Artist: BETH HART/ JOE BONAMASSA
Album: BLACK COFFEE (CD)

Release date: 2018
EAN/UPS: 819873016250
Media type: CD

It has been 4 years since 2013s critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated and number 1 Billboard Blues album Seesaw was released by singer-songwriter and blues-rock powerhouse Beth Hart and guitar hero Joe Bonamassa. Since then, they have both been on fire, riding creative tidal waves both in the studio and live. So, the time was primed perfectly to reunite for another collection of scorching interpretations of ten soul gems that twins Hart’s breath-taking vocals, that sweep and delve deep into the belly of the song and Joe’s masterfully expressive playing make Black Coffee, released on 26th January 2018, a captivating listen.

With producer extraordinaire Kevin ‘The Caveman’ Shirley back at the helm, the result is the stunning rollercoaster that digs deep into the soul catalogue where they honour and reimagine songs from Edgar Winter, Etta, James, Ike & Tina Turner/Steve Marriot, Ella Fitzgerald, Lil’ Green, LaVern Baker, Howlin’ Wolf, Lucinda Williams and Waldeck. Each one having the majestic heart and soul that Beth and Joe bleed on each record. Take for instance the album opener, “Give It Everything You Got”, taken from 1971s Edgar Winter’s White Trash album. “I don’t think that’s a song a lot of people know, it’s an old soul classic but it’s not really amongst the pantheon of the ones you expect,” says Shirley.  He adds ”those guys just played that song live, they just came in and played, it was mind numbingly incredible to be in the studio when that happens, the band were so great. I haven’t had many songs in my life that have come off the floor like that song. That first take, they played it through once and it was like, wow, it was stupendous from everybody.”

“Lullaby of the Leaves”, is one of the lesser known songs recorded by Ella Fitzgerald.  “I would never do Ella Fitzgerald without being with Joe, the things I get to do with him are things I think I grew up always wanting to do, but never believed I could”, Beth  continues.
“Sitting On Top of The World” is another stone cold classic and this version has a swirling duel from Bonamassa’s searing guitar and Reese Wynan’s keys whilst Hart’s voice helps propel the song through the stratosphere.


TRACKLIST CD/ 2LP:

1. Give It Everything You Got
2. Damn Your Eyes
3. Black Coffee
4. Lullaby Of The Leaves
5. Why Don't You Do Right
6. Saved
7. Sitting On Top Of The World
8. Joy
9. Soul On Fire
10. Addicted

11. Baby , I Love You (2LP bonus track)