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Written by Deb Hebert

Published: February 04 2013

It's official. Joe has joined the Los Angeles-based group, Rock Candy Funk Party (RCFP). 

Those guest appearances permitted Bonamassa to escape the demands of a busy solo career, a chance to be "one of the guys."  Moreover, it seemed the ultimate excuse to step outside his comfort zone and explore his "home-stuff" more in-depth.  The end result: We Want Groove.

In summer 2012, five supremely talented musicians entered Tal Bergman's (producer, drummer) studio for the "sheer joy of making music."  Prepared with basic song ideas, Bergman says, "The concept of this record had everything do with interplay...Where everybody feeds off each other, reacts, and captures the moment." Similarly, Bonamassa says of the project, "Making this record was a great opportunity for me to do something I really enjoyed...I'm hoping to show people another side to me."

Note for note, We Want Groove is a nine track (eight originals and one cover) instrumental music time machine, which revisits the jazz-funk sound made popular in the 1970s and 1980s, when Jazz morphed into a new genre, one with a danceable rhythm, with its addition of a strong back beat (or groove), electrified sounds and use of synthesizers. I recall Herbie Hancock, Kool & The Gang and George Benson tunes featuring that upbeat, "feel good" dance swing.

From beginning to end, We Want Groove is delightfully rhythmic--a kaleidoscope of funk/jazz and rock melodies, wherein decades of stylistic influence are seamlessly fused in one setting. Music connoisseurs and newcomers alike will want to hear more from this supergroup.

Read the Track by Track review of We Want Groove here!

Visit Deb Hebert's Joe Bonamassa update blog here!

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Written by Bluebird

Published: January 22 2013

Bluebirdreviews did extensive coverage of the Newport Folk Festival for 2012

and it was a blast!

We plan to attend the event again this year and are hearing from their press team that it is already due to sell out. Yes, due to sell out, even though the event is in July and the line-up has not been announced yet!

Read more for links to the dates and how to buy tickets.

Read more: The 2013 Newport Folk Fest has set their dates!

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Written by Bluebird

Published: January 10 2013

January 8th, 2013

David Bowie published a new song (on his birthday).

"Where Are We Now?"

Read more: New Song by David Bowie: Where Are We Now?

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Written by Bluebird

Published: January 09 2013

One of our favorite websites interviews artists and asks them to recommend their favorite bands. It is a model of what music sharing should be all about. Musicians suggesting other musicians, which ultimately opens up a world of great tunes to fans. Up and coming bands and artists share the pages with veteran colleagues and music lovers benefit from these conversations.

Now, Rock Torch has published a book to archive their best posts. The proceeds go to fundraising that, you guessed it, helps musicians and the communities that they come from. It is also set to donate funds to Hurricane Sandy relief.