"Slash and Joe Bonamassa Take Bluesy Jam Session Up a Notch"
In a rare and highly anticipated team-up, guitar legends Slash and Joe Bonamassa delivered a scorching bluesy jam session at Soho Sessions, with video footage of the performance capturing every electrifying moment. The impromptu collaboration saw the two musicians bring Bobby Bland's 1957 classic "Farther Up the Road" to life in a way that was both nostalgic and fresh.
The session began with Slash taking center stage, unleashing a masterful solo that showcased his signature vibrato, quirky phrasing, and dynamic range. The tone was set for an epic jam, which picked up pace as Larry Campbell joined in on rhythm guitar, imbuing the track with extra swing and drive. Eric Finland's pentatonic keyboard work provided a rich harmonic foundation, while Andy Hess's bass lines anchored the performance.
As the jam reached its climax, Shawn Pelton's pounding drums drove home the rhythmic tension, leaving Bonamassa to unleash his own virtuosic solo, distilling the entire performance into a beautifully nuanced, blues-infused exercise in melodic craftsmanship. It was clear that these two guitar titans were having the time of their lives, creating an electric atmosphere that had the audience entranced.
The event, which took place at an invite-only Soho Sessions gig, raised vital funds for Keeping the Blues Alive, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving music education in schools. The guest list read like a Who's Who of Hollywood and entertainment luminaries, including Michael J. Fox, Gina Gershon, Steve Guttenberg, Susie Essman, Hank Azaria, Don Lemon, Van Jones, and Bobby Flay.
For Slash, the experience was more than just a musical thrill โ it represented a return to his roots. As he explained in an interview, "With the blues, you're not worried about being 'super this' or Grammy-winning that โ you're just jamming and having a good time." This renewed passion for the blues has inspired Slash to explore new creative avenues, and this session was just the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Bonamassa.
In a rare and highly anticipated team-up, guitar legends Slash and Joe Bonamassa delivered a scorching bluesy jam session at Soho Sessions, with video footage of the performance capturing every electrifying moment. The impromptu collaboration saw the two musicians bring Bobby Bland's 1957 classic "Farther Up the Road" to life in a way that was both nostalgic and fresh.
The session began with Slash taking center stage, unleashing a masterful solo that showcased his signature vibrato, quirky phrasing, and dynamic range. The tone was set for an epic jam, which picked up pace as Larry Campbell joined in on rhythm guitar, imbuing the track with extra swing and drive. Eric Finland's pentatonic keyboard work provided a rich harmonic foundation, while Andy Hess's bass lines anchored the performance.
As the jam reached its climax, Shawn Pelton's pounding drums drove home the rhythmic tension, leaving Bonamassa to unleash his own virtuosic solo, distilling the entire performance into a beautifully nuanced, blues-infused exercise in melodic craftsmanship. It was clear that these two guitar titans were having the time of their lives, creating an electric atmosphere that had the audience entranced.
The event, which took place at an invite-only Soho Sessions gig, raised vital funds for Keeping the Blues Alive, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving music education in schools. The guest list read like a Who's Who of Hollywood and entertainment luminaries, including Michael J. Fox, Gina Gershon, Steve Guttenberg, Susie Essman, Hank Azaria, Don Lemon, Van Jones, and Bobby Flay.
For Slash, the experience was more than just a musical thrill โ it represented a return to his roots. As he explained in an interview, "With the blues, you're not worried about being 'super this' or Grammy-winning that โ you're just jamming and having a good time." This renewed passion for the blues has inspired Slash to explore new creative avenues, and this session was just the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Bonamassa.