Appearing at IMAC, Huntington, NY

IMAC TO PRESENT A BLUES CONCERT WITH The JOE BONAMASSA TRIO

http://www.jbonamassa.com/

Tickets: $37.50 Full Price / $28.50 IMAC

DATE: SATURDAY, February 26th, 2005 at 9:00PM
On Saturday, February 26th, 2005 at 9PM, the Inter-Media Art Center (also known as “IMAC”) in Huntington, Long Island will present a blues concert with The JOE BONAMASSA TRIO featuring Joe Bonamassa (guitar), Kenny Kramme (drums), and Eric Czar (bass).

A guitar player since the age of four, Joe Bonamassa’s virtuosic chops have won him fans in both the rock and blues genres. The Utica, NY native made his national recording debut in 1995 as the lead guitarist in the band Bloodline. Having toured the US steadily since an extremely young age, the hard-working Bonamassa has maintained a passion for learning from veteran musicians and absorbing a variety of musical styles. His commitment to constant progression in his work has resulted in a unique sound on record and an unforgettable presence on stage.

Long Island-born drummer Kenny Kramme first met Joe in 2001, through their mutual friend, producer Bob Held. Having performed and toured with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Blues Traveler, Los Lobos and Johnny Lang, among many others, Joe was immediately impressed and hired Kramme on the spot. Born and raised in Williamstown, MA, bassist Eric Czar, like Bonamassa, was a music prodigy, playing professionally by the time he was 12. His presence in the trio only serves to strengthen the outstanding flow and fusion of classical blues and rock.

Tickets for this performance are $37.50 ($28.50 for IMAC Members). For tickets or further information on this performance, or on other IMAC programs, call IMAC's 24-hour Arts-Line at (631) 549-ARTS. Tickets can also be purchased at the theater from noon to 6PM, Tuesday through Friday, 2PM to 6PM on Saturdays and after 2PM on the day of the performances. For further information, call IMAC's business office at (631) 549-9666.

The Inter-Media Art Center, Inc. is a non-profit Media and Performing Arts Center whose programs and services are supported in part by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts (a state agency), Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs, the Town of Huntington, by a grant from The Harmon Foundation, as well as by the Members of IMAC. IMAC also gratefully acknowledges support from Bank of America, Korg USA, The Guitar Center, The D’Addario Foundation for the Performing Arts, AutoOne Insurance, Peconic Bay Winery, Branch Financial Services and Olivia and Harlan Fischer.

Inter-Media Art Center 370 New York Avenue Huntington, NY 11743 (631) 549-9666

BOX OFFICE HOURS Tuesday through Friday 12-6 pm Saturday after 2 pm on days of performances

Blog Critics: Joanie Hunt on Had To Cry Today

Had To Cry Today - CD ReviewPosted by Joan Hunt on February 22, 2005 07:34 AM (See all posts by Joan Hunt)Filed under: Music, Music: Blues - Scroll down to read comments on this story and/or add one of your own.

Had to Cry TodayJoe BonamassaMusic from Premier ArtistsRelease date: 24 August, 2004

How do you begin to sum up a CD that exceeds all one's expectations? The variety, depth, and intensity of Had To Cry Today absolutely floored me!

Joe Bonamassa possesses several amazing strengths: 1) true musicianship, 2) a strong, throaty voice that rounds out his tunes, 3) a passion for the music he plays, and 4) a perfect match of bandmates.

Not every musician is transformed when he picks up an instrument. Bonamassa is one of the chosen few. There's magic between the man and his guitars (and he owns a lot of them!) But, it's more than that. He brings out the deep resonating tones of his guitars and they bring out something special in him. He's also been known to coax sounds from whichever axe he's wielding that defy description. Each note carries a direct line to a place deep inside you.

Then there's the vocals - simply put, they enhance his music, rather than detracting. Joe delivers a richness that's lacking with so many others attempting to play guitar-fueled blues rock. Throaty, strong, and still somehow sweet, his words and singing ability pack a real punch. Crooning a ballad or belting out a mournful "so-o-oo looo-o-ong" on "Reconsider Baby", you're his. Not just for the song, but for the entire album.

Bonamassa's passion for music is visceral. You combine his musicianship with his vocals and before you know it, he's reached right inside you and made you feel what he's feeling. He delivers such joy, angst, and reverence in his music, each song, each album becomes a "must have." Every note seems familiar, yet somehow fresh. Joe bridges the gap between the guitar greats of the 70's and the rock music of today.

