Joe Bonamassa, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, and Sixthman, announce Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean II. The cruise, which follows seven sold-out Caribbean cruises, and a sold-out Mediterranean cruise, is scheduled to set sail August 23-28, 2022, from Athens, Greece to Mykonos, Greece and Kusadasi, Turkey. This upcoming voyage will sell out, so fans are encouraged to book now.
As with the previous cruises, the second European cruise will feature music across multiple stages, curated music-centric activities, and one-of-a-kind collaborative sets from blues legends including one with Winwood and Bonamassa together. The amazing talent on this incredible line-up highlights new additions Rock N Roll Hall Of Famer Steve Winwood, TommyEmmanuel, Samantha Fish, Jackie Venson and The Reverend Shawn Amos.
For the best selection of staterooms, fans are encouraged to reserve their stateroom for the sailing now at bluesaliveatseaeurope.com.
Double occupancy staterooms on Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean IIbegin at $1,650 per person, plus taxes and fees, with low deposit amounts and flexible payment plans available. For a limited time only, all guests who reserve a stateroom on Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean II, will receive a FREE Premium Beverage Package, valued at $495.00 per person, for their entire cabin.
For more information about booking your vacation, visit bluesaliveatseaeurope.com or call Sixthman directly at +44 808 164 1488 between the hours of 10am EST and 6pm EST.
A destination of her own, the beautiful Norwegian Jade offers guests Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature freedom and flexibility during their vacation. Norwegian Jade features 16 delicious and visually stunning dining options, 15 bars and relaxing lounges, a dazzling casino, tranquil spa and gym, updated design and décor in public spaces and brand-new state of the art features on board cabins.
NCL and Sixthman are committed to the health of our guests, artists and staff. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard a ship where your health and safety are prioritized. For a full FAQ and details please visit sixthman.net/assurance.
To read about all of the safety measures NCL has put in place aboard their fleet, click here.
Guitar legend JOE BONAMASSA today reveals his stunningly sweeping new single, “Time Clocks”.
This is the third song taken from his forthcoming brand-new studio album of the same name, set to be released on October 29 via Provogue (Europe) and J&R Adventures (North America).
Joe continues his soul-searching evolution on this beautifully poignant Bonamassa-Shirley penned song. At just over seven minutes long, it has all the epic musical grandeur of him at his most expressive and ambitious. With a heart on sleeve narrative weaving its way throughout, the rousing chorus rises to the heavens as he sings, “and the rain soaking through my coat, about to capsize my boat I push it along away from the docks, I was never a good puncher of time clocks.” Backed with cascading vocals from Juanita Tippins and Prinnie Stevens, as well as the supreme musicianship of Anton Fig (Drums), Steve Mackey (Bass), Lachy Doley (Piano/Organ) and Kevin Shirley (Percussion), it has an aura of pure timelessness.
The album was recorded in New York City and took Joe back to his early roots and rediscovers him at a newfound peak with an unparalleled Blues Rock prowess. Known as the man in the suit, loved by many as the ultimate guitar hero, and cited by critics as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” (Guitar World), somehow the music mastermind has found yet another layer of immense new artistry to share with his fans. Recently Bonamassa dropped hints of the new album with his reeling anthem “Notches“, and the Blues heavy single “The Heart That Never Waits”, another instant classic that takes a tale of heartbreak and turns it around into an undeniable showstopper meant for the stadiums.
The new album is a collection that sheds new light on Joe’s life as a journeyman, constantly creating and always on the run. As “Notches” and “The Heart That Never Waits” would suggest, this album shows that even though Joe chose the road less traveled, it’s led him to success in the end. And he’s not backing down any time soon. A bit older in years but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavor, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. ‘Time Clocks’ follows Joe on his never-ceasing evolution as he continues to forge ahead, bending genres, breaking down walls and defying the odds of the music industry.
For the new studio album, Bonamassa hit the studio with longtime collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory, the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman’sAnton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals. The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi), and the fantastic artwork on this album was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
“Time Clocks” is a song that has all the hallmarks of a sure-fire fan-favorite hit. As the world begins to open up and Joe the showman, Joe the entertainer, takes his place on this rightful home on the stage, you can already picture thousands of fans singing back the stirring chorus.
