by Brian D. Holland.

Joe Bonamassa is quickly becoming one of the hottest young blues rockers on the scene today. His savory style and hard driving sound has much to do with that. He has an amazing knack for mixing the old with the new, and paying homage to past blues and rock idols. He understands the roots of both genres, primarily because he was exposed to the music while very young. He was handed his first guitar at age four. When his first solo record was released, at age 21, it was life in the fast lane for Smokin' Joe Bonamassa. And it doesn't look like he'll be slowing down anytime soon.

Some of Joe's album titles are the song titles of others, such as 2000's A New Day Yesterday, 2003's Blues Deluxe, and 2004's Had to Cry Today. These titles, by Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Rod Stewart (Jeff Beck Group), and Steve Winwood (Blind Faith), respectively, are covered on the albums as well. It's no requirement by any means, as his compositions are worthy enough on their own. Joe just loves to flaunt the music of his idols and influences. He does it live, too, within his originals. It's not unusual to hear an introduction reminiscent of the cries in Jeff Beck's volume manipulated 'Cause We've Ended As Lovers', or even the signature riffs to the conclusion of Frampton's 'Do You Feel Like We Do'. These little bits and pieces add flavor, spice, and a flash of deja vu to his live shows, and never fail to put smiles upon faces as fans suddenly recall the compelling riff from the past.

His playing style reveals no limitation or boundaries. He's often rocked up or downright bluesy. No matter which of his main guitars he chooses to play: his two Les Pauls, the Gibson ES-335, the gold sparkle Stratocaster, his signature Gigliotti GT, his Chandler LectraSlide, or even his acoustic, his tone is always to die for, live and on record.