For us blues guitar fans, live blues performances take us through a wild ride of emotions from quiet and introspective to raw and painful through powerful and explosive… no other type of music walks you through a storyline in music as well as lyric each time you listen.
Rarely do you see all of this played out in one blues guitar song…that’s why I thought I would post this performance by Matt Schofield taken from the Thunder Bay Blues Festival from just a few weeks ago. Notice how he begins with melodic soft blues runs and builds to at least two explosive string bending sessions before bridging back into the main melody. A Fender Strat man, Schofield puts on a clinic for any aspiring blues guitar player, either beginner or advanced…watch closely:
Filed under blues guitar by on Aug 1st, 2010. Comment. 
Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the day the music stood still…when SRV passed on in a helicopter crash after playing Alpine Valley.
It seems like a few months ago, but there have been very few times I have been blown away by music since then. In fact, I would have to say I listen much more today to all of the original bluesmen – thanks to Stevie for opening my eyes to all of these guys.
Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Otis Rush, Abert, BB, Freddie King, Lightning Hopkins, his brother Jimmie who I like more and more each time I listen to him…all brought to my attention starting with Stevie’s unwavering support of those who went before him.
And it was heart felt too…just look at any video where Stevie played with his mentors – Albert King on “In Session”, BB King, this video where he shares the stage with the great Johnny Copeland on a couple of songs – first the rocking blues number “Little Sister” and second, the laid back, but powerful “Tin Pan Alley” – watch how much he enjoys and respects being on the stage with another of his hero’s:
I am thankful each and every day that I lived in the same lifetime as SRV, it was him that sparked my own interest in guitar playing, opened up the heartfelt and pure experience of blues music, created friendships I would never have had and allowed me to share much of this with my own kids.
To all of those who were close to Stevie Ray, his family, friends and loved ones who now carry the burden of sharing the one they love with an adoring public – stay strong and you have managed his legacy well.
RIP 20-Years After to one of the greatest blues guitar players that ever lived…Stevie Ray Vaughan!
Filed under stevie ray vaughan by on Aug 29th, 2010. Comment.
There is nothing like live blues, I try and get out each weekend when I’m home to catch a blues act coming through town and of course, watch dozens when the Ottawa Bluefest runs in July. The Fall is looking like a terrific time to catch some of the best blues guitar greats in or around your town. Here is just a sampling:
Jimmie Vaughan – Out with a critically acclaimed new CD Jimmie Vaughan-Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
Joe Banomassa is feeling very European – his new album Black Country Communion (CD/DVD)
Guitar Shorty – into his 70’s blues guitar and entertainer Guitar Shorty ages like a fine wine, he knows how to play guitar, his singing is heartfelt and soulful and he is a master entertainer, you always get your money’s worth at a Guitar Shorty show. We’ve had the benefit of seeing him up here in Ottawa at Bluesfest a few times, he always engages the crowd and often wanders through the audience as he plays inspirational guitar. Guitar Shorty tours relentlessly making stops through Texas, Ohio and Florida in October and November…get out to see him if you can, you’ll have a blast. Here is his updated tour schedule.
Robert Cray – Touring in support of the recently released Cookin’ in Mobile [CD/DVD]
Lots more to share in upcoming posts – the blues guitar circuit has never been more vibrant, so get out and support live blues, let’s not take it for granted…there’s nothing like them blues!
Filed under blues guitar, blues tour dates by on Aug 29th, 2010. Comment.
