv Twitter – @davemasonband
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 13x Blues Music Award Nominee (4 wins), he achieved his 27th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his latest release, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalogue. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party. www.jbonamassa.com
Today, the 26x Billboard chart-topper Joe Bonamassa has released Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, his new studio album, out today via his own J&R Adventures. In celebration of this landmark release, which marks 20 years since his first independent album, Bonamassa has unveiled the project’s latest single “Is It Safe To Go Home,” a standout from the album, crafted by producer Josh Smith. “I wrote ‘Is It Safe To Go Home’ specifically for this project and for Joe,” Smith recalls. “I can’t believe what he did with it. The vocal and solo are some of his best work (in fact, he hits the highest vocal note he ever has on record), and it’s just an absolutely epic performance and arrangement.”
Order Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 and Collector’s Edition Blue Vinyl HERE
Order Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 from the UK and Europe HERE
Order Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 & Limited-Edition Box Set from the USA HERE
Watch the official music video for “Is It Safe To Go Home” HERE.
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 revisits and pays homage to Bonamassa’s musical roots, offering listeners fresh takes on classic blues tracks that have shaped his journey. The album boasts two new originals and eight covers, honouring legendary names in blues, from Bobby “Blue” Bland to Albert King. Both Vol. 2 and Blues Deluxe Remastered are available on 180 Gram vinyl, with the former as a gorgeous translucent blue colour for collectors.
Reflecting on his growth as a musician, Bonamassa says, “Part of my approach to these new recordings was that I wanted to see if I had matured musically over the years, and if I had gotten better as a player. I’m happy to say that I am a much better singer than I was 20 years ago – though I still don’t really consider myself to be a legit ‘singer,’ I can now carry a tune a little better than I could back then.”
Among the album’s treasures is “Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again),” another original collaboration between Bonamassa and Tom Hambridge. “This is a song that I wrote with Tom Hambridge, and we did a real Tower Of Power treatment on it,” Bonamassa recalls. “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” a fiery reinterpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s iconic track from the Dreamer album, boasts one of Bonamassa’s most potent vocal and guitar performances to date, while “Well, I Done Got Over It” pays tribute to Guitar Slim’s 1953 release, and “Lazy Poker Blues” rejuvenates the classic song originally performed by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.
Featuring Reese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar), additional highlights from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 include “I Want To Shout About It,” originally performed by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters and “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” by Bobby Parker. “I knew I wanted to push him really hard vocally,” Smith adds. “I’d heard him sing things just messing around or when we’d be producing for other artists that I’d never heard him do on record. So the songs were both chosen and written with that in mind. If you listen to the vocals on “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” you’ll hear Joe really going for it.”
Following an extensive summer run that included his debut appearance at the Hollywood Bowl, which was recorded for his next live concert film, the hardest working bluesman in show business will begin his U.S. Fall Tour on October 23rd at The Cannon Center in Memphis, TN, before crisscrossing the country and capping the year at the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on December 2nd.
Bonamassa’s spring 2024 tour will include performances in historic venues like the Count Basie Center For The Arts in Red Bank, NJ on February 23rd and the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, FL on March 7th, before culminating with the sold out Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX, set for March 18-24, departing from Miami, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico. The festival line-up includes Grace Potter, The Marshall Tucker Band, John Oates, Jimmy Vivino, King King, and a special performance by Black Country Communion, Bonamassa’s supergroup with Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN) and Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL). KTBA at Sea is one of the largest fundraisers for Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, aiding in its mission to promote music education by providing grants and resources to schools and musicians in need.
Cited by Guitar World as “arguably the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career. His last recent full-length Time Clocks marked his most raw, rocking studio album yet, with American Songwriter sharing, “Bonamassa pushes into fresh territory while staying within a blues-based framework,” and “there is more than enough proof in this sprawling set that Bonamassa doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels or take his star status in the blues-rock genre for granted.”
