HTP or BCC?

[Paul J]

Hi all. It's quiet here. Thought id try and create a bit of a discussion.

I was listening to BCC Live in the car today. I was enjoying it, and i started to think about how Glenn said that the straight rock format wasn't really his thing, around the time of HTP, and in fact he was quite dismissive of the HTP albums.

So i thought about how enthusiastic he is about BCC, when he was so negative about HTP.

So is BCC, the songs, albums, musicians significantly better than HTP? It is slightly difficult to compare, because he is the main singer in BCC, whereas he obviously shared duties with JLT in HTP.

For what its worth i think HTP were just as good, if not better than BCC. Is that sacrilege?

So what do people think?

Paul

[FCinnella]

Well Paul, I am a HUGE fan of HTP and do prefer those albums, especially the live disc, to BCC. The HTP tunes still get me thinking of the Purple/Rainbow days and seem more spontaneous than the BCC stuff.
I enjoy them both greatly, but given the choice, I'd go with HTP.
That is just one opinion of many you should hear.

[chutsler]

I'm not 'kissing arse'.....but I'll go with BCC.....more my cuppa.....

[Stormbringer74]

For me BCC ruuuuuuules ! no hesitation !

[Mark3]

Bcc all the way!!!!

[willem]

HTP got 2 great singers and they are in concert more powerfull (lot's of Purple and Rainbow classics). But BCC got great compositions and are more bluesy with Bonzo"s son behind the drumkit. So to me they are both GREAT

[Shirl]

Both high quality, but HTP for me

[galleyfan]

For overall body of work, the nod goes to HTP for me

I liked both studio albums & the live one alot

As for BCC, I really didn't care for the 1st one much, it seemed more

like a Glenn solo album to me. The songs just weren't that strong!

The 2nd one was really good though I still don't like Joe B. & Glenn

together! Not much magic, seems forced! JMO

[tmc344]

Most previous answers have something I have to agree with.
Both I like.
Although BCC have the better songs I think I prefer HTP more because the albums flow better.
Some of the BCC songs I don't like that much.
Still don't care that much about Joe B.

[Sigurd]

since Tommy Bolin no other guitarist had inspired me so much like Joe Bonamassa.
Although Steve Morse and Steve Lukather are Giants too, no doubt, i am grateful for what Bonamassa had done for Rock and Blues.
But Bonamassa alone for me is weaker than together with Glenn and BCC!

HTP is history, what i 've heard from them for me seems indeed to be a lil forced,
perhaps that kinda 80's spirit i don't like, but who knows.

The BCC songs are really good stuff, for me both studioalbums are equal quality.
I cannot say what i'd prefer, the drum sound from the debut is very charming.
I'm hoping to hear soon about new projects from them, i saw their magic life on stage, and there was a lot!!

BCC rules!

[scheu2112]

undoubtedly BBC...

[rrfreitas85]

He is always dismissive about these projects. I never heard a word from him about Voodoo Hill. I'd love to hear what he thinks about that albums, especially Wild Seed of Mother Earth.

[Albion]

Originally Posted by scheu2112

undoubtedly BBC...

I agree!

[Joni_Smilkova]

Tough choice! I think both rules!
But maybe the new Glenn's project will be better Who knows?

[Forever Young]

BCC by miles!!

[tony g]

bcc because bcc is real band with all members of the band contributing as opposed to htp which was really glenn and jtl writing songs -good songs mind u but still just that

[tmc344]

Originally Posted by rrfreitas85

He is always dismissive about these projects. I never heard a word from him about Voodoo Hill. I'd love to hear what he thinks about that albums, especially Wild Seed of Mother Earth.

I preferred the first one.
Wild Seed was a bit too dark.

I think the first two of The Cage (Dario Mollo and Tony Martin) were great too.
Didn't care much for their last one

[AllIHear]

BCC! HTP, however great, did not have Joe Bonamassa as the guitarist

[Kev Moore]

This is always going to be a difficult comparison, because HTP and BCC are different animals. HTP really mined that 80's rock vein - which is what Joe Lynn Turner brought to the table, along with perhaps Glenn's hughes/thrall vibe, but essentially it was quite steeped in 80's rock, and some of the songs are superb. BCC is clearly vintage 70's and makes no bones about it. But there is an element about HTP that trumps BCC hands down....the twin vocal. Whilst I like the vocal interplay between Joe B and Glenn, HTP's twin vocal attack harks back to the glory of Glenn and Cov on tracks like Lay Down Stay down or Might just take your life.

On a personal note, I'm having a problem with Joe B at the moment. I think he's tipped the balance between sound marketing and annoying cyber 'doorstepping'. He'll be selling his used baseball caps next! Enough already!

It won't work with this music lover, because I'll be opting out of his mail list now. It's just too much.

[lioness]

Originally Posted by Kev Moore

On a personal note, I'm having a problem with Joe B at the moment. I think he's tipped the balance between sound marketing and annoying cyber 'doorstepping'. He'll be selling his used baseball caps next! Enough already! It won't work with this music lover, because I'll be opting out of his mail list now. It's just too much.

I think it's no secret here that I've never understood the hype about Mr. Bonamassacre. And I've never been on his mail list.

What is his ever faithful street team trying to sell you, Kev - his used bubble gum?