Now, with even bolder energy than ever before, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he plans to continue to beat the odds and exceed the expectations of naysayers. ‘Time Clocks’ is a testament to his credentials and a toast to his longtime fans. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.
In releasing new music destined for the loudspeakers, Joe is elated to get back to the stage. Recently completing a summer tour on the US West Coast, he’ll be back on tour for the fall season with shows across the rest of the country before taking the stage at sea for his sold-out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. Joe will also be touring Europe in Spring 2022. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
Celebrated blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter JOE BONAMASSA will return to tour the UK for the first time in three years, when he performs five concerts in April and May 2022, including two nights at the legendary Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 5 May and Friday 6 May.
Joe will also perform concerts at Glasgow SECC on Wednesday 20 April, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on Friday 22 April, and Brighton Centre on Saturday 23 April.
The 2022 UK tour follows the news of Joe’s highly anticipated 15th solo studio album “Time Clocks” released on 29 October 2021 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group in Europe and J&R Adventures in North America. Pre-order the album HERE.
Joe Bonamassa says of ‘Time Clocks’: “What started out with the intentions of being a trio record turned into probably my most adventurous and involved record to date.”
Joe’s 2022 UK tour will feature the guitarist performing alongside a hand-picked group of world-class musicians playing songs from his forthcoming studio album “Time Clocks”, as well as tracks from his vast catalogue of albums such as “Royal Tea”, “Redemption”, “Blues of Desperation” and “The Ballad of John Henry”, plus classic Bonamassa fan favourites.
Watch the music video for Joe’s new single “The Heart That Never Waits”HERE.
Blues rock star JOE BONAMASSA has announced highly anticipated new studio album ‘Time Clocks’, set to be released on October 29th via Provogue/Mascot Label Group in the UK and Europe, and by J&R Adventures throughout North America.Bonamassa soars beyond expectations with prolific new record as one of the music industy’s most revered storytellers sharing his life on the road.
New single ‘The Heart that never waits’; an instant blues rock classic packed ear to ear with genius guitar playing and poetic lyrics of heartbreak warfare.
‘Time Clocks’ is a testament to his credentials and a toast to his longtime fans. His new sound has a raw and vital flavor, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock. “What started out with the intentions of being a trio record turned into probably my most adventurous and involved record to date,” explains Bonamassa. His longtime producer Kevin Shirley adds, “I think Joe Bonamassa has made an album that is truly transitional. From a blues musician to a superstar artist, [and] I’m so thrilled to be along for the ride.” Joe and Kevin brought on the legendary Bob Clearmountain to mix the epic tracks, and Bob declares that “This is one of the best albums I’ve mixed in years. Joe is not only one of the finest blues & rock guitarists of our time, he’s also a brilliant songwriter, [which is] impressively apparent on this record.”
Recorded in New York City, the album rediscovers Bonamassa at a newfound peak with heartfelt songwriting and an unparalleled Blues Rock prowess. ‘Time Clocks’ follows Joe’s constant evolution as he continues to forge ahead, bending genres, breaking down walls and defying the odds of the music industry. He’s known as “the man in the suit”, loved by many as the ultimate guitar hero, cited by critics as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” (Guitar World), and now the music mastermind has found yet another layer of immense new artistry to share with his fans. As one of today’s most in-demand touring acts the road has been long and winding, but the rough journey has molded his craft into gold.