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa 1. Twenty-Four Hour Blues (originally performed by Bobby “Blue” Bland) 2. It’s Hard But It’s Fair (originally performed by Bobby Parker) 3. Well, I Done Got Over It (originally performed by Guitar Slim) 4. I Want to Shout About It (originally performed by Ronnie Earle & The Broadcasters) 5. Win-O (originally performed by Pee Wee Crayton) 6. Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) *original song written by Joe Bonamassa & Tom Hambridge 7. Lazy Poker Blues (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac) 8. You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain (originally performed by Albert King) 9. The Truth Hurts Feat Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith (originally performed by Kenny Neal) 10. Is It Safe To Go Home *original song written by Josh Smith
Blues Deluxe Remastered by Joe Bonamassa 1. You Upset Me Baby 2. Burning Hell 3. Blues Deluxe 4. Man Of Many Words 5. Woke Up Dreaming 6. I Don’t Live Any Where 7. Wild About You Baby 8. Long Distance Blues 9. Pack It Up 10. Left Overs 11. Walking Blues 12. Mumbling Word
Fall 2023 U.S. Tour October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall December 1 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena December 2 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Spring 2024 U.S. Tour February 19 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace February 21 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre February 23 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center For The Arts February 24 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor February 25 – Durham, NC – DPAC February 27 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium February 29 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Sandler Center March 1 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Center March 2 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre March 4 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater March 5 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium March 7 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre March 8 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage March 9 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage March 11 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall March 12 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center March 14 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium March 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center March 16 – Clearwater, FL – The Sound March 18-24 – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX – Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico
April 2024 UK Concerts April 4 – London, The Royal Albert Hall April 5 – London, The Royal Albert Hall
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 13x Blues Music Award Nominee (4 wins), he achieved his 26th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with Tales Of Time, a sprawling and expansive live concert film and album, shot at the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in August 2022. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in a studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide. Recent producing highlights include ‘Crown’ by the blues legend Eric Gales, which was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards.
Bonamassa has been featured in several publications from Esquire, WSJ, and Parade to Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, as well as on the covers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, Guitarist, and Classic Rock Magazine. His non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need and has positively impacted more than 91k students to date while raising over 2 million in donations.
Celebrated and award-winning blues rock guitarist and singer songwriter, Joe Bonamassa in association with J&R Adventures and N&P Touring is pleased to announce two UK exclusive concerts at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday 4 April and Friday 5 April 2024.
Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians, the set list for this show will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favourites. By exceeding his own vertiginously high artistic goals, Bonamassa has shattered all expectations with 26 #1 Billboard Blues Albums (more than any other artist in history). Bonamassa’s career in the music industry has built steadily over the years and is only gaining more momentum.
The Royal Albert Hall shows celebrate the 15th anniversary since Joe first played the Royal Albert Hall in May 2009; a momentous concert which changed Joe’s career overnight. The first time Joe played the Royal Albert Hall, he was joined onstage by Eric Clapton. From there, the rest is history.
“The Royal Albert Hall is a special venue for me personally,” Joe. “It’s the first venue that literally changed my career overnight. I always look forward to playing the venue because, not only is it a beautiful venue, but the staff are amazing, and the audiences are second to none. It’s always an emotional experience whenever I play the RAH.”
“The world’s busiest bluesman’s singing is better than ever, and he still turns in a foot-stomping blues riff better than most” & “He is, in short, a modern-day king of the blues.” – Classic Rock Magazine’s Louder Sound
“You don’t attend or watch a Joe Bonamassa concert, you feel it, you experience it, and in a setting such as The Royal Albert Hall, it’s the perfect combination. You can sense the mutual respect Joe Bonamassa has for the venue, and this marvellous venue has for Joe Bonamassa.” – Metal Planet Music
“The pure emotion and virtuosity of Joe’s playing has remained constant. He is a joy to experience.” – Bournemouth Daily Echo
“If you haven’t got a ticket for the show, get one and that’s an order! You won’t be disappointed.” – The Rockpit
“Taking to the stage to rapturous applause… Joe Bonamassa remains at the top of his game.” – In Common
“Bonamassa’s guitar playing is as slick as ever… he plays some of the best blues on the global circuit in modern times.” – MetalTalk
“Joe Bonamassa shows are always special… tonight was one hell of a performance.” – Sonic Abuse
“Bonamassa’s guitar solo is quite something to behold and an absolute masterclass in how to make a crowd go crazy … an unforgettable, otherworldly performance.” – Rock and Blues Muse
“As with every gig I have seen him perform he shows that he loves the music and is as invested in it as his audience is. A brilliant night.” – Music-News, 5 Stars
Today, Joe Bonamassa has released “Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again),” the latest single from his forthcoming album Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. This original song, written by Bonamassa and Tom Hambridge, demonstrates the 26x Billboard chart-topper’s commitment to innovation within the blues genre. “This is a song that I wrote with Tom Hambridge, and we did a real Tower Of Power treatment on it,” Bonamassa explains. “Now, the whole thing about ‘Blues Deluxe, Vol. 2,’ we tried to keep the same ratio of covers to originals as on Blues Deluxe, Vol. 1, so we needed an upbeat song and I had this song kind of laying around for over a year. Calvin Turner wrote a killer funky horn part, and we just did like a Tower Of Power take on it and made no apologies about it. It’s just the nature of the groove and everything else – you have to tip the hat.”
