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
It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock. “What started out with the intentions of being a trio record turned into probably my most adventurous and involved record to date,” explains Bonamassa. His longtime producer Kevin Shirley adds, “I think Joe Bonamassa has made an album that is truly transitional. From a blues musician to a superstar artist, [and] I’m so thrilled to be along for the ride.” Joe and Kevin brought on the legendary Bob Clearmountain to mix the epic tracks, and Bob declares that “This is one of the best albums I've mixed in years. Joe is not only one of the finest blues & rock guitarists of our time, he's also a brilliant songwriter, [which is] impressively apparent on this record.”
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 traveled, 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 flavor, 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 longtime 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-favorite 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.
In releasing new music destined for the loudspeakers, Joe is elated to get back to the stage. Recently completing a summer tour, 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 the US and Europe in Spring 2022. For tickets and full tour dates, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
For everything Joe Bonamassa, visit his website at jbonamassa.com.
