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Joe Bonamassa Forum → General Topics → Glowing review of BCC 2 & band members
Not only does this review give kudos to the band and it's members (especially effusive in it's praise of JB), but it also starts out with some very interesting opinions on the compartmentalization of modern music.
http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainmen … 485881.ece
A bit cliche riddled, but I ain't gonna cry me a riddle...It's just a riddle thing. Otherwise and certainly overall, hits the nail heads right on with powerful direct blows. The parts about the "comparmentalization", and it's detrimental effects we need to detour, somehow, in this day and age, to get to a destination? Nothing more accurately stated about music in years!
A great find Bill !!! 
Thanks! Who can say anything detrimental about Joe, says I...He's just the best after all! 
A Holy Ace! Indeed! 
Rock ON Keep the Faith,
Rocket
"thanks for the heads up Bill. That was a good read. I agree/disagree with the comparmentalization. i agree is its real but i think we can change it.
i think if enough people request than why couldn't BCC be played on rock radio. its not all either alternative or heavy metal rock.
still don't know why we can't get it right through requesting at our stations
I think there's a bit of the chicken/egg thing. You need LOTS of requests/demand to get radio play but how do you get the word out to the masses without mainstream radio play?
Look how much a grass roots start did for Joe and he is still non existent when it comes to that kind of mainstream (pop?) radio play.
Maybe that's not such a bad thing after all...as Joe once said, (paraphrased) 2/3 up the mountain is fine. There's different problems at the top (thin air for one) - my words, not joes.
Really nice review. Love to see appreciative music lovers spreading the love.
Thanks Bill! First nice review love it,but all that praise and then he doesn't have the balls to give it 4 out of 4 stars?WTF!
On another note I like what he writes about the compartmentalism.To me this and the reason Joe and BCC don't get airplay is at the crux of the downsizing of the major labels music biz.True that great music is out there and easy to find online if you like a genre.But there may be some great music with cross over appeal but who's going to spend the effort to care to find it.If you find something a bit outside of what you may normally listen to it has to come from luck I guess.Also there is the vast majority of "head in the sand people"who may be only moderate music lovers that don't look for new music but has to be put in their face so to speak.Basic radio performs this for most.So luckly for Joe he has buit up a following.Not all artists have been able to do so.Could Joe be bigger with mainstream support ?You bet.However, that, as said in this thread may not in the end be the goal.
I don't know how I came up with Head in the sand people lol but if you like the term I will refer to them as HITS
I visit the US regularly (SW Florida) and always listen to the local rock channels, Classic Rock and K Rock and have never heard Joe on either station. What is going on, and why.. Here in the UK Planet Rock has been playing Joe's stuff, The BBC have also been playing Joe's stuff for several years. I know we are happy to have Joe as a regular visitor but whenever I introduce his music with friends in Florida they have not heard of him. After playing his music they immediately become fans. Most don't even realize he is American. Whilst the classic rock stations continue playing the same restricted group of music things will never change. I don't know if you can stream planet rock in the states (I have never tried) but if you can you will hear a much wider range of classic rock and especially Joe and BCC. There is such an untapped market out there of Joe fans.
I visit the US regularly (SW Florida) and always listen to the local rock channels, Classic Rock and K Rock and have never heard Joe on either station. What is going on, and why.. Here in the UK Planet Rock has been playing Joe's stuff, The BBC have also been playing Joe's stuff for several years. I know we are happy to have Joe as a regular visitor but whenever I introduce his music with friends in Florida they have not heard of him. After playing his music they immediately become fans. Most don't even realize he is American. Whilst the classic rock stations continue playing the same restricted group of music things will never change. I don't know if you can stream planet rock in the states (I have never tried) but if you can you will hear a much wider range of classic rock and especially Joe and BCC. There is such an untapped market out there of Joe fans.
Radio music here is controlled by the large labels. Indie musicians rarely get any airplay. You can get streaming radio online here from the UK.
Bill i know what you are saying with the chicken/egg thing but my point is, someone, somewhere, somehow, someway decides what gets on the radio.
yeah payola lives and thrives but don't you think that is a possibility if enough people request it would change. i mean i know we all have been etc. but if we encourage others it could really snowball into something to break down that hadrianlike's wall so to speak.
i mean i agree with you but if we don't demand it , they ain't going to do it.
if we do.......i dunno, i thinks its worth the effort and harmless. I don't see any other way but would be glad to learn about some.....