[Kev Moore]

Originally Posted by lioness

I think it's no secret here that I've never understood the hype about Mr. Bonamassacre. And I've never been on his mail list. What is his ever faithful street team trying to sell you, Kev - his used bubble gum?

Now look what you've done Lioness, you've given his manager another sales angle!

In the first instance, I admired the game plan. Being a pro muso myself, I know how hard it is to monetize your offerings, and also get the greater slice of the pie, but I think they've crossed the line. Joe B FX pedals, Joe B bobbleheads for chrissakes! You know when you get 'charity fatigue'? Well, it's kinda like that....which makes me think, surely, step back and do a BCC tour next year, instead of the relentless solo thing, but, each to his own.

[FCinnella]

To answer the question: HTP. Love the duel vocals and have always been a huge JLT fan anyhow.
As for JB and his marketing, just think KISS. It worked for them, so maybe Joe can start wearing makeup and costumes
and sell lunchboxes

[lioness]

Originally Posted by Kev Moore

Now look what you've done Lioness, you've given his manager another sales angle!

Holy crap! I didn't think of that! Gotta be more careful with my ideas...

@ Frank: At least KISS is on tour at the moment!

Wish I could say the same about BCC

[FCinnella]

Originally Posted by lioness

@ Frank: At least KISS is on tour at the moment! Wish I could say the same about BCC

But JB is certainly on tour. I don't fully understand how Joe can tour his solo music all over the world, but we haven't had a GH solo tour in these parts since a one off show in LA in 2009...maybe G should try some of that crazy marketing

[tmc344]

Originally Posted by FCinnella

But JB is certainly on tour. I don't fully understand how Joe can tour his solo music all over the world, but we haven't had a GH solo tour in these parts since a one off show in LA in 2009...maybe G should try some of that crazy marketing

JB can tour selling his solo music, because Glenn had to write the BCC songs, the others just joined for a couple of days to do their thing.
After that Glenn had to go out and promote Afterglow.

And Glenn is, imho, to often involved with all kinds of charity things, one-offs etc.
He should concentrate more on his own thing.

That Marshall gig, Kings Of Chaos and so one will not break the market for him.

Or maybe he is just killing time before his new brotherhood will come alive.

[tmc344]

Originally Posted by lioness

I think it's no secret here that I've never understood the hype about Mr. Bonamassacre. And I've never been on his mail list. What is his ever faithful street team trying to sell you, Kev - his used bubble gum?

I'm not a fan of him either.
When I saw him on stage he reminded me of that Cheap Trick guy (Rick Nielsen). Always changing guitars, wearing a stupid cap.

I've listened to several of his albums, saw a couple of DVD's.
Still can't figure out what's so special about him.

[Forever Young]

Originally Posted by tmc344

I'm not a fan of him either. When I saw him on stage he reminded me of that Cheap Trick guy (Rick Nielsen). Always changing guitars, wearing a stupid cap. I've listened to several of his albums, saw a couple of DVD's. Still can't figure out what's so special about him.

People can be upset with Joe because of apparent lack of interest in BCC. I get that. But to say he's nothing special IMO is ridiculous! He is a brilliant player and performer. He is definitely more of a side man in BCC and perhaps he realized he doesn't like that role so much.

I've seen him live several times now including twice with BCC. I can tell you that he puts on one hell of a show and is a great guitar player. Check out his many albums. Much like Glenn, he has some serious gems in his back catalog. Great music. I know that music is like food and to argue about it is silly. We all like what we like. I just sense here that some have a preconceived opinion here about Joe B and haven't REALLY seen what he's all about musically. He is truly one of the best out there today.

All this said, I hope that they (BCC) find a way to do more down the road. This is special music and it isn't just something that you can throw together with just anyone. In any case I look forward to whatever Glenn has going on next. He truly is at the top of his game right now. Just amazing!!

[Kev Moore]

...that Joe B really is one of the most outstanding guitarists out there today. I've seen him live solo, and his mastery of the instrument is without question, but he is becoming overshadowed by the relentless grinding of his 'team machine', and I believe, while his playing has always had a depth and maturity beyond his years, I see little clues that the 'boy who grew up too soon' perhaps lags behind a little in other areas. This is not a criticism. Simply an observation of a phenomenon that threatens all young prodigies, and has perhaps has contributed to some degree to the impasse in which BCC find themselves. I feel a little sour about things. Is it directed towards Joe? Probably. Do I respect and admire his abilities? Absolutely.

[mrburns]

BCC!!!!! And I'm sorry to say this but JLT never really caught my attention. I think he is much below potential vocal compared with Glenn Hughes for example ... but it's just my opinion.

[Sigurd]

BCC !! The mixture of musicians is great.
i wonder sometimes when Joe Bonamassa is talking about BCC Two as heavy metal music.
I'll never get the idea of heavy metal in BCC, because it is real hardrock.
A big difference. Also when people are talking about Deep Purple as a heavy metal band i wouldn't agree.
I personally don't like heavy metal but i do love hardrock, i mean Ritchie Blackmore could shock the audience (and the orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall) in 1969 with one Vox AC 30 amp.
And today guitarplayers also Bonamassa have got a whole guitarshop on stage.
I also like guitarplayers who go on stage with only one small but good amp so Jeff Beck did. And Sören Anderson with Glenn Solo had a killertone on stage with one Koch amp plus 4-12 box on Musikmesse Frankfurt some years ago.

greets
Sigurd