Joe Bonamassa: His Influences, Technique, and Soloing Style

What I always appreciate about Rick, is that he actually let's his guests talk, he takes the back seat, makes it feel like you're sitting in on a cool conversation and not just an interview

One time during Covid Joe paid my rent and the gas for my tour! He’s the real legend. Beyond his face melting guitar skills, he’s one of the best humans around! 🎉❤

I learned how to play drums in Joe's garage while our mothers had their tupperware events in his house in new york mills, NY. We were both probably 8 or 9 years old and shy kids. But his dad owned a drum machine and it was the most amazing invention in the world to me and the beginning of music for me. We were supposed to be swimming in the pool, but we were inside playing instruments .What little did I know was how amazing he was at guitar back then. Every time we would go over there, I spend less and less time swimming and more time playing music. I didn't have a chance to stay friends with him after age 11 I believe when he was discovered by Kansas at a local bar playing with his dad. But he honestly is one the most amazing humble musicians out there. Never thought he was more than he was, family oriented and just a genuine good dude. I am so glad he has made it this far and he deserves all the success. I owe it to him for my true passion in music (and his dad), and I have been lucky to be able to play with some decent bands and play music on the side in my life. Thx Joe!

I took lessons from Carmen for years on Wednesday afternoon right after Joe. And he would always talk about the kid before me, and what a virtuoso he was. I would bring Carmen in pantera and cannibal corpse, and he'd sit there with his jazzy Gibson and listen to it once and tab out hard-core death metal. R.I.P carmen...

Man, I did not want this interview to end. I love how Rick just let's Joe go. Never canned, just raw.

Wow! What a surprise to hear my name! I actually lived in Herkimer... Joe might remember the pink room where I gave lessons. He was literally around ten when his dad brought him over a few times. He was off and running, even back then. Oh, the places he went... and new ones up ahead! Joe, we're proud of you!

Joe owning a huge stake in the vintage guitar market is actually good for all of us. There are collectors who just hoard all of their vintage stuff in a warehouse and no one ever gets to see or hear or even learn about it. Joe appears in videos, plays these vintage guitars live and on albums for all of us to hear and enjoy and most importantly he educates young audiences about the differences between all of these instruments. I can't think of anyone better to be a caretaker for these instruments than joe.

Joe is such a badass on guitar that I wasn't expecting him to be such a nice, humble, down-to-earth guy. Now I'm an even bigger fan!

Rick has the ability to make an interview with top musicians seem like a conversation at a music store.

Joe and Rick have great chemistry. I think it would be awesome if they created a regular YT show.

Love how JB rolls the volume and tone knobs throughout this convo...even when he's not playing, like he's using them for his voice as well :)

As a Brit that grew up with Gallagher, Kossoff, Clapton, Blackmore, Green, Clemson, Page, et al, what I appreciate with Joe is his appreciation of these guitarists who cut their teeth on the quintessential US genre, the Blues. I am lucky to have had great post-gig conversations with Joe over the last 20 years about the Brit Blues space. What a genuine guy!

Joe is huge here in Germany. Many blues fans. Rory Gallagher was also much loved.

Simply the best interview ever with Joe Bonamassa by the best interviewer there is. Thank you Rick, you made it AGAIN

I am a hit and miss JB guy but I’ve always appreciated his take me or leave me attitude, no pretentiousness, not sugary glitz, this is him, point blank, and I truly respect that he buys the gear to 1. Play it 2. To keep its story alive and 3. To share the story of where it came from. I don’t find him cocky or full of himself, he’s just an honest musician.

I love Rick and his genius. Joe is overwhelming here. Rick understands that some musicians are so deep and he is interviewing an ADHD genius which is on another level. Joe really is on another musicality planet and it’s ok to know that. We all feel that no matter how hard we practice we will encounter someone that we will never be remotely as good them, and it is ok. The best part is they feel the exact same way about another musician. That is why music is amazing. Rick has major chops, and he is even humbled. Which is why he planted this interview. I love this.

Given his flamboyant stage persona and gear collecting passion, it's a pleasant surprise what a warm and down-to-earth person Joe is.

I`m from Brazil and watched Joe live the only 2 times he came to the country. I remember tearing up when he played "Midnight Blues" from Gary Moore. The room was so quiet that he turned down the volume during his solo and everybody was holding their breath waiting for the next note. The room was filled with silence. It was hipnotic. It was a mindblowing experience. I hope he comes back.

Love his reference to Gary Moore, probably one of my first favorite players from back in the 80's....And now that I am more into the Blues, I rediscovered Gary and listen to him probably more than most others...I hope more people discover his music, RIP Gary, you were an amazing player.

I knew Joe is a brilliant musician but to be honest, I never cared too much about his art. There is just too much great music out there. But this interview changed my view. He seems to be a very special character, humble, smart, entertaining, respectful. Great guy not to mention his being one of the greatest guitar players alive. Chapeau!