Jane - Consider the Baltimore dilemma - as we both know, at least two entities that have a considerable voice/influence on our local rock station supposedly like Joe's music, but so far only lip service to us when we ask them to play it (or, they don't have the mojo to stand up to their management to get airplay for it). I was so hopeful initially when a pal at work introduced me to MD. I've met him twice so far over lunch. The first time the claim was they'd never heard of Joe. The second time they claimed they liked the music and would 'see what could be done to spread the word'. This has gone on for over two months (I've known of Joe's music for only 7 months as you know...).
Basically, the book "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies" explain the music industry executives' greed and short sightedness. When Bon Jovi claimed that Apple killed the music business (platform over quality/content) he wasn't kidding (don't mean to start another threadcrap on this topic, excuse moi!!). The platform may be sleek, but the quality (sorry Apple fanboys and girls) ain't worth **##...and mp3 is even worse. I take FLAC and CDs + vinyl (quality over quantity) anytime.
I know we'll keep trying with Joe's catalog, but it is a mountain to overcome.....at least in Charm City so far......Manoj 
it is a very interesting article, albeit a little brief as the subject of airplay and general commercialism of the music industry is a very large subject.
Joe has certainly had what I would call cross over tracks recently, within his solo albums - tracks that could warrant mainstream radio play in stations like the BBC's Radio 2 over here in the UK, - but they don't seem to come, - Why? Certainty it is nothing to with musical ability/credibility so what is it? I do wonder if it has anything to do with Joe's independence in that he is not part of a big S*ny music corporation or the like, - so the guys who are making the playing decisions (it is rarely DJ's now) are not being wined and dined by Joe's label and are never likely to be.
BCC is more of a crossover sound, - in that heavy rock is fairly mainstream in comparison to Blues Rock, - a JB album will put into a rarely visited "Blues" section at HMV whereas BCC will be either in the main rock/pop section or could even get a slot in the more popular "Heavy Metal" rows!
Late 70's early 80's my musical taste in the likes of AC/DC was on the outside looking in as the industry was being lead by the likes of Adam Ant and Duran Duran yet nowadays you will get AC/DC songs being played on mainstream radio occasionally, - so has the acceptability of guitar based rock slipped a bit? It probably has, - but me being cynical think it more down to record company reps smoozing radio station idiots!
So why fight it? We attempt to appease the idiots? My concern is that there is no easy way for youngsters to get into "our" music; my son goes to school with his JB tee shirt and they have not got a clue who Joe is, - he went to school with his Warren Haynes drum stick and again, whoosh it went right over the heads of his classmates, and actually his music teacher (not a good sign). The World we live in has been dummed down by consumerism, - join Bill Bailey and say no to ASDA (Wallmart). http://youtu.be/wTLP-PLl4qw
Ian, well summed up......my sentiments as well. I wear Joe's t-shirts (the few I have since learning about his music) on occasion, same issue everywhere. The dumbing down of the world continues....The only way I've been able to convince a few friends and convert them to the camp has been loaning them my CDs or the RAH DVD, one at a time......and I'm OK with that. I will thank one person - Mark Cuban (HDNet/Palladia and owner of the Dallas Mavs) if I ever meet him personally, for introducing me to Joe's music. Without him and pure happenchance, I would have never known Joe existed.
There is a larger dilemma at hand that I'm sure Joe thinks about. His audience is largely older people (it says so in Rick's signature....Dads) and people like moi, in their 40s...the real issue is how to attract and keep the young ones. Now.....the facebook demographics etc may show differently, but does this translate into consistent audiences? I do not know. I personally don't care for any of those social media sites, but that's just me.
Unless Joe is perfectly happy with what he does, and remains a boutique band (I mean boutique in a respectful way, as in people that like and appreciate good 70s style bluesrock with an edge)...in my little sandbox, I'm content with that. Good, live music up close.....not from nosebleed seats a mile away, with giant screens....enough said..... 
