Both of them are based in L.A., but had not played together prior to this project. The story goes that Bonamassa was listening to Tina Turner on the Rolling Stones "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" and said out loud "Beth Hart!" They later bumped into each other in Holland and they were off to the races.
To say that "I'd Rather Go Blind" is a cover is an understatement. This deliciously sad blues and soul standard was written by Ellington Jordan and recorded by Etta James in 1968. Since then there has been a parade of cover versions by the likes of Little Milton, Chicken Shack, Koko Taylor, Man Man, Rod Stewart, B.B. King,Paul Weller, Ruby Turner, Marcia Ball, Sydney Youngblood and Beyonce' (Just to name a few). The consensus has been that Etta's version along with Rod Stewart's are the best versions to date. I must weigh in however that the version on this album is the best.
Beth Hart: According to producer Kevin Shirley, “Beth’s got a pretty heady voice, very reminiscent of Janis Joplin, and she’s also got a lot of Etta James in her, but hadn’t really accessed it yet,” says Shirley. “With this material, there is a gentleness to the way she delivers the most heartfelt tunes that she hasn’t shown before.”
Joe Bonamassa: According to a review by Bluebird Records, "Joe Bonamassa continues to embrace his legendary guitar talent and carefully places razor sharp guitar solos, accents, blues riffs and soul rhythms to these songs."
The album landed in the top 50 albums chart in eight countries including England, Germany and Switzerland. The U.S.? No better than 120. Guess we were all listening to Tony Bennett, "Duets II".
Enjoy. This baby comes in at just over eight minutes...
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