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Joe Bonamassa‘s “B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100”: A Centennial Celebration ⁣& The Future of the Blues

(Published: November 2, 2023)

Joe Bonamassa’s ambitious project, B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, isn’t just a tribute album; it’s a vibrant statement ⁤about the enduring power and evolution of the blues. As the centennial of B.B. King’s birth approaches (and has been ongoing throughout 2023),this multi-volume collection,now at Vol. III, demonstrates how King’s legacy continues to inspire and shape contemporary music. This article dives into the project,its impact,the artists involved,and what it signifies for the future of the blues.

The roots and the ⁣Fruits: ⁢B.B. King’s Enduring Influence

B.B. King famously saeid, “The blues ⁤are the roots, the rest are the fruits.” This wasn’t ‍a catchy phrase, but a profound truth.The blues, born from hardship and resilience, forms the bedrock of much of modern⁤ popular music – rock and roll, jazz,⁤ soul, and even country owe a important debt to its foundational sound. As we approach the centennial of King’s birth, recognizing his impact is⁣ crucial. He wasn’t just a guitarist; he was a storyteller, an innovator, and a ⁢cultural icon.

The blues Summit 100 project understands this. it doesn’t attempt to replicate King’s sound, but⁤ rather to interpret it through the lens of contemporary artists. This is a vital distinction. ⁢ The blues isn’t a museum piece; it’s a⁢ living, breathing genre that must evolve to remain relevant.

Vol. III: Emotional Resonance‍ and Contemporary⁣ Takes

The latest installment, Vol. III,‍ leans heavily into ⁢emotional connection and ⁤showcases a ⁣diverse range of ‍interpretations. The centerpiece, “Sweet Little Angel,” featuring ⁤the legendary 88-year-old buddy Guy, is particularly poignant. the song pairs Guy with the memory of his long-time friend,B.B. King. The accompanying video masterfully blends archival ⁢footage of the two blues giants with newly restored material, creating a powerful dialog across time.

Co-producer Josh Smith emphasizes the authenticity of⁣ Guy’s performance: “Buddy Guy is obviously the first call you make when putting this project together, and ‘Sweet Little Angel’ was his preferred song. This ⁢take shows you why Buddy is the living legend he is. ⁣Both his vocal and guitar playing are⁤ from the same live track – no⁢ messing around, old school. The real deal indeed.” ⁢ Guy’s own words – “I’m remembering you, B. You know that. I can’t do it like you, but⁢ I can try” – encapsulate the⁢ spirit of the entire project.

Beyond “Sweet Little Angel,” Vol. III offers a compelling variety of⁢ styles:

* Larkin Poe: Their rendition ⁤of “Don’t You Want a Man Like Me” injects swagger and slide guitar,demonstrating the band’s ability to blend traditional blues with a modern edge.
* ⁢ Trombone ⁣Shorty &⁤ Eric Gales: “Heartbreaker” is transformed into a brass-fueled, high-energy storm, showcasing the genre’s capacity for innovation.
* Jimmie Vaughan: ⁢brings a classic Texas shuffle feel to “watch Yourself,” a respectful nod to King’s influences.
* Larry McCray: His slow-burn take on “When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around)” is a powerful⁢ closer, earning him praise from Smith as “the greatest contemporary bluesman in the world.”

Who’s Affected? The⁣ Ripple Affect ⁣of the ⁢Blues Summit

This project impacts several groups: