Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. April 2009.

Joe Bonamassa shows that you can be considered a blues legend before you reach 40. The likeable and amiable singer and guitarist has played with some of the greats of the genre but he still seems to be in awe of the fact that a capacity crowd of music lovers would come and see him perform live.

He began a night of incredible music with Django from the 2006 album You and Me before going full steam into the Ballad of John Henry from this year’s album offering of the same name.

He looks at ease on stage and he knows how to please a crowd.  Joe finished a fine set with The Great Flood, Story of a Quarryman and Just God Paid.

Ian D. Hall