Joe Bonamassa

[jhadhar65]

I've only recently learned about this guy, but I'm really digging his stuff.  The first is a live version of "One Of These Days" and the second is a better studio recording:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDcx_5N9qVo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtlY-3JcAds

...and if you dig that at all, try this (Blues Deluxe):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn09Xn9JF5s

...and had to add this one (Joe at 12yo in 1989!!!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLB900atJFs&feature=related

[EL34]

Yeah, Joe is the real deal

[bluestone]

Joe actually grew up a block from my wife in Utica NY. I was in his dad's store in Clinton a few years ago and in walks Joe. I was trying out a vintage Strat and immediately stopped playing. He just smiled said hello and said it sounded good....Yeah, right.....Talk about being intimidated
I never new him personally because of the age difference but as he rose to fame he sure was a local hero....

[jhadhar65]

Cool story!  He definitely rocks.  Speaking of rocks, I've apparently been living under one for not knowing about this guy before recently.

Oh well...

...and keep this in mind:

sermon
Forget intimidation.  Guitar picking is an art, not a competition sport.  Further, no two artists are quite alike, even in the case of clones.  What you bring to the table is unique.  Nobody can do it like you do - not even Joe.  Heck, imagine what we might be listening to today if Dylan or Hendrix let other singers intimidate them.  Ozzy would rank at the very bottom of any "Top # Singers" list I would ever put together, but I sure do like listening to him and wish I could do it like he does.  He can't even talk worth a crap and he still rules.  Joe very probably did like what he heard when you were playing and that's the coolest part of the whole story.
/sermon

[tubenit]

Forget intimidation.  Guitar picking is an art, not a competition sport.  Further, no two artists are quite alike, even in the case of clones.  What you bring to the table is unique.  Nobody can do it like you do - not even Joe.  Heck, imagine what we might be listening to today if Dylan or Hendrix let other singers intimidate them.  Ozzy would rank at the very bottom of any "Top # Singers" list I would ever put together, but I sure do like listening to him and wish I could do it like he does.  He can't even talk worth a crap and he still rules.  Joe very probably did like what he heard when you were playing and that's the coolest part of the whole story.

Very very cool thing to say!  Thanks for the perspective.

With respect,Tubenit