Black Country Communion

Black Country Communion

Whoever thought the era of rock supergroups was a thing of the past is clearly mistaken. Last year bassist and singer Glenn Hughes, of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath fame, teamed up with the American singer and guitarist Joe Bonamassa co-founder of the band Bloodline. The two then made contact with drummer Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. The line-up was complete with the addition of keyboarder Derek Sherinian, who has played with such varied musicians as Alice Cooper, Al Di Meola, Kiss, and Keith Emerson.

Under the name Black Country Communion, the group a created a powerful, blues-infused hard rock sound with both Bonamassa and Hughes on vocals. Bonamassa shines with his relaxed and laid-back style, as does Hughes with his astoundingly baneful vocals. In June, the group will release the follow-up to their successful debut “Black Country”. It is truly impressive how modern the group sounds, while at the same time celebrating the music of the seventies. At their best moments, the group is reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The ideal band for those too late to have experienced the greats back in the day.

Black Country is the perfect antidote to those who have had enough of so-called art rock. Their songs, like “Too Late for the Sun”, run to epic lengths. That the songs are also amusing and entertaining is a tribute to four veterans who have experienced all aspects of rock. The debut album was produced by Iron Maiden producer Kevin “Caveman” Shirley. Just like Them Crooked Vultures (with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones) and Dead Weather, Black Country Communion decimates the bad reputation of the term “supergroup”.