BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – Black Country Communion

When a group or band had such an unprecedented and prodigious effect on the music scene, the band would usually be labeled as a “Supergroup.” Mind you, this title doesn’t come easy and there are far and few so called “Supergroups” to ever have earned that distinction. Cream was one of the first few bands to receive this accolade. Chickenfoot was arguably the most recent to acquire this honor. But, now there is a new kid on the block. The latest and greatest thing since sliced bread, baseball, hot dogs, apple pie,  and Chevrolet … and that is Black Country Communion.

The band is composed of several well-known names, some more revered than others, but all are equally known and respected in the music industry. The most famous of the bunch without a doubt is Glenn Hughes taking over on bass and vocal duties. Then you have Joe Bonamassa on guitar and vocals, who has already made a name for himself in the Blues community. Listening to him play Rock on this album is incredibly fascinating and an unexpected treat. It’s as if he’s been doing it his entire career. He is by all accounts the odd man out (so to speak) in this group of musicians, but an interesting choice that has paid off enormously. The drumming is handled by another well-known and respected individual, the one and only Jason Bonham. The last member of this copious group is keyboardist Derek Sherinian, who has had a brilliant career so far and has played in numerous talented bands, done solo and studio work to the extreme, and is the last piece of the puzzle.

There are a few things that immediately strike you in listening to this album — Glen Hughes is an incredible bassist and his voice shines on this project. This may be his Oscar performance! In all actuality, he has probably never sounded better on any of his past recordings as he sounds on this particular one. Talk about a home run! Also, Bonamassa plays with utmost revere and sounds as if this part has been waiting for him his entire life. The world certainly knew what he was capable of doing in a Blues setting, but who would have guessed this?

The first two tracks, the opener “Black Country” and “One Last Soul” are absolute killers. That is basically all that needs be said about these two songs. Sherinian’s keys are more involved and noticeable on the tracks that come next, whereas bass and guitar were the focal points on the first two tracks. By this point all the band members are contributing and melding together in unison. “Down Again” has a very unique and stylish ending where Hughes/Bonamassa/Sherinian become involved in a short jam session. It really adds something totally unexpected that is on the verge of genius the way it comes across. “Song Of Yesterday” begins with a mellow flavor to it, but builds in its intensity. It is one powerful song and is the first track that has Bonamassa on vocal duties and guitar at the same time. “No Time” has Bonham and Hughes taking the spotlight. Bonham’s playing is stronger on this track, especially his cymbal work. “Medusa” is a song that was written in 1970 by Hughes, but never recorded until now. From this point on, all of the tracks are heavily keyboard influenced. If keys are your thing then you will be grooving to these tunes that follow. The closing track is titled “Too Late For the Sun” and happens to be the longest track at over 11 minutes … it includes a great jam session at the end, which is a definite highlight of this album, so don’t forget to include this tune on your list of tracks to check out.

For this being Black Country Communion’s debut album, twelve tracks and 72:35 minutes of music isn’t too shabby by any means. Not only did they give music fans a worthy product for the buck, but a pleasant surprise was included with this release in the form of a bonus DVD. This disc has five chapters to it — Music Video, Interviews, Behind the Scenes, Photos, and a Producer’s Note taking up a little over forty minutes. A nice added treat that fans will surely enjoy. Anyway, next time you find yourself shopping for CD’s or new music in general, don’t overlook this gem. Not only will you be glad you did, anyone else who hears you playing it will credit you with good taste.