Joe Bonamassa - B.B. King's Blues Summit 100 (2026)
I respect the ambition more than I love the execution. As a centennial tribute to B.B. King, this project carries weight and intention, and you can hear the admiration in every bend and vocal phrasing. The guest list is undeniably impressive, and there are moments where the spirit of B.B.’s phrasing and emotional clarity comes through in a way that feels genuine rather than ceremonial.
But as an album, it struggles to feel cohesive. With so many contributors, the tone shifts constantly—sometimes that keeps things fresh, other times it dilutes the identity. I don’t hear a strong narrative arc across the runtime; it plays more like a curated tribute event than a unified artistic statement. There are strong performances, but fewer moments that truly recontextualize the material or push it somewhere new. It’s solid, respectful, and professionally executed—just not essential.
Pros
-
Strong concept & cultural relevance
Honoring B.B. King’s 100th birthday gives the project purpose and historical gravity. -
High-level musicianship
The playing is consistently polished; solos are tasteful and technically assured. -
Moments of genuine emotional connection
A few tracks capture the warmth and expressive restraint that defined B.B.’s legacy. Cons
-
Cohesion issues
The rotating cast makes the album feel more like a compilation than a focused statement. -
Limited reinterpretation risk
Many tracks stay close to tradition instead of reimagining the material in bold ways. -
Runtime fatigue
The scale of the project reduces replay gravity; it’s admirable but not something I feel compelled to revisit often.
Genre: Blues
Country: US
Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 19th / 160
Highlight: The Thrill Is Gone
Made me think of:
B.B. King (obviously)
Gary Moore
Buddy Guy
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