Had to Cry Today
Guitar hero Bonamassa may have dropped the "Smokin'" prefix from his performing name that he carried as a teenager, but he still specializes in superheated fret work. And for him, the faster it is, the better. Bonamassa sought to showcase the "heavier side of blues" on his fourth studio recording, emphasizing the approach used by the classic English blues-rockers. And he does just that with a hyperactive "Travellin' South" thatTen Years Afterwould have been proud to claim and a hard-edged remake of theB.B. Kinghit "Never Make Your Move Too Soon". The title track, aBlind Faithfavorite, is transformed into a frenetic live jam whileLowell Fulson's "Reconsider Baby", a staple of Bonamassa's live show, is given an extended workout and features some of his most potent blues licks. Sometimes Bonamassa is in too much of a hurry for his own good, but his penchant for speed works especially well on a couple of instrumentals. He races through "Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat", a country-flavored tribute to mentorDanny Gatton, and the rapid-fire,Al Di Meola-influenced closer "Faux Mantini."--Michael Point