Gary Clark Jr is one of those rare, charismatic blues guitar players that you just know has some deep down connection with the universe and at times it comes out in his playing.
Just like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Buddy Guy and all of the greats that take their place at the top of the blues guitar podium, there is a special connection with the universe that touches us all much more than just notes on a fretboard can do.
I felt that same connection watching this Farm Aid 2014 performance from Gary Clark Jr. – my sense with Gary is that even he doesn’t realize what power he has when he connects truthfully through his instrument…but we do, don’t you agree?
Filed under Blog by on Oct 2nd, 2014. Comment. 
One of the best parts about being a blues guitar fan are the guitar “duels” that really bring out the best in the players.
This first one is 3 Texas blues guitar greats…Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and his brother Jimmie Vaughan. All 3 players are FINE on this rendition of Albert’s Frosty…have to give it to Jimmie though, he surprised me with this one!
Now for an oldie, but a goodie…can’t think of two more powerful onstage blues guitar players than Buddy Guy and Albert Collins…can you?
Comment it up folks – let us know you love Blues Music!
Filed under Blues Legends by on Sep 5th, 2014. Comment.
Watch Gary masterfully re-create the wonderful Albert Collins slow blues “If Trouble Was Money”
While he doesn’t have the “Iceman’s” attack (as you can see from video clips below), he brings his own passion and style to the song.
What makes a blues artist stand out is when you know they are giving 110% – we can safely say that of both Albert Collins and Gary don’t you think?
By the way, this song finds its way onto a new Live Double CD from Gary Clark Jr that has some really cool tunes on it, check it out here.
Now here is the Iceman, Albert Collins (Man I gets so pissed that I never was able to see AC live!)
Votes?
Filed under Blues Legends by on Sep 4th, 2014. Comment.
What a terrific picture of the 3 giants of the blues, each put his unique stamp on the blues, changed music forever and made the world a better place…what more could you ask for?
I wonder what each of these guys thinks (or would think for John Lee and Willie) of today’s music?
Filed under bb king, Blues Legends by on Aug 29th, 2014. Comment.
It rained all weekend, but despite the torrential downpour, I jumped in my car Saturday afternoon and headed out on my 1-hour journey to the hills of Calabogie to see Jimmie Vaughan along with his great Tilt-A-Whirl Band headline the Calabogie Blues Festival
Followers of this blog will recognize that I have talked a lot about Jimmie Vaughan being his own man, keeping pure blues guitar alive and sticking true to how he hears the music despite the fact that almost everyone goes to see Jimmie the first time expecting to hear his late brother Stevie.
Do yourself a favor, search out some Fabulous T-Birds stuff from the 80’s and tell me that wasn’t great music. Then listen to the guitar and notice the incredible rhythm and pinpoint lead guitar – THAT my friends, is Jimmie Vaughan.
I had limited room left on my memory card so I could only record a couple of snippets from what was a good show.
Here is the first video as Jimimie opened up the show
And here is a short clip showing why Jimmie is one of the most solid rhythm blues guitarists of this generation (it’s no wonder he provided such a huge back beat to the Fabulous T-Birds in Austin where he made his name )
Be sure to catch Jimmie Vaughan wherever he appears next – it will always be a fun show and education into Texas Blues
Filed under jimmie vaughan by on Aug 18th, 2014. Comment.
Took in the Paul Deslauriers Band from Montreal, Quebec last evening at the Calabogie blues festival.
This blues-influenced power trio was loud and rockin…from his Gibson Les Paul to the wonderfully sounding double-neck SG with the top being a 12-string model that I swear sounds just like Richie Sambora (guitarist with Bon Jovi).
Paul Deslauriers walked away with best guitarist at the Maple Blues Awards (Canada’s Blues Awards) this year and his rhythm section is ROCK solid – the drummer was incredible.
With a little refinement (tightening up a couple of their numbers and perhaps leaving the bottom 25% of their weakest stuff out of their show, they are teetering on something VERY special).
Definitely worth checking these guys out – have the feeling they will become much more visible through 2015.
Here’s a sampling of their show…
Here’s another sample of that double-necked SG – doesn’t the 12-string neck sound fine?
Filed under blues guitar, New Blues by on Aug 17th, 2014. Comment.
Had this one on my calendar for a few months now, look forward to paying another visit to the Class Axe Blues Festival this weekend in Calabogie, Ontario Canada.
If you are close by, you want to head out tomorrow (Saturday August 16th) to see Jimmy Vaughan and his terrific band. Always a fun time, way to enjoy one of the legendary blues guitar players still touring today.
Hopefully you can make it, if not – be sure to follow Jimmie and catch him when he hits your town.
Filed under Blog by on Aug 15th, 2014. Comment.
Remarkable video that demonstrates we can do anything if we really put our mind to it…blind from birth, Felix delivers an incredible version of “Everyday I Have The Blues” – the BB King standard.
Watch how he learned to play the guitar on his lap from sound only…don’t ever complain about having to practice again!
Filed under New Blues by on Aug 15th, 2014. Comment.
Wish I could have seen these guys all together back in the day.
Watch as Carlos Santana, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Cesar Rojas from Los Lobos…dream team? Ever notice how Stevie always played as if his life depended on that specific performance?
Filed under Blues Legends, jimmie vaughan, stevie ray vaughan by on Jul 23rd, 2014. Comment.
All I can say is WOW!
All of us true blues lovers know that Soul and Blues come from the place…what I have to ask is imagine what a true collaboration of the Crowes with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi – could it be on par with Eric Clapton and Duane Allman on Derek & the Dominos?
Filed under blues guitar, soul music by on Jul 22nd, 2014. Comment.
