We take a look at some highlights from the eclectic mix of music that's landed in our inbox this week
Joe Bonamassa - 'The Last Matador of Bayonne'
In a continued celebration of his historic performance at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, Joe Bonamassa announces the release of his latest single “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” from the acclaimed live album and film Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, out May 17th via J&R Adventures. This emotionally charged song offers listeners a vivid narrative, blending Bonamassa’s signature guitar prowess with the grandeur of a full orchestra, encapsulating the essence of bravery and the contemplative spirit of a matador facing his fate. “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” was arranged by legendary composer David Campbell and also features a captivating trumpet solo by Rashawn Ross, longtime Dave Matthews Band member.
The song was hand-picked from Joe’s 2011 Studio Album “Dust Bowl” to be on this orchestra set. "There’s a Bayonne in France, which is where this song got its title,” Bonamassa shares. “I was doing amphitheater dates in Europe back in 2010 with ZZ Top, and in a lot of these cities, when they say 'Amphitheater,' they’re not kidding. They’re talking about Roman-style bullrings. Over the years, I think they phased out the killing of the bulls. The matadors are there more for show these days. But during one of these gigs, I was standing in one of the areas where the matadors were kept, and I saw this little door. So, I opened it and I saw this little prayer booth, where I guess a matador would sit and pray before going out to face a bull. I started to think, Who was the last guy to do this? It was a great concept for a song - again, to think that you may die doing what you do for a living."
Following the album's lead single, the riveting live rendition of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” continues to showcase Bonamassa's ability to convey deep, resonant stories through his music. This release further emphasizes the dynamic range and emotional depth present throughout Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, offering fans a new layer of storytelling woven with blues and rock.
Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra showcases Bonamassa’s virtuosic blend of blues and rock but also elevates fan-favourite tracks with grandiose orchestral arrangements by some of Hollywood's finest – David Campbell, Trevor Rabin, and Jeff Bova. “Very few gigs represent my journey in music more than the Hollywood Bowl. I moved to Los Angeles in 2003 in search of opportunity and cheaper rent than New York City. My first gig at The Mint was attended by 5 of my friends and that's all. We have played The Greek Theatre many times since, but the Bowl has always been a dream. The orchestra and the sheer scale of the event and venue is something I will never forget. I am so grateful that we filmed this special event in my life,” reminisces Bonamassa.
Available in CD/DVD, CD/BR, 2 LP Vinyl, and digital formats, the release captures the essence of Bonamassa’s career, highlighting his exceptional talent and the impactful fusion of blues, rock, and orchestral music.
UK & European pre-order link for New Live Album and Film from https://lnk.to/joebonamassa
North American pre-order link for New Live Album and Film from https://joeb.me/OrderLFTHBWO
Bonneville - 'Chimpanzee'
UK singer/songwriter and proud feminist Bonnie Milnes, aka Bonneville returns for 2024 with compelling new single “Chimpanzee” alongside her debut studio album “New Lady” out Friday 22nd March.
At the age of 19, Bonnie, originally from York, moved to Manchester.
Peering out from a high-rise flat in student halls on Oxford Road, she found herself comparing her feelings to the chimpanzee they shot into space in the 1960s. Feeling a thousand miles from home, spaced from bad-weed and heartbreak, Bonneville wrote Chimpanzee.
Chimpanzee transcends this compelling narrative, providing a melancholic atmosphere, echoing the sentiments of drifting around, feeling lost in space.
Paired with Bonneville’s alluring vocals the track has country influences, painting a hazy but vivid picture on her experience of moving away from home for the first time.
Within the album itself, her overall narrative is inspired by real life events and journeys. Other tracks including “The World (Was Built By A Man),” “Lady Be Free,” and “You Know,” are all narratives upon inequality of women, and they inspire feelings of freedom and escapism.
The album reflects Bonneville’s diverse taste in music, with a nod to the nostalgia of noughties pop soul, including notes of country, neo-soul, jazz, and compelling sonic influences throughout.
All production on the project is from Isaac Mccinis (Crooked Rooms Studios,) recorded at Young Thugs Studios, and mastering was by Kevin Tuffy (Mastering Engineer of the Year 2022) at Man-Made-Mastering in Berlin.
New Lady mixes sensitive production and classic, quality song writing. The strength found in community that threads through the lyrics is reflected in the album’s production, written with a small group of friends and musicians whom Bonneville trusted with intimate stories.
Alongside her musical career, Bonnie Milnes is also an aspiring actress, with credits including 2023 series “The Gallows Pole”, written and directed by Shane Meadows.
Chimpanzee is out Friday 22nd March, along with debut album New Lady- https://kycker.ffm.to/newlady
For more information on Bonneville:
Avenged Sevenfold - 'Cosmic'
Multi-platinum headliners Avenged Sevenfold (comprising M.Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance, Brooks Wackerman, and Johnny Christ) have debuted a trippy new music video for “Cosmic,” directed by Chris Hopewell (Radiohead, Run The Jewels). Following a grim reaper’s travels on a psychedelic journey, the 7½ minute song features the 78-piece San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and is taken from their latest album ‘Life Is But A Dream…’.
Avenged Sevenfold is currently on their Life Is But A Dream… tour in the USA, with support from Poppy and Sullivan King. They will be headlining Download Festival on June 16th alongside other European festival headline slots. See the dates below and visit https://www.avengedsevenfold.com/tour for more details as well as tickets and VIP packages.
Avenged Sevenfold recently launched their groundbreaking Season Pass loyalty program. Fans who are already streaming their music, buying merchandise, and attending live shows can opt-in for free to collect points. These points can then be redeemed for up to 25 levels of rewards – everything from merch discounts to demos to band meet & greets. These rewards will be automatically available via a claim system and dropped into their digital wallet where they can redeem or sell them. More info can be found HERE.
'LIFE IS BUT A DREAM...' 2024 TOUR DATES:
Mar 19 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Mar 21 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar 23 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena
Mar 25 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Mar 26 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Mar 28 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson Boling Arena
Mar 29 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Mar 31 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
May 25 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Madya Stadium
June 5 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
June 7 – Nurburg, Germany – Rock am Ring
June 9 – Nurnberg, Germany – Rock im Park
June 11 – Basel, Switzerland – St. Jakobshalle
June 13 – Firenze, Italy – Firenze Rocks
June 14 – Nickelsdorf, Austria – Nova Rock
June 16 – Derby, UK – Download Festival
June 19 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell Festival
June 21 – Dortmund, Germany - Westfalenhallen
June 22 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Festival
June 24 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
June 26 – Viveiro, Spain – Resurrection Festival
June 27 – Clisson, France – Hellfest
June 30 – Lisbon, Portugal – Evil Live Festival