Driving Towards the Daylight

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful track "Driving Towards the Daylight" by Joe Bonamassa from his 2012 album of the same name, and Zoo Freaks, this one’s packed with stories! In a 2012 MusicRadar interview, Bonamassa shared that the title track came together almost magically. He explained, “The song wrote itself, which is always a good sign. I had the chorus – the words just came to me – and then I made a quick demo.” He emphasized not overthinking it, letting the song’s raw energy flow naturally. For the recording, he used his prized 1959 Les Paul, nicknamed the “Skinner Burst,” paired with a Marshall 2555 and a borrowed Dumble amp, creating that rich, bluesy tone Zoo Freaks are vibing to right now.

Another cool tidbit comes from the album’s production. Blues Rock Review noted that producer Kevin Shirley pushed Bonamassa out of his comfort zone, bringing in heavy hitters like Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford on guitar and Anton Fig on drums. The title track is one of four originals on the album, and Bonamassa has called it one of his strongest, with its blues-rock ballad vibe and jaw-dropping riffs. Fans on the Joe Bonamassa Forum have raved about its live performances, with one fan recalling an acoustic version that was “extremely POWERFUL,” urging everyone to “BUY THIS ALBUM and ENJOY!” The song’s universal appeal shines through, with an Amazon reviewer calling it “un capolavoro” – a masterpiece that stands out even among the album’s stellar covers.

Now, let’s rewind to how Joe Bonamassa became the blues-rock titan he is today. Born on May 8, 1977, in New Hartford, New York, Bonamassa was a guitar prodigy from the jump. According to his Wikipedia page, he started playing at age four, inspired by his father, a music shop owner who introduced him to British blues-rock records by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. By eleven, he was mentored by guitarist Danny Gatton, and at twelve, he formed his own band, Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa, gigging around western New York and Pennsylvania on weekends. That same year, he opened for B.B. King, a moment that cemented his path. His big break came with his debut album, A New Day Yesterday, in 2000, launching a career that’s now spanned over fifteen solo albums, eleven of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart.

Bonamassa’s passion for the blues runs deep, influenced by British and Irish acts like Rory Gallagher and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers rather than traditional American blues. He’s also a gear nerd, with a collection of over 400 vintage guitars and amps housed in what he calls the “Bona-seum.” His journey from a kid strumming in his dad’s shop to headlining global tours is a testament to his relentless drive and love for the craft. Zoo Freaks can keep up with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at the Official Joe Bonamassa Fan Website and connect on the Joe Bonamassa Forum, where they share stories, trade gear tips, and celebrate the blues-rock magic that keeps the Zoo Crew spinning tracks like “Driving Towards the Daylight.”