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 is a heartfelt tribute from Bonamassa to the roots of his musical journey, breathing fresh life into classic tracks and encapsulating the blues genre’s evolution. Out October 6th via J&R Adventures, the album features two new originals, including “Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again),” and eight new covers spanning some of the most important names in the blues – from Bobby “Blue” Bland to Albert King. Also available for pre-order is the Platinum Edition Box Set (limited to 500 units worldwide), which includes the CD and Vinyl versions for both Vol. 2 and Blues Deluxe Remastered along with exclusive items.
“Part of my approach to these new recordings was that I wanted to see if I had matured musically over the years, and if I had gotten better as a player,” Bonamassa says. “I’m happy to say that I am a much better singer than I was 20 years ago – though I still don’t really consider myself to be a legit ‘singer,’ I can now carry a tune a little better than I could back then.”
“The release of “Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again)” follows three standout singles from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” a fiery reinterpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s iconic track from the Dreamer album, boasts one of Bonamassa’s most potent vocal and guitar performances to date. The second single, “Well, I Done Got Over It,” pays tribute to Guitar Slim’s 1953 release. Introduced to Slim’s work by his father during childhood, Bonamassa was instantly captivated by his velvety voice and unique delivery. The new version fuses the styles of the Blues Breakers and Guitar Slim, creating a unique blend that Bonamassa masterfully delivers. The third single, “Lazy Poker Blues,” is a rejuvenated classic originally performed by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, showcasing Bonamassa’s deep reverence for the titans of British blues.
Featuring Reese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar), additional highlights from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 include “I Want To Shout About It,” originally performed by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” by Bobby Parker, and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” a new track written for Joe by Josh Smith. “I knew I wanted to push him really hard vocally,” Smith adds. “I’d heard him sing things just messing around or when we’d be producing for other artists that I’d never heard him do on record. So the songs were both chosen and written with that in mind. If you listen to the vocals on “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” you’ll hear Joe really going for it.”
Bonamassa’s 2023 summer run included his debut appearance at Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, August 9th. The exclusive, one-night-only concert experience alongside an orchestra was recorded for his next live concert film. After finishing up the summer with two special performances featuring Styx and Don Felder, the hardest working bluesman in show business will begin his U.S. Fall Tour on October 23rd at The Cannon Center in Memphis, TN, before crisscrossing the country and capping the year at the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on December 2nd.
Bonamassa’s spring 2024 tour will include performances in historic venues like the Count Basie Center For The Arts in Red Bank, NJ on February 23rd and the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, FL on March 7th, before culminating with Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX, set for March 18-24, departing from Miami, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico. The festival line-up includes Grace Potter, The Marshall Tucker Band, John Oates, Jimmy Vivino, King King, and a special performance by Black Country Communion, Bonamassa’s supergroup with Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN) and Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL). KTBA at Sea is one of the largest fundraisers for Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, aiding in its mission to promote music education by providing grants and resources to schools and musicians in need.
Cited by Guitar World as “arguably the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career. His last recent full-length Time Clocks marked his most raw, rocking studio album yet, with American Songwriter sharing, “Bonamassa pushes into fresh territory while staying within a blues-based framework,” and “there is more than enough proof in this sprawling set that Bonamassa doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels or take his star status in the blues-rock genre for granted.”
