Joe Bonamassa-Black Rock (2010)

"Black Rock" is another memorable work by the great American bluesman Joe Bonamassa. This, his eighth solo album, is packed with covers, a fact that in no way detracts from the enormous quality of his rich repertoire. Recorded in studios located in Santorini, Greece, the guitarist enlisted a number of Greek musicians for its creation, including Manolis Karadinis (bouzouki), with whom he performs a blues version of "Athens to Athens", as well as another magnificent duet with B.B. King himself on the splendid "Night Life", a Willie Nelson classic. Among the other standout tracks are covers such as Leonard Cohen's "Bird on a Wire", John Hiatt's "I Know a Place", and Jeff Beck's "Spanish Boots". Original compositions include the energetic "Blue and Evil", "Quarryman's Lament", and "When the Fire Hits the Sea", all performed with the feeling, emotion, and intensity that only Joe Bonamassa can coax from his guitar. A number one hit on both the US and UK Billboard blues charts are well-deserved recognition for this outstanding blues-rock album.