Familiar in the sense that he captures the feel of yesterday while bringing a new energy to a genre that serves as the template for what music should be.

Of the eleven tracks on this CD, seven are originals. The other four are brilliant covers infused with new life. The first track, "Never Make Your Move Too Soon", is a great B.B. King tune. Joe maintains the essence of B.B. but offers more power, more drive. You can imagine yourself out on the road (and this band is ALWAYS ON THE ROAD), pushing off from one city to the next, playing your heart out for a hungry crowd.

Whether Joe's playing at warp speed - with "Revenge of the Ten Gallon Hat", "When The Sun Goes Down", or "Faux Mantini" - or whispering sweet nothings in your ear - as he does with "When She Dances", his music becomes a part of your each breath. If your heart rate isn't affected by his music it's time to see a cardiologist.

Perhaps the reason Bonamassa's last few albums have developed so fully is that he's put together the perfect band. You take Eric Czar - the five string bass God; Kenny Kramme - the mind-blowing powerhouse on drums; add in Joe, with his blistering guitar, and you have a tour de force. There's not a single weak link on this team. Had To Cry Today is the album that brings together all their talents with a polished sound that can only come from having the perfect chemistry.

Their last album, Blues Deluxe, focused more on the Blues. And it was incredibly well done. The difference with Had To Cry Today is the obvious comfort the band has developed from having another year of touring together under their belts. They're certainly willing to take chances and bring in a variety of influences - rock, jazz, blues, and country blend effortlessly, taking you on a musical journey that leaves you begging for more. Fortunately, you can hit replay and listen again.

Every song on Had To Cry Today brings something special to the table. The covers on this CD are wonderful tributes to the original artists and the original songs, written or co-written by Joe, are simply stunning. You'll discover a "new favorite song" with each track.

More fine reading at Blogcritics.org. Scroll down to read comments on this story and/or add one of your own.

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Had to Cry TodayJoe BonamassaMusic from Premier ArtistsRelease date: 24 August, 2004

Blues DeluxeJoe BonamassaMusic from Premier ArtistsRelease date: 26 August, 2003

So, It's Like ThatJoe BonamassaMusic from Premier ArtistsRelease date: 13 August, 2002

New Day YesterdayJoe BonamassaMusic from Premier ArtistsRelease date: 28 August, 2001(Amazon information updated at Wed, 23 Feb 2005 07:53:29 -0500)

Posted by Joan Hunt on February 22, 2005 07:34 AM (See all posts by Joan Hunt) Filed under: Music, Music: Blues

Comment on this post and/or leave a message for the author here.
Comment 1 posted by Jane Hall on February 22, 2005 01:11 PM:

Wow you know it Joanie! I agree. I am not the music expert so to speak but this cd and this band are definitely at the highest level in all categories. I am actually suprised how much I love the title track, I usually prefer Joe's originals but I admit I repeat Had To Cry Today often. I love going to the shows and actually get to see the band tomorrow night in Baltimore. I think they are going to use much of the material from HTCT on their next live DVD. gotta go play HTCT!Jane(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 2 posted by Eric Olsen on February 22, 2005 01:17 PM:
very nice, descriptive job Joan, thanks and welcome!(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 3 posted by Bill Lamb on February 22, 2005 03:32 PM:
Nice review, but there seems to be something up with the link to your blog...it connects to a directory page at bonamassablog.us???(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 4 posted by Eric Olsen on February 22, 2005 03:38 PM:
Joan, the link goes back to the generic directory I saw yesterday, as Bill mentions, maybe you should point it to the old site for now?(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 5 posted by Angela Chen Shui on February 22, 2005 03:44 PM:
Thanks, Joan. Feel like I listened to the music already! ;-)(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 6 posted by Angela Chen Shui on February 22, 2005 04:04 PM:
Oh, gawwwwd... I better go buy the CD now then..!!(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 7 posted by Joanie on February 22, 2005 04:12 PM:
The url to bonamassablog.us is good...it's just on again, off again at this point. Sorry about that. Recommended listening mode for this CD - volume up, eyes closed. The only thing better than that is seeing the band live and in person! (See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 8 posted by Bill Lamb on February 22, 2005 05:31 PM:
So...if bonamassablog.us is the name of the blog...is this a vanity or fan club review?I'm really confused...and the directory site looks a lot like ones that are often predatory in dumping adware and other pernicious software onto all of our computers.What's up? I thought we're supposed to have functioning blog sites...(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 9 posted by Zaldor on February 22, 2005 05:50 PM:
Well done Joanie! And Welcome to BC :)(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 10 posted by bill masullo on February 22, 2005 08:34 PM:
awesome band...htct (and the others) rock...can't wait to see 'em again "live"bill masullo(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 11 posted by Joanie on February 23, 2005 03:21 AM:
Bill (Lamb) - think of our site as a clearinghouse for reviews by Bonamassa fans. A lot of it will be about Joe, Kenny, and Eric, but we all have diverse musical interests....and they WILL show up on the site.Plus, when you really think about it, the evolution of blues rock is worth exploring. Hopefully we'll be able to dig into it fully. (I mostly wanted a site where a lot of people could post together, and my main blog just wasn't appropriate. I picked Bonamassa Blog because the band served as inspiration for my renewed interest in music.)(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 12 posted by Bill Lamb on February 23, 2005 12:11 PM:
I'll look forward to your reviews on other music, because you write well.But right now this review looks like a friendly review by a promoter of the band.(See other comments from the same name, url or both. Experimental: IP)