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa 1. Twenty-Four Hour Blues(originally performed by Bobby “Blue” Bland) 2. It’s Hard But It’s Fair(originally performed by Bobby Parker) 3. Well, I Done Got Over It(originally performed by Guitar Slim) 4. I Want to Shout About It (originally performed by Ronnie Earle & The Broadcasters) 5. Win-O(originally performed by Pee Wee Crayton) 6. Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) *original song written by Joe Bonamassa & Tom Hambridge 7. Lazy Poker Blues(originally performed by Fleetwood Mac) 8. You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain(originally performed by Albert King) 9. The Truth Hurts Feat Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith (originally performed by Kenny Neal) 10. Is It Safe To Go Home*original song written by Josh Smith Blues Deluxe Remastered by Joe Bonamassa 1. You Upset Me Baby 2. Burning Hell 3. Blues Deluxe 4. Man Of Many Words 5. Woke Up Dreaming 6. I Don’t Live Any Where 7. Wild About You Baby 8. Long Distance Blues 9. Pack It Up 10. Left Overs 11. Walking Blues 12. Mumbling Word
Fall 2023 U.S. Tour October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall December 1 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena December 2 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Spring 2024 U.S. Tour February 19 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace February 21 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre February 23 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center For The Arts February 24 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor February 25 – Durham, NC – DPAC February 27 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium February 29 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Sandler Center March 1 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Center March 2 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre March 4 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater March 5 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium March 7 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre March 8 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage March 9 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage March 11 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall March 12 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center March 14 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium March 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center March 16 – Clearwater, FL – The Sound March 18-24 – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX – Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico
Superstar Joe Bonamassa has unveiled “Lazy Poker Blues,” the latest single from his forthcoming album Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. This rejuvenated classic, originally performed by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, showcases Bonamassa’s deep reverence for the titans of British blues. “Now, again, there are two Fleetwood Macs, there’s the one my Mom really loved that had Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in it, and then there’s the one that my Dad really loved, which had Peter Green in it,” Bonamassa quips. “It’s kind of where I cut my teeth, how I learned how to play the blues, how I learned how to play guitar…Those were my gateways to the masters.”
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 is Bonamassa’s heartfelt tribute to the roots of his musical journey, breathing fresh life into classic tracks and encapsulating the blues genre’s evolution. Out October 6th via J&R Adventures, the album features two new originals and eight new covers spanning some of the most important names in the blues – from Bobby “Blue” Bland to Albert King. Also available for pre-order is the Platinum Edition Box Set (limited to 500 units worldwide), which includes the CD and Vinyl versions for both Vol. 2 and Blues Deluxe Remastered along with exclusive items.
Pre-order ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2’ and Limited-Edition Box Set HERE Watch The Official Music Video NOW Stream/Listen To The New Single
“Part of my approach to these new recordings was that I wanted to see if I had matured musically over the years, and if I had gotten better as a player,” Bonamassa says. “I’m happy to say that I am a much better singer than I was 20 years ago – though I still don’t really consider myself to be a legit ‘singer,’ I can now carry a tune a little better than I could back then.”
The release of “Lazy Poker Blues” follows two standout singles from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” a fiery reinterpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s iconic track from the Dreamer album, boasts one of Bonamassa’s most potent vocal and guitar performances to date. The second single, “Well, I Done Got Over It,” pays tribute to Guitar Slim’s 1953 release. Introduced to Slim’s work by his father during childhood, Bonamassa was instantly captivated by his velvety voice and unique delivery. The new version fuses the styles of the Blues Breakers and Guitar Slim, creating a unique blend that Bonamassa masterfully delivers.
Featuring Reese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar), additional highlights from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 include “I Want To Shout About It,” originally performed by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” by Bobby Parker, and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” a new track written for Joe by Josh Smith. “I knew I wanted to push him really hard vocally,” Smith adds. “I’d heard him sing things just messing around or when we’d be producing for other artists that I’d never heard him do on record. So the songs were both chosen and written with that in mind. If you listen to the vocals on “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” you’ll hear Joe really going for it.”
Bonamassa’s 2023 summer run included his debut appearance at Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, August 9th. The exclusive, one-night-only concert experience alongside an orchestra was recorded for his next live concert film. The summer tour ends this weekend with “Keeping the Blues Alive presents: Joe Bonamassa & Friends,” featuring special guests Styx and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles. The special two-night performance run will stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Saturday, August 12th and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Sunday, August 13th. Then, the hardest working bluesman in show business will begin his U.S. Fall Tour on October 23rd at The Cannon Center in Memphis, TN, before crisscrossing the country and capping the year at the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on December 2nd.
Bonamassa’s spring 2024 tour will include performances in historic venues like the Count Basie Center For The Arts in Red Bank, NJ on February 23rd and the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, FL on March 7th, before culminating with Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX, set for March 18-24, departing from Miami, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico. The festival line-up includes Grace Potter, The Marshall Tucker Band, John Oates, Jimmy Vivino, King King, and a special performance by Black Country Communion, Bonamassa’s supergroup with Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN) and Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL). KTBA at Sea is one of the largest fundraisers for Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, aiding in its mission to promote music education by providing grants and resources to schools and musicians in need.
