Hammersmith Odeon has become synonymous with rock n’ roll over the years. “The Guitar Event of the Year” Joe Bonamassa graced the stage for a four night run in the capital.

Having been typecast over the years as a straight up blues artist, Joe Bonamassa on this outing showcases the diversity of his sound, playing and incredible songwriting. Of course, the blues essence is still there, but what we hear this time are some more funkier and soulful elements, which have largely been made possible by the superb group of musicians around Joe who all add to his masterful playing.

Bonamassa has with him in tow a seven piece band including Reese Wynans on piano/hammond, who is soon to be inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame as part of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble. The band’s format closely resembles that seen as part of Joe’s “Muddy Wolf Band” and comes complete with a percussionist Daniel Sadownick and a rather talented horn section but with the absence the second guitarist spot which was taken by Kirk Fletcher during the Muddy Wolf Band tour. At the heart of the band is Bonamassa’s long time bass player Carmine Rojas and powerhouse drummer Tal Bergman.

The set is oozing with captivating solos, as the audience would want and expect. Joe’s tone, control, and appreciation of space is second to none. However, what is noticeable is that all of the band get their moment to shine, and they gel together so well. Bergman and Sadownick sounding phenomenal playing synchronously during “One Less Cross To Bear.” There is also a very obvious chemistry between Bonamassa and Wynans.

Read my full coverage of the show at National Rock Review:

Photos: © Adam Kennedy / Photography by Adam Kennedy, All Rights Reserved.