Dansk version

It’s a little more than a month ago this was released and I’m sorry that the review hasn’t been published earlier. However, we’re talking circumstances beyond my control here.

Let’s leave that fact behind. You would however have all the wits of an intellectually challenged goat to leave this album/ dvd/ blue ray behind. Quite simply because Beth Hart’s and Joe Bonamassa’s masterful “Live In Amsterdam" release is that rare commodity: Music in the “It does not get any better than this!" category.

In that respect it’s immaterial which kind of music you normally subscribe to. This is mainly blues, swing and classic rock and with Beth Hart up front and the impeccable Joe Bonamassa as bandleader it is also quite a unique master class in music.

Lots of people have – with good reason - asked themselves why Beth Hart isn’t a universal household name. After all she vocally delivers with heart and soul on a level that leaves nothing to be desired.

Well, the reason for her lack of world domination according to Joe (and myself actually) was that she never had a band to equal her own talent. Bonamassa had the connections to do something about exactly that though. The musical team on this album is star studded to an extent that I would advise shades before confronting “Live In Amsterdam". That’s how brightly Beth shines here.

Take your breath away
Of course we initially talk about Joe himself – he’s easily the best new(ish) guitarist for decades and he’s beyond belief here (the solo in i "Someday After Awhile (You’ll Be Sorry)" is going to take your breath away).

Add to that people like drummer Anton Fig (Kiss, Dylan, Zevon a.o.), rhythm guitarist Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones) and the magnificent bass player Carmine Rojas (Jagger, Richards, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder etc.) in a cast of many and I guarantee you that the term "star team" suffices like one herring at a sea lion’s Christmas dinner.

These nineteen songs swing like a colony of pole dancers with a death threat looming over their peroxide permanented heads, the band delivers at a level unheard of, while Beth’s voice and Joe’s guitar bring new meanings to soul and presence.

Yes, it really IS that good. It IS a party beyond belief. Finally it IS obligatory for any one who ever claimed to be a fan of real music played by real people for all the right reasons.