Cited by Guitar World as “arguably the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career. His last recent full-length Time Clocks marked his most raw, rocking studio album yet, with American Songwriter sharing, “Bonamassa pushes into fresh territory while staying within a blues-based framework,” and “there is more than enough proof in this sprawling set that Bonamassa doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels or take his star status in the blues-rock genre for granted.”
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa 1. Twenty-Four Hour Blues (originally performed by Bobby “Blue” Bland) 2. It’s Hard But It’s Fair (originally performed by Bobby Parker) 3. Well, I Done Got Over It (originally performed by Guitar Slim) 4. I Want to Shout About It (originally performed by Ronnie Earle & The Broadcasters) 5. Win-O (originally performed by Pee Wee Crayton) 6. Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) *original song written by Joe Bonamassa & Tom Hambridge 7. Lazy Poker Blues (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac) 8. You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain (originally performed by Albert King) 9. The Truth Hurts Feat Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith (originally performed by Kenny Neal) 10. Is It Safe To Go Home *original song written by Josh Smith
Blues Deluxe Remastered by Joe Bonamassa 1. You Upset Me Baby 2. Burning Hell 3. Blues Deluxe 4. Man Of Many Words 5. Woke Up Dreaming 6. I Don’t Live Any Where 7. Wild About You Baby 8. Long Distance Blues 9. Pack It Up 10. Left Overs 11. Walking Blues 12. Mumbling Word
Summer 2023 U.S. Tour August 12 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY** August 13 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY**
**Keeping the Blues Alive presents: Joe Bonamassa & Friends: Styx and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
Fall 2023 U.S. Tour October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall December 1 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena December 2 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Spring 2024 U.S. Tour February 19 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace February 21 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre February 23 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center For The Arts February 24 – Oxon Hill, MD – The Theater at MGM National Harbor February 25 – Durham, NC – DPAC February 27 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium February 29 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Sandler Center March 1 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Center March 2 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre March 4 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater March 5 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium March 7 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre March 8 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage March 9 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage March 11 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall March 12 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center March 14 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium March 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center March 16 – Clearwater, FL – The Sound March 18-24 – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX – Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico
On his upcoming album ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2,’ superstar JOE BONAMASSA is returning to his roots and taking stock of how far he and the genre have come, giving new life to the classic tracks that have that brought him to the Blues. Today, Bonamassa is sharing the latest taste of the album; a rambunctious rendition of “Well, I Done Got Over It,” originally released by Guitar Slim in 1953. ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2’ comes twenty years since the release of Bonamassa’s best-selling album ‘Blues Deluxe,’ which celebrated what the US government had declared “the year of the blues.”
Out October 6th via J&R Adventures, the album features two new originals and eight new covers spanning some of the most important names in the blues – from Bobby “Blue” Bland and Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac to Albert King. Also available for pre-order is the Platinum Edition Box Set (limited to 500 units worldwide) which includes the CD and Vinyl versions for both Vol. 2 and Blues Deluxe Remastered along with exclusive items.
“My father introduced me to Guitar Slim a long time ago, back when I was a kid. There was a compilation album called ‘Best of Guitar Slim’ and it was him on the cover and he was cradling one of these Gold Top Les Pauls and I was a fan ever since. He has such a velvety smooth voice, and he had such a way of delivering a song. We did a very British take on this Guitar Slim song, it’s like the Blues Breakers meets Guitar Slim meets Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith and company,” Bonamassa reflects.
“If you had told me 20 years ago my career would last long enough to see the 20th anniversary of this little record called ‘Blues Deluxe,’ I’m sure I would have laughed,” Bonamassa explains. “Blues Deluxe was my last shot after being dropped by two major record labels and my booking agent. It was then that my manager, Roy Weisman, had his first ‘all in’ moment. We would go back into the studio and record. A record that would hopefully define the direction of whatever future career I might have.”
“Part of my approach to these new recordings was that I wanted to see if I had matured musically over the years, and if I had gotten better as a player,” Bonamassa says. “I’m happy to say that I am a much better singer than I was 20 years ago – though I still don’t really consider myself to be a legit ‘singer,’ I can now carry a tune a little better than I could back then.”
