Is it just me who wonders when Joe Bonamassa finds the time to sleep? Even my sniffer dog has started to lose track of the amount of music JoBo’s put out in recent times, but when you’re head honcho of an entire genre, I guess you need to shed a prolific existence.
If my maths is correct (which I wouldn’t count on), I believe this to be Joey B’s sixth album in the past four years (as long as you don’t chalk off live recordings and Black Country Communion’s V).
Given we’re almost halfway through 2026, Bonamassa fans could be pardoned for getting a bit prickly about the absence of an album to date, but the guitar virtuoso and workaholic has come through with this corking set honoring one of his musical heroes and primary guitar influences — Rory Gallagher.
But this isn’t any ordinary project. Rory’s shadow (play) looms large on this 14-song LP compiled from three sold-out nights out in Cork (Gallagher’s hometown). The setting adds emotional weight to The Spirit Of Rory, reuniting his legacy, music, place, and people. Rather than try and reinvent Rory’s songs, JoBo has sidestepped the unwanted insignia of sinner boy by ‘approaching the catalog with humility and reverence.’
The Irishman always came into his own on the stage, establishing a fierce reputation as a tireless performer with a gritty and raw edge. Capturing the adrenaline and excitement of his live performances (I strongly recommend giving Irish Tour ’74 a listen) was never going to be easy, but it’s clear Bonamassa and his band (alongside the rowdy, raucous crowd) did Cork’s favorite son proud.
What starts off like a violin concerto, soon bursts into an explosive rendition of “Tattoo’d Lady.” While I agree with diehard ‘Rory-ites’ that their man was a stronger/more powerful singer, Joe can certainly walk away with his head held high.
On “Bullfrog Blues,” there’s fire to his Strat playing that this blistering rock ‘n’ roll juice demands, with the dial-down solo outstanding and the crescendo spine-tingling. If you want a masterclass in how to pay homage to your heroes, the magnificent arranged (both vocally and instrumentally) “A Million Miles Away” sees Bonamassa’s beloved backing singer Jade MacRae bring her trademark passion to the poetic existentialist masterpiece. While it’s virtually impossible to copy Rory note for note, given his inventive disposition to never play the same track the same way, Bonamassa’s solo is very much true to his own inimitable style. And what’s not to love about the funky bassline?
Anyone who has followed Bonamassa’s career will know there’s not much he can’t turn his famed guitar hands to. See how he lets his slide notes sing on the epic “Who’s That Coming?” or the ferocity and flow he and his on-fire outfit spill all over “Back On My Stompin’ Ground.” The captivating rhythm and Bonamassa’s inescapable lust for the blues come through on this barrelling show closer.
All of Rory’s life energy was poured into his music, with his soulful blues feel and unpretentious warmth shining in every song. In many ways, he defined the working man’s blues, with his heartfelt, passionate performances a large part of his DNA. Joe was cut from the same cloth — industrious and an ingenious, tasty guitarist in his own right.
There will only ever be one Rory Gallagher, but when a fellow guitar great takes the time to inject their own intensity and musical voice to one of his biggest sources of inspiration, we should just enjoy it. Not forgetting, it puts Rory’s name up in lights to a new generation.
All in all, it’s an enthralling and energetic contribution to Rory’s ongoing legacy.
The Review: 8/10
– Who’s That Coming?
– A Million Miles Away
– As The Crow Flies