Joe Meek's Tea Chest Tapes

One of Joe Bonamassa's primary influences was Eric Clapton, so the idea behind Royal Tea makes some sense: he spends the 2020 album saluting British blues. This may seem like a distinction without a difference, since Bonamassa has never shied away from Zeppelin nods on his albums, but Royal Tea does indeed sound different than his other studio albums. Working with his longtime producer Kevin Shirley, the guitarist conjures the spirit of the Jeff Beck Group and Free, relying on heavy, churning riffs but also opening up the jams so there are elastic, soulful accents that help give the record a bit of period authenticity.

One of Joe Bonamassa's primary influences was Eric Clapton, so the idea behind Royal Tea makes some sense: he spends the 2020 album saluting British blues. This may seem like a distinction without a difference, since Bonamassa has never shied away from Zeppelin nods on his albums, but Royal Tea does indeed sound different than his other studio albums. Working with his longtime producer Kevin Shirley, the guitarist conjures the spirit of the Jeff Beck Group and Free, relying on heavy, churning riffs but also opening up the jams so there are elastic, soulful accents that help give the record a bit of period authenticity.

Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa set out to perform his brand-new music for fans amidst a global entertainment shutdown. This led to an incredible live concert at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. This special show includes songs from his latest studio album, Royal Tea, which was inspired by his British guitar heroes Jeff Beck, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, & Cream. Joe also performs a few songs from his debut album, A New Day Yesterday, which helped launch his illustrious career.

'Now Serving: Royal Tea - Live From The Ryman' is an incredible live concert, Bonamassa's final show of 2020, at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The special show includes tracks from his critically acclaimed 2020 album, 'Royal Tea'.

The wait is over, Joe Bonamassa’s new solo studio album Royal Tea was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career but now he has found a new way to surprise his fans and music lovers. Royal Tea brings Bonamassa full-circle.

This CD combines together two unrelated solo piano sets. The nine performances by Thelonious Monk are a bit familiar since these renditions (which are highlighted by "'Round Midnight," "Well You Needn't," "We See" and "Hackensack") had been previously reissued by GNP/Crescendo and Mosaic. However the 13 selections (including three alternate takes) by Joe Turner (no relation to singer Big Joe Turner) are much rarer. Turner, a talented American stride pianist who spent most of his life living in France, had only recorded ten songs as a leader prior to this 1952 session and is in top form for such numbers as "Hallelujah," "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," "Wedding Boogie" and three versions of "Tea for Two." This CD is easily recommended to jazz piano collectors who do not already have the Monk selections.

Blues Rock Superstar Joe Bonamassa set out to perform his brand-new music for fans amidst a global entertainment shutdown. This led to an incredible live concert, his final show of 2020, at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. This special show includes the critically acclaimed songs from his latest solo studio album "Royal Tea" recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and inspired by his British guitar heroes Jeff Beck, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and Cream. Joe also performs a few songs from his debut album "A New Day Yesterday" which helped launch his illustrious career to celebrate his 20th anniversary of that album.