The release of “Well, I Done Got Over It” follows the album’s previous single “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” a blistering reinterpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic track, featured on one of Bonamassa’s favorite albums of all time, Dreamer. The new version features one of Bonamassa’s best-ever vocals and guitar solos.
“The outro guitar solo is incredible,” Smith comments. “It happened live on the floor and has some deep lines you’ve probably never heard Joe play before. The band is absolutely smoking, and Calvin Turner did an incredible String and Horn arrangement. Super proud of this one.”
Featuring Reese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar), additional highlights from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 include “I Want To Shout About It,” originally performed by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” by Bobby Parker, and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” a new track written for Joe by Josh Smith.
“I knew I wanted to push him really hard vocally,” Smith adds. “I’d heard him sing things just messing around or when we’d be producing for other artists that I’d never heard him do on record. So the songs were both chosen and written with that in mind. If you listen to the vocals on “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” you’ll hear Joe really going for it.”
Having just earned a remarkable 26th #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart for his sprawling and extensive live concert film and album Tales Of Time, Bonamassa’s upcoming 2023 summer run will include a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, on August 6th – his first appearance at the venue since the recording of Tales Of Time – as well as his debut appearance at Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, August 9th. The exclusive, one-night-only concert experience alongside an orchestra will be recorded for his next live concert film. Then, the hardest working bluesman in show business will begin his U.S. Fall Tour on October 23rd at The Cannon Center in Memphis, TN, before crisscrossing the country and capping the year at the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on December 2nd. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
Cited by Guitar World as “arguably the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career. His last recent full-length Time Clocks marked his most raw, rocking studio album yet, with American Songwriter sharing, “Bonamassa pushes into fresh territory while staying within a blues-based framework,” and “there is more than enough proof in this sprawling set that Bonamassa doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels or take his star status in the blues-rock genre for granted.”
Hailed as “a near spiritual experience” by Classic Rock Magazine and featuring songs from his latest #1 studio album, Time Clocks, Bonamassa’s latest live concert release Tales Of Time, captures a stratospheric performance by the blues-rock titan at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which found his virtuoso guitar style and unique technique and flair elevating the evening to an almost heavenly high. The project was produced by long-time collaborator and producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Journey).
“This live show represents our most progressive and largest production to date, focusing on my most ambitious studio album to date,” commented Bonamassa. “My band was a force of nature on this show, and it truly was a special night.” For more information on Tales Of Time, click HERE.
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa
1. Twenty-Four Hour Blues (originally performed by Bobby “Blue” Bland) 2. It’s Hard But It’s Fair (originally performed by Bobby Parker) 3. Well, I Done Got Over It (originally performed by Guitar Slim) 4. I Want to Shout About It (originally performed by Ronnie Earle & The Broadcasters) 5. Win-O (originally performed by Pee Wee Crayton) 6. Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) *original song written by Joe Bonamassa & Tom Hambridge 7. Lazy Poker Blues (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac) 8. You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain (originally performed by Albert King) 9. The Truth Hurts Feat Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith (originally performed by Kenny Neal) 10. Is It Safe To Go Home *original song written by Josh Smith
Blues Deluxe Remastered by Joe Bonamassa
1. You Upset Me Baby 2. Burning Hell 3. Blues Deluxe 4. Man Of Many Words 5. Woke Up Dreaming 6. I Don’t Live Any Where 7. Wild About You Baby 8. Long Distance Blues 9. Pack It Up 10. Left Overs 11. Walking Blues 12. Mumbling Word
Summer 2023 U.S. Tour August 2 – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA August 4 – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV August 5 – Eccles Theater – Salt Lake City, UT August 6 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO August 9 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA^ August 12 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY** August 13 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY**
**Keeping the Blues Alive presents: Joe Bonamassa & Friends: Styx and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles ^Joe Bonamassa with Orchestra
Fall 2023 U.S. Tour October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall December 1 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena December 2 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 13x Blues Music Award Nominee (4 wins), he achieved his 26th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with Tales Of Time, a sprawling and expansive live concert film and album, shot at the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in August 2022. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in a studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide. Recent producing highlights include ‘Crown’ by the blues legend Eric Gales, which was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards.
Bonamassa has been featured in several publications from Esquire, WSJ, and Parade to Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, as well as on the covers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, Guitarist, and Classic Rock Magazine. His non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need and has positively impacted more than 91k students to date while raising over 2 million in donations.
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