Photo Credit Allison Morgan
Chicago-based slide guitar virtuoso and singer-songwriter, Joanna Connor, who is best known as one of the reigning Queens of blue rock guitar, releases her 14th album 4801 South Indiana Avenue on Joe Bonamassa’s new independent blues record label Keeping the Blues Alive on February 26, 2021. The Album, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith at Ocean Way Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
This album is a must for any music lover, Joanna really dug deep, and with the legend Joe Bonamassa playing on every track takes it to another level. You can feel the power of the album from the first listen, you will be gripped and giving it another spin ….
Now, sit back and listen to the stunning slide intro on “Destination”, before the stunning vocals of Joanna sets the tone for the album. Her guitar work is just spine chilling. The sound from the guitar is just so pleasing, giving the perfect start to the album. “Come Back Home” is just a pleasure to listen to, old school blues featuring some magical piano toped off with a driving bass. Joanne’s vocals are huge, lifting the hair on the back of you neck. The album just gets bigger and deeper in the darkest blues before playing a rendition of the late Luther Allison ballad “Bad News”, the haunting and powerful guitar really hits the spot, just a remarkable rendition from Joanne.
The energy of the album changes, more upbeat and angrier with fast slide guitar on “I Feel So Good”, highlighting the excellent slide from Joanne, before “For the Love of a Man”, gives you the full vocal power of Joanne, sometimes pushing it to the limit.
“Trouble Trouble”, is the standout track of the album, with its big and stunning guitar solos, when you listen to it you will feel Joanne’s passion flowing out of the speakers. Then you are in for a treat when Joanne, really goes for it with amazing slide on “Please Help”. Digging deep into her vocal range, “Cut You Loose” really shown with delightful vocals, giving you a real treat.
The album finishes off with two beautiful songs, bringing every bit of emotion, the guitar and vocals come together perfectly to form the perfect end to a passionate album. Part Time Love” and It’s My Time” taking blues to another level.
This album is one that is going to be in every real music lovers record collection and could see the breaking of some new musicians off the back of this album. The Album is out on the 26th Feb 2021 don’t miss out.
Reviewed by James Edmond