For the album, Bonamassa hit the studio with longtime collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. The album was recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory and mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi). The band members include Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman‘s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals. The fantastic artwork on the album was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
Recently Bonamassa dropped hints of the new album with his reeling anthem “Notches”, and with today’s exciting news he’s revealed the next Blues-heavy single “The Heart That Never Waits,” another instant classic that takes a tale of heartbreak and turns it around into an undeniable showstopper meant for the stadiums. Joe sings compassionately with an air of independence, in a voice that’s only gotten better with time – a rarity for an artist with such longevity in their career. These songs are a collection of stories that shed new light on Joe’s life as a journeyman, constantly creating and always on the run. Looking back on recording during COVID-19 and the original intention behind the album, Bonamassa reflects, “Twenty years ago, I recorded a record of covers that eventually was called ‘Blues Deluxe.’ It was recorded at Bobby Nathan’s studio in Manhattan. It captured an energy and purpose that always stuck with me as an artist. I lived in New York City at the time and times were pretty tough. My weekly routine was a combination of hustling sessions, gigs, and opportunities that seemed few and far between. I was hungry. Literally and figuratively. The music business is tough, very tough. Especially back in those days when major labels pulled all the strings and, in my case, all the punches. I subsisted on a basic diet of peanut butter and jelly and ramen noodles, purchased at the bodega on the corner of 83rd and Columbus Avenue.
Cut to 2019 and I find myself back in New York and inspired by the city again. My living conditions had changed dramatically in the subsequent 20 years, but the energy that makes New York City great still remained.
In February 2021, we found ourselves at Germano Studios, cutting music as a trio (but not trio music) and having to invent ways of making records when your lifelong producer is stuck in Australia due to travel restrictions. Kevin Shirley came up with a way of linking continents and consoles to where we had literally zero latency. Add Steve Mackey and Anton Fig to the mix, a few masks and curse words and we have the ‘New York Record’ aka ‘Time Clocks’.”
Now, with an even bolder energy than ever before, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he plans to continue to beat the odds and exceed the expectations of naysayers. ‘Time Clocks’ will also be Bonamassa’s first album mixed to utilize spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and available for fans on Apple Music. Bob Clearmountain adds, “the Atmos version is simply breathtaking.”
In releasing new music that’s destined for the loudspeakers, Joe is elated to get back to the stage. Recently completing a short summer tour in the US, he’ll be back on tour for the fall season with shows across the country before taking the stage at sea for his sold out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
For everything Joe Bonamassa, visit his website at jbonamassa.com.
Blues rock artist Joe Bonamassa is back with a brand-new single from his highly anticipated upcoming album, due out later this year. “Notches” exemplifies the unwavering journey Joe has experienced while taking the road less travelled leading him to ultimately find success. A bit older in years, but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavour, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. The first single arrives today as a foot-stomping, fist-pounding dose of rock mastermind that pays homage to the artist’s resilient history, with an eye on the future as he continues to bend genres, break down walls and defy the odds of the music industry.
Joe belts out the Blues-tinged lyrics in “Notches” with a vocal range that gets even better with each release, diving deeper into his rock capabilities as he croons the resounding chorus, “I got miles under my wheels. Notches in my walkin’ cane.” He takes no prisoners with his hard-hitting anthem and holds nothing back, delivering a fresh unchartered sound that is not like anything he’s done before. The cinematically excellent official music video was directed by Paul van Kan.
For recording “Notches,” Bonamassa hit the studio with long-time collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. The track was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi) and was co-written with Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke). Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and PrinnieStevens on backing vocals. The fantastic artwork on this single was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
The lyrics allude to Joe’s tenured uphill battle with the music industry. Looking back, he reflects, “Twenty years ago, I recorded a record of covers that eventually was called ‘Blues Deluxe.’ It was recorded at Bobby Nathan’s studio in Manhattan. It captured an energy and purpose that always stuck with me as an artist…The music business is tough, very tough. Especially back in those days when major labels pulled all the strings and, in my case, all the punches.” Now, maybe more than ever, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he has no plans to back down now. “Notches” is a testament to his credentials. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.
