In his liner notes, guitar giant Joe Bonamassa states that this album reflects his “need to be redeemed,” with this latest effort a part of that path. I don’t see the Bible in any of the pictures, so I’m assuming the reference is on more of a psychological, familiar or musical one. The lyrics on this strong album reflect the path of a pilgrim, with references to the devil and preachers and even a few “Hallelujah’s” thrown in, so Joe B is bringing us along on his own personal Camino de Santiago.
He brings together long time comrades Anton Fig/dr, Michael Rhodes/g, Reese Wynans/key-p, Kenny Greenberg/g as well as Paulie Cerra/sax, Lee Thornburg/tp-tb and vocalists Juanita Tippins, Jade M cCrae and Mahalia Barnes. He includes some swampy 70s sounding gems like “Evil Mama” the funky “Just ‘Cos You Can Don’t Mean You Should” and a herky jerky “Pick Up The Pieces” that includes some slithering guitar work.
On other occasions, he and the band come off like a modern day Free, as Bonamassa’s voice is as soulfully strong as Paul Rodgers on “Deep in the Blues Again” the stark “Self-Inflicted Wounds” and a shuflin’ ZZ Top ish “King Bee Shakedown.” On the more acoustic side, he is tender on the nylon strings for a penetrating and introspective “Stronger Now In Broken Places.” Sometimes Joe B gets criticized for emphasizing chops over creativity, but this album is one that can be used to diffused that argument. He sings and plays like it’s from the heart, and not the shades and suit.