Senior writer Gene Knapp interviewed the very busy bluesman Joe Bonamassa, who talked about his two new albums, upcoming virtual concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and his charitable works, among other things.

A musician and artist, Joe Bonamassa proves his worth every time he hits a guitar string or belts out a note, but there is so much more to the man. Like many of us during the pandemic, he’s staying home and taking care of those pesky repairs that every homeowner dreads. Unlike most of us, Bonamassa  is able to give back to those he venerates as well as provide help to those musicians “not lucky enough” to make a living and support their families during the time of COVID. As he clearly said, “You’re told by mandate and by law you can’t do what you do.” Thinking about how many musicians are unable to do what they do, he felt an obligation to help, using his Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation to raise money. [Not to be confused with the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards.]

All this is taking place as Bonamassa plans to release not one but two albums: A New Day Now, a 20^th anniversary refurbishing of his first album and Royal Tea, his latest album, recorded at Abbey Studios. As part of his desire to help others, he set up the Fueling Musicians Program as part of his foundation.

When talking about the difference between these two albums, Bonamassa put it into perspective: “One was made 20 years ago and one was made eight months ago.” Why he re-recorded all the vocals for A New Day Now was simple: “I wanted to be able to listen to it. I’m a much better singer than I was 20 years ago. Some people sing better when they’re younger and some people evolve when they’re older.” For those who have any doubt, read the Elmore Magazine review of the reissue or buy the album. From his first recording to Royal Tea, expected out on October 23^rd, is a huge leap.

In describing the iconic Abbey Road Studios, he first recalled its recording history: “It’s a fully functioning studio that’s done everything from the Beatles to Dark Side of the Moon to Star Wars. As cool as it is, the one thing it won’t do is write the songs. It’s your responsibility to write the songs and come up with the material. It was a great experience and it made the record sound very English. We set out to make English blues-rock and I think we achieved that,” honoring those who inspired him.

Bonamassa’s growth as a musician is obvious, having first played with BB King at the age of twelve. Bonamassa was typically forthright—and modest—with his self-assessment. “I think I’m a better entertainer, songwriter, performer 30 years after the fact. If you don’t evolve, something’s up. Some people peak early; for some people it takes a minute. I’m one of those guys that takes a minute.”

Over the years, Bonamassa has recorded tribute albums and collaborated with a myriad of amazing musicians. He’s enjoyed giving back to his early heroes and has enjoyed collaborating, which he calls worthwhile and fun because “collaborations have to mean something [to me] for them to be worth doing. There are people I’d work with in a heartbeat but it has to mean something.” One of those collaborations was with Dion DiMucci, who he describes as “a fantastic person.” “Dion and I have been friends for a long time. At 80, he has the energy of a 25-year-old and the enthusiasm of a 25-year-old. That’s something you can’t replicate.”

As his friend Dion has done for the homeless, Joe Bonamassa is today spending his time, energy, and talent to help others during the COVID pandemic. He is performing the entirety of Royal Tea at the Ryman Auditorium as a “virtual” concert. A portion of the profits will go directly to the Fueling Musicians Program, which helps so many musicians unable to make ends meet during these difficult times. When asked to describe the charity, and the event, Bonamassa offered:

“I have a charity, a 501(c)(3), called Keeping the Blues Alive. About three months ago I asked myself ‘What’s the best way to use the charity?’”

He decided the best way, during the pandemic, was “to raise money for people who can’t tour. It will  help people who can’t make any money and desperately need the money. I called it ‘Fueling Musicians.’ We raised over $300,000 through friends, families, and corporate partners.” As time went on, it appeared that this proved to be an important tool and needed to continue. “As the pandemic kept going and the work stoppage kept going, people needed the money.

“Now we’re doing the live stream. It’s a charitable event that affects not only myself but affects my friends. We’re going to spend [some] money to do it right and get people involved.” He then acknowledged that so many other musicians are doing other things to be able to make a living, for example, Amy Helm, who is playing mini concerts for small, socially distanced groups of people. “They can totally sign up for what we’re doing and give back. If we can’t give back, what are we doing?”

The concert begins on Sunday, September 20, 2020, at 4pm ET, 1pm PT, and 8pm GMT. It will be available for seven days after the event. As Bonamassa said, “You can watch it on anything. It’s a pay-per-view. Old school.” It’s available on a phone, tablet, computer, or TV. To watch the show and help those musicians who bring joy to our lives every day,

For tickets, click HERE

See Joe Bonamassa perform live at the Ryman Auditorium, hear the new, unreleased album Royal Tea in its entirety, and be part of a very worthy cause. Bonamassa and working musicians trying to survive financially will thank you.