Black Country Communion

Black Country Communion is the Anglo-American rock supergroup featuring vocalist and bassist, the “Voice of Rock” Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), Blues Rock Guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner) and keyboard player Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater).

Black Country Communion’s self-titled debut album was released in September 2010 to general critical acclaim; it entered the official UK Album Chart at #13 and shot straight to #1 on the official UK Rock Album Charts. BCC’s debut was placed at no.3 in Classic Rock Magazine Critics album of the year poll and Planet Rock Radio listeners voted them as Best New Band of 2010. The latest album, 2, also topped the Rock Album Chart, even topping the Foo Fighters for a short period of time…

Some thirty minutes later, the lights dimmed and ‘Ride Of The Valkyries’ blasted out an epic introduction around a empty stage for a good few minutes. Then from the wings four great rock musicians appeared followed by a short intro from Hughes and then the opening title track from the band’s opening album BLACK COUNTRY. Over the last few years BBC Radio 1, including Zane Lowe, has dumbed down the airwaves with a mix of manufactured pop, dance, singing groups, a narrow range of singer/songwriters, the most ordinary rap, and in the process almost totally sidelined genuine rock music. The effect has been devestating in terms of national airplay and sales. Even stations like Planet Rock have a narrow music remit which misses a large amount of modern day rock. Why a number of songs by BCC have not been playlisted is beyond me, including ‘Black Country’ which Hughes performs with an energy, enthusiasm and skill that many younger players could not match.

I’ve heard it said that Hughes is singing better than ever and on this showing I can believe it. To the rear left of the stage is keyboardist Sherinian whose role is key in creating the classic BCC sound. He stands expressionless, emersed in his instruments. Jason Bonham is almost completely hidden by his substantial drum kit and as the night progresses he begins to show what a fabulous and intuitive drummer he is, and his critical role in forming a bullet-proof and absolutely vital BCC rhythm section (along with Hughes’ bass guitar). Joe Bonamassa vocal is powerful but it’s his guitar work that shines so brightly tonight especially during the extended instrumental passages that make this band’s music so special.

Hughes sings the first three songs (’Black Country’, ‘Crossfire’ and ‘The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall’) before Bonamassa gives voice for the first time with one of my favourites of the night, the slower, more contemplative ‘Song Of Yesterday’ from the first album. JB is one of the world’s finest blues rock musicians and this single performance underlines that fact. The way he moves from crooner to rocker mid-song is masterful and compelling. His stupendous guitar riff and extended passage late in the song has the crowd screaming out with delight. Bonham also provides his performance of the night. Then JB’s back again with ‘I Can See Your Spirit’ before the night’s most special moment arrives.

That moment is ‘Save Me’ that will doubtless please the many Led Zep fans in the audience. It’s a long song that includes some of the most devesting guitar riffs of the night and Hughes’ most passionate vocal performance. One word - STUNNING! Then Hughes introduces a song from 2 called ‘Cold’ which he desrcibes as very personal and about a friend. It’s a dark song with Sherinian’s keyboard work playing a major atmospheric role and JB’s guitar provides a fitting mournful sound. Hughes performance is sincere, expressive and exemplifies his tremendous vocal range. It’s another cracking moment on this memorable night.

By this time the show has already topped my list of best rock performances of the year. JB Has another vocal outing on his own composition, ‘The Ballad Of John Henry’ before another major highlight arrives in ‘Outsider’, the first song from 2 that I played on my radio show. This could so easily open a BCC show with its rampant pace, superb guitar riffs and Bonham’s inspired drums. The show is has already passed the 90-minute stage
by this time but it seems like time has flown by. Then it’s ‘The Great Divide’ from the first album and, for me, a solid, soulful and moody album highlight with fabulous moments from Hughes, Bonamassa and Bonham.

‘Sista Jane’ signals the ‘end’ of the show or rather signals massive applause and demands for an encore which duly arrives. The final song is a Deep Purple classic and Highes greets ‘Burn’ like a loving old friend. A great ending to an astounding, stunning night of rock.

SETLIST:

Black Country, Crossfire, The Battle For Hardrian’s Wall, Song Of Yesterday, I Can See Your Spirit, Save Me, Cold, The Ballad Of John Henry, Outsider, The Great Divide, Sista Jane. Encore: Man In The Middle, Burn.

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