Mountain Climbing

The Zoo Crew is spinning “Mountain Climbing” by Joe Bonamassa, a standout track from his 2016 album *Blues of Desperation*, not *Blues of Degradation* as mentioned by the Zoo Freaks. This searing blues-rock song, driven by a powerful riff and Bonamassa’s fiery guitar solos, showcases his ability to push the boundaries of the genre. In a 2016 interview with Louder, Bonamassa described the track as a bold experiment, blending wild slide guitar with a Zeppelin-esque thrust, noting that producer Kevin Shirley encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone. The song’s intense energy is captured in its official music video, which *Get Ready to Rocks* praised in a 4.5-star review of the album, calling it one of Bonamassa’s best recorded moments. Interestingly, the track’s studio clip, shared on Louder, gives fans a glimpse into the recording process, highlighting the band’s chemistry, including drummer Anton Fig, formerly of David Letterman’s house band, and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s collaborator Reese Wynans.

Another tidbit about “Mountain Climbing” comes from Bonamassa’s reflections on his live performances. In a 2021 Louder interview, he discussed how his focus shifted from proving himself as a guitarist to taking audiences on a journey with songs like this one. He noted that tracks like “Mountain Climbing” allow him to deliver the high-energy solos fans expect while weaving in melodic storytelling. Though Bonamassa stepped away from social media in 2022, as reported by Guitar World, citing distractions and trolling, his earlier Instagram posts often showcased behind-the-scenes moments from tours where he performed this song, connecting with fans through raw, unfiltered glimpses of his passion for the blues.

Joe Bonamassa, born Joseph Leonard Bonamassa on May 8, 1977, in New Hartford, New York, began his musical journey at an astonishingly young age. Inspired by his father, Len, an avid music fan, Bonamassa picked up the guitar at age four, diving into British blues-rock records by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. By age 11, he was mentored by American guitar legend Danny Gatton, honing his skills with a maturity far beyond his years. At 12, he formed his own band, Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa, gigging around western New York and Pennsylvania on weekends while balancing school. His big break came when he opened for B.B. King at the same age, a moment that cemented his path as a blues-rock prodigy. Bonamassa’s debut album, *A New Day Yesterday*, released in 2000, featured covers of Rory Gallagher and Jethro Tull alongside originals, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Blues chart and marking the start of his rise to fame.

Bonamassa’s career has since soared, with 15 solo albums, 11 of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart. His official website, jbonamassa.com, serves as a hub for tour dates, music releases, and his documentary *Guitar Man*, available for free streaming. Fans can connect with him on Facebook, where his page boasts over 3.4 million followers, and on Instagram, with more than 517,000 followers, though posts are now managed by his team. His X account remains active, with over 171,000 followers, sharing updates on performances and releases. For deeper fan engagement, The Official Joe Bonamassa Fan Website offers news, stories, and community interaction, while the Joe Bonamassa Forum provides a space for fans to discuss his music and band changes. Additionally, fan-driven Facebook groups like those linked to his official page foster a vibrant community of Zoo Freaks and blues enthusiasts celebrating his work.