Comment 13 posted by Paul Roy on February 23, 2005 08:10 PM:
Nice review. I thought Joe's first couple of albums were only average, but he showed tons of potential. However when I saw the bonus DVD, "A New Day Yesterday Live", which was included with his "So, It's Like That" CD, I was blown away. The guy is such a natural. I haven't had a chance to post my review of that DVD on Blogcritics yet, but you can check it out on my site , until I do.

BluesWax Artists & Album of the Year 2004

www.blueswax.com

You Have Spoken!
BluesWax Artist of the Year:
Joe Bonamassa!
BluesWax Blues Album of the Year:
Joe Bonamassa's Had To Cry Today

Blueswax.com
Thursday February 3, 2005

Yes, the readers of BluesWax, the largest subscribed Blues publication in the world, have selected their BluesWax Artist of the Year 2004 and BluesWax Album of the Year 2004. Through the month of December, through your nominations, you created a final ballot of five artists and five albums and then for the past few weeks you voted. As the largest subscribed Blues publication in the world, these awards are open to more fans than any other awards in the Blues. The final ballot for BluesWax Blues Artist of the Year 2004 was:

Reneé Austin
Joe Bonamassa
Eric Clapton
Anthony Gomes
Carl Weathersby

With record voting in both categories this year, you selected Joe Bonamassa as BluesWax Blues Artist of the Year 2004. Your notes to us over the past few weeks made it clear that it was those great high-energy rockin' performances and incredible work with the Blues in the Schools program that caused so many of you to vote for Joe as BluesWax Blues Artist of the Year 2004. The BluesWax staff was among you at some of those shows and we couldn't agree more. Joe Bonamassa is a true ambassador for the Blues and we wish him all the luck!
As with the Artist of the Year Award, the nominating process for BluesWax Album of the Year 2004 began back in the beginning of December when our readers began making nominations. The nominating process created the final ballot of:

Had To Cry Today-Joe Bonamassa
Hold On-Carl Weathersby
Ladies Man-Pinetop Perkins
Me and Mr. Johnson-Eric Clapton
That Represent Man-Mannish Boys

These were all great nominations and we loved every one of them! In the final voting, again, with record returns, you selected Joe Bonamassa's Had To Cry Today as BluesWax Album of the Year 2004.

Yesterday we caught up with Joe and told him about the awards that you, the readers, gave him. Here were some of the thoughts that Joe shared: "I would like to thank everybody at BluesWax for keeping the music I love alive. I am very honored by both of these awards. I would like to dedicate this to all my fans who voted and have supported me over the years. You all are the greatest. I was first introduced to the Blues at age four after hearing Eric Clapton's version of 'Further on Up the Road.' Twenty-three years later, Blues is the music that still inspires me everyday. It's a constantly changing medium and sometimes I know I think a little outside the box. Nevertheless I am and have always been a Blues guitar player. It's a feeling inside as much a part of me as love, sadness, and all other emotions. It's my life's calling, I could never do anything else. Thanks again to all of you. I am quite humbled by this..."

The staff of BluesWax congratulates Joe Bonamassa for sweeping the 2004 BluesWax Awards!

http://www.blueswax.com/

Band at Redwood Run
Photo By: Dennis Blanchard