Guitar legend Joe Bonamassa today reveals his stunningly sweeping new single, “Time Clocks.” This is the third song taken from his forthcoming brand-new studio album of the same name, released on October 29 via Provogue (Europe) and J&R Adventures (North America).
Joe continues his soul-searching evolution on this beautifully poignant Bonamassa-Shirley penned song. At just over seven minutes long, it has all the epic musical grandeur of him at his most expressive and ambitious. With a heart on sleeve narrative weaving its way throughout, the rousing chorus rises to the heavens as he sings, “and the rain soaking through my coat, about to capsize my boat I push it along away from the docks, I was never a good puncher of time clocks.”
Backed with cascading vocals from Juanita Tippins and Prinnie Stevens, as well as the supreme musicianship of Anton Fig (drums), Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano, organ) and Kevin Shirley (percussion), it has an aura of pure timelessness.
The album was recorded in New York City and took Joe back to his early roots and rediscovers him at a newfound peak with an unparalleled Blues Rock prowess. Known as the man in the suit, loved by many as the ultimate guitar hero, and cited by critics as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” (Guitar World), somehow the music mastermind has found yet another layer of immense new artistry to share with his fans. Recently Bonamassa dropped hints of the new album with his reeling anthem “Notches“, and the Blues heavy single “The Heart That Never Waits“, another instant classic that takes a tale of heartbreak and turns it around into an undeniable showstopper meant for the stadiums.
The new album is a collection that sheds new light on Joe’s life as a journeyman, constantly creating and always on the run. As “Notches” and “The Heart That Never Waits” would suggest, this album shows that even though Joe chose the road less travelled, it’s led him to success in the end. And he’s not backing down any time soon. A bit older in years but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavour, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. ‘Time Clocks’ follows Joe on his never-ceasing evolution as he continues to forge ahead, bending genres, breaking down walls and defying the odds of the music industry.
For the new studio album, Bonamassa hit the studio with long-time collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory, the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals.
The album was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi), and the fantastic artwork on this album was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
“Time Clocks” is a song that has all the hallmarks of a sure-fire fan-favourite hit. As the world begins to open up and Joe the showman, Joe the entertainer, takes his place on this rightful home on the stage, you can already picture thousands of fans singing back the stirring chorus.
Now, with even bolder energy than ever before, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he plans to continue to beat the odds and exceed the expectations of naysayers. ‘Time Clocks’ is a testament to his credentials and a toast to his long-time fans. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.
In releasing new music destined for the loudspeakers, Joe is elated to get back to the stage. Recently completing a summer tour on the US West Coast, he’ll be back on tour for the fall season with shows across the rest of the country before taking the stage at sea for his sold-out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl. Joe will also be touring Europe in Spring 2022. For tickets and full tour dates, visit www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates.
For everything Joe Bonamassa, visit his website at jbonamassa.com.
JOE BONAMASSA
APRIL & MAY 2022 UK TOUR
TICKETS – www.jbonamassa.com
Glasgow, The Armadillo
Wednesday 20th April 2022
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Friday 22nd April 2022
Brighton Centre
Saturday 23rd April 2022
Royal Albert Hall, London
Thursday 5th May 2022
Royal Albert Hall, London
Friday 6th May 2022
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA:
As a professional musician for over 30 years, Joe Bonamassa continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative, and soulful body of work. Bonamassa’s career began onstage opening for B.B. King in 1989 when he was only 12 years old. Today, he is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and is an ever-evolving singer-songwriter with over 40 albums to date all under his own label, J&R Adventures.
Joe’s most recent live album, “Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman” is available now for streaming, CD, DVD and Blu-Ray. The DVD includes a film introduction narrated by actor Jeff Daniels. To order, visit shop.jbonamassa.com. The stellar performance from one of the world’s most legendary venues includes 12 incredible live tracks, featuring the best from his latest studio release “Royal Tea,” Joe’s 24th #1 record on the Billboard Blues chart, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London.
In addition to his music and shows, Joe continues to crank out weekly programming for his radio show “Different Shades Of Blue” for Sirius XM’s Bluesville channel. Last year, he kicked off a new at-home weekly video interview series “Live From Nerdville” which currently has over 60 episodes aired on his Facebook, YouTube, and podcast outlets. With a new episode each week, Joe has featured conversations with Neal Schon of Journey, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Glenn Hughes, Paul Stanley of Kiss, Warren Haynes, Keb’ Mo’, Walter Trout, Steve Lukather of Toto, Todd Rundgren, comedian Jeff Garlin, esteemed singer-songwriter Dion, Peter Frampton, Fantastic Negrito, and is currently booking new guests for his 3rd season.
Last summer, Bonamassa and his manager Roy Weisman debuted their new record label Keeping The Blues Alive Records by releasing music icon Dion’s critically acclaimed latest album “Blues With Friends.” In February 2021, KTBA Records released Chicago’s reigning Queen of Blues Guitar, Joanna Connor’s new album “4801 South Indiana Avenue,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart. Earlier this month KTBA Records released the new single “If That Ain’t A Reason” from Joanne Shaw Taylor’s upcoming new studio album “The Blues Album.” Dion has just announced a new single with teasing his new album out for late 2021. Stay tuned for future releases at ktbarecords.com.
CONNECT WITH JOE BONAMASSA:
Website: jbonamassa.com
YouTube: /JoeBonamassaTV
Facebook: @JoeBonamassa
Twitter: @JBONAMASSA
Instagram: @joebonamassa