Joe Bonamassa on the Simple Secret to Clapton's Sound

[bobsmoot]

I love how Joe shows such immense respect for Clapton, saying “Sir” and “Mr. Clapton”. This young man has manners that his mother would be proud of!

[bozzskaggs]

Hearing and seeing JB's humility and his respect for Clapton is incredible. It doesn't make him a better player but his character makes the world better.

[combatOracle]

Clapton’s sound is always surprisingly clean in the mix and regardless of the situation he never over plays.

[MeneerHerculePoirot]

A good friend of mine is a songwriter/producer. She is a child of a former household name. She was asked to produce 3 artists for a compilation project. Michael McDonald, Adele and Eric Clapton.

On the Clapton session he played a passage. When it was done she asked him if he wouldn't mind tweaking it a little. There was a long silence on the other side of the talkback. The engineer's eye's were buggin'. Finally, he said, "I'll try it, but keep the other one, ok?" She agreed and the 2nd take was done. They ran him off a copy of each. The original and her suggestion. They exchanged pleasantries, he left and life went on for her.

About a month later she gets a call out of the blue. It was Clapton. He said, "You know I've been listening to that track you produced. Your call was the right call. I just wanted you to know that." She thanked him and he asked her if she was a player. She affirmed she was, but only enough for songwriting. He said, "Well, you produce like a player. Keep your pecker up 'cause you're a good producer." To which she replied, "You keep your pecker up, too. You're a pretty good guitar player." After about 3 seconds she heard a huge roar of laughter on the other end. After he stops laughing he said, "You're a right cheeky geezer, too." The both laughed and said their goodbyes.

They're still friends. Whenever he's in Nashville he gives her a call for a catch up. When he calls his first words are, " "How's our right cheeky geezer?" She told me she sees why he's Sheryl Crow's favorite mistake. lol

[robdobson]

Great to see Joe play with one of his idols! Clapton is amazing, but so are you Joe!

[Jackmc]

I love Bonamassa’s speaking voice. I can listen to him for hours tell stories.
He’s a regular guy who loves music in all respects who just happens to be a savant. As an aside, the pic at the end of this clip brought a tear to my eye. I get it Joe. He did know which is why he did that for you. You’re a genuine artist!

[JamesWilliams-enos]

“Then he [Clapton] sings. And every note’s in tune.” Yes, indeed. As you say, it’s a gift. Clapron’s music is always in time and in tune; no sour notes, no missed phrases, whether life or in the studio. Yes, he has a gift of extraordinary talent. But like all the best musicians, he honed his gift. Excellent y interview, and great comments from Mr. Bonamassa.

[dirkgibbens]

I always enjoy JB’s “dual personality.” On stage badass persona behind those signature sunglasses with his hair slicked back... but off stage the most calm, laid back, humble and un-assuming guy you would ever want to meet. Great artist, great guy

[justjames]

The humility of this guy is staggering, surpassed only by his sheer brilliance. This is not the same Joe Bonamassa as on stage, that guy is a monster, a brilliant, beautiful monster.

[keep_it_tidy]

Fantastic story. Joe is a very humble & respectful man. Wish they’d do an album together.

[miameramusic]

I just recently discovered Joe, he's playing in my hometown of Baltimore this month. It's an awesome story of a getting to play with your boyhood hero, he's such an accomplished so much and he's still fairly young. My music sounds nothing like his, but I'm still in awe of his talent.

[jamesm.]

I can’t thank Joe Chambers enough for all The work that he’s put into the musicians Hall of Fame it is incredible. I’ve only been once. Now it’s an annual pilgrimage from Indiana. Thank you for the interviews to on YouTube.

[ShineDawg]

Joe and Eric, 2 of the greatest people in the world. So blessed to have heard this story, all the best

[allanhughes]

What a humble chap not many around these days Well done fella

[bubbatheking]

I love Joe Chambers. He is doing so much to enlighten us with the more interesting perspectives of what we love in music. Thanks Joe!

[rickflippin]

This show is just a treasure as is the Host. Great job.

[michaelmueller]

I met him at Clapton's crossroads in Chicago.
He was such a humble guy.
Joe came around from the table and took a picture with me.
As soon to be legend talking about a legend.
Very cool.

[stevendearden]

Great story showing genuine humility. It is lovely to hear Joe B speak of one of his idols this way. Total respect 👍

[chrisgabler]

Wonderful interview - this speaks volumes about both Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa, Eric's curiosity about Joe, and being gracious, and Joe being very humble and gracious as well. I have seen Eric live about four times and Joe once, and these guys are my top favorites to listen to. I'm a guitarist myself and I love hearing about all the ideas, stories and quotes from each player.

[bluesdjben]

What a great story. I've listened to that album enough times that I'm playing the song in my head as he speaks. One of the best things about Eric Clapton is how he has used his platform as one of the best and most popular musicians in the world to highlight other musicians, both those who inspired him and those who are coming up in the next generations like Joe B. And now Joe is using his position to do the same thing for other musicians who deserve a spotlight.