Joe Bonamassa, one of the world’s premier blues-rock guitarists, announces the release of his latest live single, ‘Ball Peen Hammer‘, from the upcoming album ‘Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra‘. Available for streaming on all major platforms, this version features an extraordinary arrangement backed by a 40-piece orchestra, adding a majestic layer to Bonamassa’s signature sound. Originally penned by the underappreciated genius Chris Whitley, the song was immortalized by Bonamassa on his 2007 album Sloe Gin, and its powerful interpretation by Bonamassa introduced it to a broader audience.
Stream ‘Ball Peen Hammer‘ – here
‘Ball Peen Hammer‘ is a poignant tale of resilience and hope amid hardship. Bonamassa’s live version captures the raw emotional essence of the song, further enriched by the lush dynamics of the orchestra. Reflecting on Whitley’s influence, Bonamassa shared, “He doesn’t get a lot of credit but he’s one of the great songwriters and guitarists that I ever have run across. My tribute to Chris Whitley is deeply rooted.” He further recalled opening for Whitley in 2002: “Chris was the most devastating solo performer I have ever seen. I based my song and the sheer volume of the performance of the song ‘Woke Up Dreaming‘ on that night. Gone too soon and not known nor appreciated in his own lifetime. Plus a very nice and humble man to top it off.”
The release of ‘Ball Peen Hammer‘ follows the success of ‘The Last Matador of Bayonne‘, another highlight from ‘Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra‘. ”Matador” has amassed nearly 600,000 views on YouTube to date and growing. Each song on the album has been carefully selected to showcase the depth and breadth of Bonamassa’s musical influences and his ability to fuse blues, rock, and orchestral elements into a compelling narrative soundscape.
‘Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra‘ showcases Bonamassa’s virtuosic blend of blues and rock but also elevates fan-favorite tracks with grandiose orchestral arrangements by some of Hollywood’s finest – David Campbell, Trevor Rabin, and Jeff Bova. “Very few gigs represent my journey in music more than the Hollywood Bowl. I moved to Los Angeles in 2003 in search of opportunity and cheaper rent than New York City. My first gig at The Mint was attended by 5 of my friends and that’s all. We have played The Greek Theatre many times since, but the Bowl has always been a dream. The orchestra and the sheer scale of the event and venue is something I will never forget. I am so grateful that we filmed this special event in my life,” reminisces Bonamassa.
Available in CD/DVD, CD/BR, 2 LP Vinyl, and digital formats, the release captures the essence of Bonamassa’s career, highlighting his exceptional talent and the impactful fusion of blues, rock, and orchestral music.
Total Guitar Magazine recently awarded Bonamassa with the 3rd spot on their best blues guitarists of all time list last month. Following the momentum from his U.S. Spring Tour and the ninth annual voyage of his Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea cruise, Bonamassa is gearing up for his eagerly awaited ‘Blues Deluxe Tour‘ in the U.S. this summer. Beginning August 2nd in Selbyville, DE, and culminating in an unforgettable two-night performance in Hampton Beach, NH, on August 30th and 31st, the tour celebrates Bonamassa’s seminal albums Blues Deluxe and its chart-topping successor, ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2.‘ This 21-city tour will showcase an electrifying mix of Bonamassa’s classics and deep tracks live for the first time, alongside a band of world-class musicians. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.jbonamassa.com.
Bonamassa’s impact on the blues-rock genre is immeasurable. Guitar World has hailed him as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” a testament to his skill, influence, and role in bringing blues-rock to the forefront of the music scene. With a career spanning over three decades, Bonamassa has consistently captivated audiences around the globe with his dynamic live performances and musical ingenuity.
U.S. Summer 2024 – Blues Deluxe Tour
July 17 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion *
July 18 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival*
July 19 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater*
August 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino
August 4 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 6 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
August 8 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center
August 9 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
August 10 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall
August 12 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
August 14 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
August 16 – Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza
August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
August 18 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
August 20 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
August 21 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre
August 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 25 – Rochester, NY – West Herr Auditorium Theatre
August 27 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
August 29 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
August 31 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
*Not part of the Blues Deluxe Tour
Tickets available from – here
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.
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