I dig Joe B but like Clapton, he bores me after awhile. That kid Talon what's his name was like 10 years old and blew Joe B off the stage for feel. Joe even had the kid play some shows with him
Blues comes from inside, not technique and Joe is all technique and polish so I get Ben's "dry" comment. Anybody can play 4 bar blues but making your goddamned guitar cry is where it's at w/ blues solos. Think Gary Moore for one, SRV for another... that comes from inside. Joe B is great but in a different way from those guys
This is why shredders get such a bad rap, people claim there is no "soul" in playing fast. The soul is there with dudes like Yngwie, Vai, Sariani, Johnson, Gilbert, Friedman, Becker... etc. It's just in briefer moments and you have to listen for it to appreciate what can be done within microseconds. It's just another style. What makes me laugh most is people who deride shredders and yet listen to Paganini LMAO