I also got to spend a great many hours getting to know the "Olsen Twins," Eric and Dawn Olsen, who are actually not twins. Through my marathon conversations with EO I learned so much about this site, its people, its challenges and its triumphs. I also learned a lot about the subjects we covered because EO knows more about more things than anyone I've ever not met in real life in my life (did you follow that?). In Dawn I found a kindred spirit, a sister of sarcasm, and a lot more depth than she'll ever admit to having. I also had a metric buttload of laughs.
So what does this stroll down Amnesia Lane have to do with Joe Bonamassa? Everything!
The package Joan told me to keep an eye on included Sloe Gin. She knew that after all her evangelistic efforts on Joe's behalf on BC Radio that she had failed to convert me. Some people, after all that yakking and praising, would have given up. Some would have simply chalked it up to "his loss" and moved on. Not many would reach into their own pocketbook and send a copy of that CD, daring the stubborn jackass to withstand the might in the music therein. It's only because of all the hours I spent talking to Joan that I know she is not the kind of person to let it go. Well, that and the CD in my hands.
Speaking of that CD, it blew away my preconceived notions born of ignorance. I expected a collection of songs overflowing with bluesy-sounding notes and recycled licks that had the sound of the blues without any of the emotion. I should have known better.
Sloe Gin is a textured album that uses the blues as its jumping off point, but doesn't bend to the strict demands of the conventions of the genre. He hasn't redefined the blues and the music never strays far from those constructs, but he hasn't enslaved himself to the conventions, either. There are acoustic songs, electric songs and originals and covers. He picks and chooses his spots carefully when it comes to soloing and his vocals are solid.
Passing on great music to someone else is one of life's real joys, and when that happens you want to keep that joy alive and pass it on to someone else. That can only happen within the broader confines of a community, and BC Magazine has been that community for me.
Tag... you're it!
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Wow...have to say I got a little misty reading that Josh. Nice review though. Oh, and we love you too, man.
-Glen
2 - Mark Saleski
great stuff josh!
3 - Pico
Eh, Saleski just likes your review 'cos he got name checked in it. ;&)
I like it because it really is good. Well, that, and because I just picked up Sloe Gin myself. Can't wait to try it out, now.
4 - Phillip Winn
Joan got me hooked on Bonamassa as well, so now I'm going to have to buy this album. Oh well!
5 - Josh
Thanks, all. This was a fun one to write. I got to say a lot of things I've wanted to say, some of them for quite awhile.
Pico, you're going to like this one. So will you, Phillip. You definitely want to pick up a copy soon.
6 - Tim Hall
While it might not be the best album of the year (2007 has been a great year for albums), that title track is a strong candidate for the best individual song.