Concert review - Joe Bonamassa, Birmingham NIA

Joe Bonamassa

Birmingham NIA

Concert review and photos by Ian Harvey

When I first reviewed American blues rocker Joe Bonamassa back in 2008, I described him as the most exciting guitarist in the world.

Since then Bonamassa has gone on to release three solo albums, two more with his band Black Country Communion (alongside Midlanders Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham) and a further, critically-acclaimed album with singer-songwriter Beth Hart.

And still his star rises.

Like a true force of nature, Bonamassa made the NIA his own on Saturday night, during a thrilling, compelling and heart-wrenchingly emotional two-and-a-half hour set.

Click on the image to the right for more concert pictures

Many are probably not aware that 'his' signature tune, Sloe Gin, is in fact a cover of a song written by famed producer Bob Ezrin and composer Michael Kamen. And there were more covers; taking in ZZ Top's Just Got Paid and Led Zeppelin's Dazed and Confused.

But special mention must go to his rendition of The Who's Young Man's Blues, which just about took the roof off the venue.

Among the surprises was an appearance from ex-Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden on two songs, as well as the title track from Bonamassa's forthcoming album Driving Toward The Daylight and a solo version of Black Country Communion's Song Of Yesterday.

While he can thrill on electric numbers like The Ballad Of John Henry, Slow Train and Mountain Time, Bonamassa's acoustic version of Woke Up Dreaming was even more electrifying than them, a thrilling, passionate display of dexterity and skill.

This is an artist who has grown in stature, presence and stage craft. I seriously don't think there is another singer-guitarist on the planet who can touch him.