Artist: Joe Bonamassa
Album: A New Day Now
Label: J&R Adventures
Release Date: 8.16.2020
Twenty years ago, “a young lad full of youthful spirit and optimism,” recorded his first solo album, A New Day Yesterday. I had no idea who he was or that Joe Bonamassa was here to “make my mark on the music business” and become the torchbearer for all those guitar gods who are now in their 70s and beyond. Today, two decades later, producer Kevin Shirley joined Bonamassa in his quest to update his original album as a tribute to producer Tom Dowd, who saw something special in this young guitar slinger. A New Day Now presents the debut of that young guitar protégé in a new way.
The vocals of a mature, confident man in his early 40s have replaced the originals. Guitar parts once left off the original have, in some cases, reappeared. Other than that, the magic of Joe Bonamassa’s early work shines through. From the opening note of “Cradle Rock,” we know to expect the excellence that Bonamassa has stressed throughout his formidable career. He thrives on blues, he rocks, and he gets intoxicatingly funky, as on “I Know Where I Belong.” The original recording was proof of Bonamassa ‘s future. Today his work speaks for itself, always remembering to celebrate those who came before.
Adding to the epic power of A New Day Now are the unearthed bonus tracks, recorded by a 20 year old Joe and produced by Stevie Van Zandt, including a scorching cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Want You.” One listen, and it’s no surprise that Joe Bonamassa was—and is—the heir to every guitar slinger who preceded him.
—Gene Knapp
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