Matt LuceyTwo Legends
I have, in the past, sung the praises of both Joe Bonamassa and Buddy Guy. It really is a special time to be alive, when both of these giants get to play together. From Buddy Guys massive impact on the music industry in his time, to Joe Bonamassa today, the genre of the blues has lived on, relentlessly. While Buddy Guy dominated in the early days of the blues genre, amongst the greats, Joe Bonamassa has been a beacon in more recent years. Bonamassa’s efforts lately have brought the spotlight back, not only on himself, but on the other stars in the field. Both of these giants of the Genre share something in common. A mutual love and respect of the works of the King. BB King.
The Blues Summit 100
Some time ago, Joe Bonamassa announced a tribute album to BB King, The Blues Summit 100. This enormous album, set to release next year, is in celebration of what would have been BB King’s 100th Birthday. Speaking on the topic on a recent podcast, Bonamassa said that, having realised the special day was upcoming, he had been expecting a call. When he realised that there were no plans in the works for the event, Joe sprang into action. Calling up many of the key players that are active today, as well as the late King’s family, Bonamassa began to organise this album. From Clapton to Gary Clark Jr, Bonamassa pulled out all the stops with this one. With Buddy Guy having recently having released his own album, the legend is still clearly still capable of rocking.
This Collaboration
It means a lot to see these two collaborating on this track. BB King was a peer of Buddy Guy, with the two sharing many active years. On the flip side, BB King played the role of mentor to Joe Bonamassa in Joe’s early career. Taking him on tours and giving him an entry to the industry, BB became an idol to Bonamassa. It is amazing, then, to see the two of these brilliant musicians collaborating on a tribute to their friend and mentor. The song chosen for this monumental tribute was a classic of BB’s: “Sweet Little Angel”.
The Song Itself
Launching into the song, it immediately conjures images of BB King. With a classic blues tone, the guitar steals the show. A key sign of BB’s playing was always just phrasing on his guitar, Lucille. This same phrasing is used effectively here to set the pace for the whole song. Its a sharp, clear tone that manages to be simultaneously cutting and warm, as it is in the forefront of the song.
The backing music is also reminiscent of a lot of King’s work. With a brass section underpinning the track, you get this big band sound, without taking focus off the vocals and guitar. With Buddy Guy singing, the track feels authentic to the time of the original track. Clearly, the legend is still capable of stealing the show musically, as he shows off a powerful voice throughout.
The spoken phrases in the song are also a remnant of BBs style, between lines of singing. You really feel the emotion in this track, which adds to the sentimental nature of the project. The solo itself is a work of art. Its not a rip-roaring modern take on the song, but rather a tasteful reimagining of something BB might have put his name to. With Guy hyping up the solo with phrases like “You want to hear me play?” and “Look out man, here I come”, this was done perfectly.
Conclusion
Overall, the song is beautiful. A fitting tribute by two of the greatest, played for another. Its the kind of thing that BB would have loved, were he around to hear it. This, like all the other releases for this album, has me waiting in earnest to hear more.
