More than ever we need to be reminded what BLUES is really like.
As we continue to lose the legends, Albert King, BB King, Stevie Ray, Albert Collins…it seems more amazing than ever when you go back and discover the true great blues guitar legends and how in-tune they were to the feeling in a song.
Today’s generation of lip-synch, electronically created music, at its best, takes creativity – we have to give kudos for that…but not for a minute does anyone believe there is the degree of feeling, emotion and GUTS in just 60-seconds of a song like this one from Albert King.
Filed under blues guitar, Blues Legends by on Sep 11th, 2016. Comment. 
It’s been a good start to the Fall so far with some legendary veteran blues giants releasing new and exciting material.
First, the Texas band lead by Kim Wilson, “The Fabulous Thunderbirds” have come out with the critically acclaimed “Strong Like That” which is made up of 10 original tunes from this veteran blues band.
Here’s a taste of the opening track “I know I’m losing you” which includes a funky beat with tasty slide guitar – you’ll get wrapped up in this one and smell the BBQ and feel the vibe…
Second, the ageless Eric Clapton bestows an incredible collection of work on us with the just released “I Still Do” with my favorite number being “Somebody Knockin” showing Clapton still leads us down the blues music journey.
With especially big shoes to fill now that many of the blues guitar legends are gone, Eric Clapton has stepped up his game and taken that responsibility firmly in hand.
His second work due out in mere weeks (you can pre-order as I have done) is what appears to be a magical night with his former band mates (Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II) with Live In San Diego
What makes this one particularly special is that JJ Cale also appears, a massive influence and talent in his own right, Cale keeps music as real as it gets! They sound incredible on “Any Way The Wind Blows” – you can sample it here
For all of you Eric Clapton fans out there, this will need to be part of your collection.
Finally, have to give a shout OUT to my Canadian buddy and reigning blues master up here in Canada – Colin James who is about to release a re-visitation of the blues aptly titled “Blue Highway”. Colin has always focused on being a diverse artist spanning big band, country to straight ahead rock but his roots are firmly in the blues and it’s great to see him back in the genre I always felt brought out the best in him.
For any of you who have not yet heard of or tasted Colin’s blues, this is the time to jump in – I guarantee you will not be disappointed. He’s our secret up here in Canada – but we willingly share him with the world!
You guys have another new blues release you are excited about? Leave a comment and let other readers know about it.
Filed under blues guitar, blues releases by on Sep 15th, 2016. Comment.
For many of us, the passing of BB King still leaves a massive gap – he truly had the 3 keys to living a fulfilling and impact-filled life:
– He was a generous soul, self-made and continued to lift everyone around him with his music, advice and example long after he had made it big
– He stayed true to his passion and talent…from the churches he always played music that had feeling never succumbing to over-production or changes in direction he did not believe in
– He worked hard (perhaps the hardest working musician out there) to ensure he could bring his music and positive message to the masses
On this day, BB King would have been 91 and I still miss him and his spirit each day.
Here’s a great retrospective from blues guitar phenom Joe Bonamassa – as he see’s BB King’s influence professionally and personally…
Filed under bb king, blues guitar by on Sep 17th, 2016. Comment.