Ian, well summed up......my sentiments as well. I wear Joe's t-shirts (the few I have since learning about his music) on occasion, same issue everywhere. The dumbing down of the world continues....The only way I've been able to convince a few friends and convert them to the camp has been loaning them my CDs or the RAH DVD, one at a time......and I'm OK with that. I will thank one person - Mark Cuban (HDNet/Palladia and owner of the Dallas Mavs) if I ever meet him personally, for introducing me to Joe's music. Without him and pure happenchance, I would have never known Joe existed.
There is a larger dilemma at hand that I'm sure Joe thinks about. His audience is largely older people (it says so in Rick's signature....Dads) and people like moi, in their 40s...the real issue is how to attract and keep the young ones. Now.....the facebook demographics etc may show differently, but does this translate into consistent audiences? I do not know. I personally don't care for any of those social media sites, but that's just me.
Unless Joe is perfectly happy with what he does, and remains a boutique band (I mean boutique in a respectful way, as in people that like and appreciate good 70s style bluesrock with an edge)...in my little sandbox, I'm content with that. Good, live music up close.....not from nosebleed seats a mile away, with giant screens....enough said.....
Demographics has not changed much between BCC and Solo. Here are examples from a couple of my most viewed yt ups.
BCC. http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_insigh … eg.clk..tl
Solo. http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_insigh … eg.clk..tl
Viewers are concentrated exactly where Joe and the bands tour, 90% North America and Northern Europe.
I hope I don't offend anyone, most of all Jane, but I'm not sure anybody on this planet is entitled to anything without working a little bit to obtain it. Is it really criminal that someone can't turn on an fm radio station and hear Joe Bonamassa or other great music/artists not in the mainstream? Apply yourself a little bit! Reach out, search the Internet, talk to your friends, find something or someone you like and visit their website, research clubs and music venues.
If you want to see fine art, you go to a museum of fine art or modern art or whatever. Nobody's going to ring your doorbell and deliver it to your house (well, ok...I may have a nice lithograph waiting for me when I get home, but you get my point).
If you are lazy and sit around listening to top 40 radio, you get what you get. If that's what you enjoy, that's fine. If you're wondering why there's no great music anymore, get off your a** and participate.
Jane, i know what you're saying...it's criminal, but I think the criminal part is that the masses continue to take what the radio stations and mega record labels jam down their throats. There's a new music world out there...whatever your tastes. Get out there and find it. There is a new dynamic out there...Facebook, YouTube , etc. Are tools to your musical freedom.
I hope I don't offend anyone, most of all Jane, but I'm not sure anybody on this planet is entitled to anything without working a little bit to obtain it. Is it really criminal that someone can't turn on an fm radio station and hear Joe Bonamassa or other great music/artists not in the mainstream? Apply yourself a little bit! Reach out, search the Internet, talk to your friends, find something or someone you like and visit their website, research clubs and music venues.
If you want to see fine art, you go to a museum of fine art or modern art or whatever. Nobody's going to ring your doorbell and deliver it to your house (well, ok...I may have a nice lithograph waiting for me when I get home, but you get my point).
If you are lazy and sit around listening to top 40 radio, you get what you get. If that's what you enjoy, that's fine. If you're wondering why there's no great music anymore, get off your a** and participate.
Jane, i know what you're saying...it's criminal, but I think the criminal part is that the masses continue to take what the radio stations and mega record labels jam down their throats. There's a new music world out there...whatever your tastes. Get out there and find it. There is a new dynamic out there...Facebook, YouTube , etc. Are tools to your musical freedom.
You are right on bro.I guess I am amazed at peers who have such limited desires that they haven't heard a new band in 20 years unless its on the classic rock station.
Jane, I don't think you're really off topic. I posted this not only because of the great review of BCC 2, but also because of the "compartmentalization" reference.
I rarely give up, but in regards to trying to get local radio stations to play Joe, I feel as though I'm just howling at the moon.
in answer to Bill S's great post, I do understand what you are saying about having to be prepared to search out a good work of art but there is an alarming difference with music now and say when I was my sons age in 1976 (wow long time ago now)! It is now far more difficult to seek out non mainstream music yet the manufactured synthetic durge is thrust in the faces of the youngsters! Music of Black origin is gangsta rap and kids wearing large straight peeked caps???? I do not think so, - MOBO is blues based rock!!