“Notches” is a song that begs to be heard live in an audience, banging loud from the speakers. Luckily for fans, this month Joe heads back out on tour for 42 shows, starting on the West Coast in the US at the end of this month, then traveling around the rest of the country throughout the fall season before taking the stage at sea for his sold out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
Last year when COVID-19 put the live touring industry on hold, guitar hero JOE BONAMASSA did something unprecedented for his fans – he put together a one-night-only show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN to be livestreamed for fans everywhere. That night he united people across 44 countries worldwide for a phenomenal live music presentation of his brand-new album “Royal Tea” before it was even released. The concert was re-mixed and mastered for physical release as “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman” on June 11th and will be available to own on CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and Double LP. The DVD will include a film introduction narrated by actor Jeff Daniels. The stellar performance includes 12 incredible live tracks, featuring the best from his latest studio release Royal Tea, Joe’s 24th #1 record on the Billboard Blues chart, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. It also includes 3 electrifying tracks from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now. Get your serving and relive the excitement time and time again with this once-in-a-lifetime release from one of the most celebrated Blues Rock entertainers!
Recalling the magical night, Bonamassa shares, “I have always wanted to film a show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Our band has had the honor of playing there now 8 1/2 times over the past 10 years. The audience is always alive and electric, hanging on every word and phrase. It feels like the greatest, most intimate gig you will ever do but there are 2,300 people sharing this joy and musical journey. I love the place as it is a national treasure and selfishly close to my house. Here’s where I get to the 1/2 part. We missed you. As great as it is to be on that stage in any capacity, YOU the fans make it special. You are part of the show and a big part of it. As this show was being filmed live, almost 100,000 eyes were on us in various forms around the world in front of TVs and computers alike. But you were not in the room with us.”
In normal times, the legendary venue typically seats 2,300, but for one night only, the real crowd was the size of a major stadium, and in-house nearly every seat was filled with a custom cardboard cutout of a fan. The event sold over 17,000 tickets, reaching a global audience and bringing people of all different cultures together during a time when it often felt like the world was falling apart. Considering the number of households watching concerts together from home, one ticket could actually account for an entire family, so the true number of viewers would likely skyrocket.
Joe continues, “We played as good as we could in front of those 1700 cardboard cut outs of your faces and tried to imagine you there. For split seconds I would catch a glimpse of the room and it almost felt normal. Then the song would end and there would be dead silence. Only the footsteps of our crew could be heard. With all of that said, this DVD is a snapshot of a concert performance within the confines a vast sea change of the world. A world that had temporarily deemed us unnecessary. Nobody knows when I will ever get back to this stage in front of a full house again, but I sure do know that I do love it and miss you greatly. This show counts as a 1/2.”
The night at the Ryman should also be celebrated as an event that brought the music industry together. Between ticket sales and donations during his After Party Showcase, the event raised $32,000 for Bonamassa’s Fueling Musicians program, presented by his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA). Supporting artists for over a year amid the pandemic, to date the program has secured $460,000 in funding for qualifying touring musicians who are suffering financial hardship since their careers have been put on hold. The program provides immediate $1,500 cash payments for essential living expenses to help musicians stay afloat until they can get back out on the road. This past weekend Joe hosted his 2nd Annual Stream-A-Thon event, featuring over 35 stunning performances and 3+ hours of music to continue raising money for the cause. The event featured a star-studded lineup including Bonamassa, Toto, Dion, Ana Popovic, Warren Haynes, Bobby Rush, Jared James Nichols, Emily Wolfe and many more.
As for the amazing set list for “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman”, Bonamassa has made a career out of taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career and outstanding live shows, and the delivery at Ryman Auditorium was nothing short of perfection. Bonamassa shines brighter than ever, always adding new genre-bending flavor in his guitar playing and his trademark spin on the vocals. It’s no wonder he’s often praised for bringing new audiences to the Blues Rock universe. Bonamassa already has an incredible catalogue of live and studio releases that continue to evolve over the years and catch the ears of music critics far and wide. “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman” provides much needed invigoration for live music fans and will give them back the unbelievable feeling of being at a live concert event. With the audio/visual experience they’ll get with this release, they’ll get front row seats for one of the best touring acts around!
Track list
When One Door Opens
Royal Tea
High Class Girl
Lookout Man!
Why Does It Take So Long To Say Goodbye
A Conversation With Alice
I Didn’t Think She Would Do It
Beyond The Silence
Lonely Boy
Cradle Rock
Walk In My Shoe
A New Day Yesterday/Starship Trooper – Wurm
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