In 1976 I knew who Eric Clapton was, - I had heard of Muddy Water's, - the more diverse music was available in my record store or newsagent, - I was buying "werewolves of london" by Warren Zevon on 45rpm single in 1978, - but go ask a 12 year old now who EC is - who Joe is and the vast majority will not have a scooby-do (clue). - The record stores have gone, - the over the counter music trade in the UK (and I guess US) is largely controlled by the supermarkets (Asda/Wallmart, Sainsbury's and Tesco's) and these stores only play it safe and stock what will sell in volume from the major labels. The traditional record store has gone, - and what you are fed on i-Tunes is down to marketing budgets of the main labels.
And in my mind the battle needs to be fought for the youngsters, - not for us 40 somethings, - the indi and traditional music industry needs to find a way to reach the teenage market because right now it is being beaten hands down by corporate marketing budgets: Example, - High Voltage festival next weekend where BCC are playing, - as we know festivals are not cheap to get in, - so I have a 12 year old son who is into BCC, Dream Theater, Thin Lizzy, Slash etc, - but I would have to pay full adult price for him and given my uncertain job situation I cannot justify spending that much money - £200 for the both of us, - £400 for us to go as a family!!! - But under 4's go free!!! What good is that? The industry needs to make a bit of effort rather than just play to the stereotype that blues rock will be for over 40's, - be a bit more adventurous and then you might just get in return a few more adventurous s!
in answer to Bill S's great post, I do understand what you are saying about having to be prepared to search out a good work of art but there is an alarming difference with music now and say when I was my sons age in 1976 (wow long time ago now)! It is now far more difficult to seek out non mainstream music yet the manufactured synthetic durge is thrust in the faces of the youngsters! Music of Black origin is gangsta rap and kids wearing large straight peeked caps???? I do not think so, - MOBO is blues based rock!!
In 1976 I knew who Eric Clapton was, - I had heard of Muddy Water's, - the more diverse music was available in my record store or newsagent, - I was buying "werewolves of london" by Warren Zevon on 45rpm single in 1978, - but go ask a 12 year old now who EC is - who Joe is and the vast majority will not have a scooby-do (clue). - The record stores have gone, - the over the counter music trade in the UK (and I guess US) is largely controlled by the supermarkets (Asda/Wallmart, Sainsbury's and Tesco's) and these stores only play it safe and stock what will sell in volume from the major labels. The traditional record store has gone, - and what you are fed on i-Tunes is down to marketing budgets of the main labels.
And in my mind the battle needs to be fought for the youngsters, - not for us 40 somethings, - the indi and traditional music industry needs to find a way to reach the teenage market because right now it is being beaten hands down by corporate marketing budgets: Example, - High Voltage festival next weekend where BCC are playing, - as we know festivals are not cheap to get in, - so I have a 12 year old son who is into BCC, Dream Theater, Thin Lizzy, Slash etc, - but I would have to pay full adult price for him and given my uncertain job situation I cannot justify spending that much money - £200 for the both of us, - £400 for us to go as a family!!! - But under 4's go free!!! What good is that? The industry needs to make a bit of effort rather than just play to the stereotype that blues rock will be for over 40's, - be a bit more adventurous and then you might just get in return a few more adventurous s!
Hear, hear!
I don't like that MOBO acronym for some odd reason...maybe no reason. I digress. If only black youth themselves were more into their fantastic soul and rhythm & blues and heck, jazz and country even that has really been the hallmark of the "African-American" cultural stamp on US of A (for All of US!)!!!
Influential people in all levels and places in the musical world(s), including the impressionable youth and irrepressible, irreplaceable adults (artist or enthusiast) should ALWAYS be willing to move forward yet look back, favorably in the forward movements and fondly in the favorites of the passed.
Some music biz, heck, some show biz people, period, need to find a different line of work, better yet, some real work instead of slacker extraordinaires.......BAH!!!!!!!!!!
Who knows, maybe they could have a significant impact in a better way...??? Just saying...
Everybody can't be good, so the whittling has to be our part. Everybody can't be rich, and that whittling down or lifting up becomes a personal vote and financial role you & me play in determining who, where, and why... And quit ripping us off! Get reasonable with pricings. Look, people don't have to be sold what they like. It is automatic, so show some faith, courage, and friendly concern for those wish to direct from the barker's stand into your tent shows!
Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket
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