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. 
So tell me, what does Texas put in their water that creates so many great blues guitar players?
Actually it isn’t hard to understand when you visit Austin a see the incredible mix of bars, clubs and street musicians – the question becomes, how can you NOT become a musician.
But then, out of this blues mecca comes what everyone is buzzing about…the next great blues guitar legend? His name is Gary Clark Jr. and yes, he’s the real deal.
He caught the attention of one Eric Clapton ending up as one of the only new guitar players on Crossroad Blue Festival 2010’s line-up – a show certainly to remember up there with Doyle Bramhall II – they tore it up!
Here’s Gary Clark showing his retro shuffle chops with a sweet mix of Chuck Berry, Texas shuffle (a la Vaughan Brothers) and traditional Lightning Hopkins, Freddie King on this version of Shotgun Blues written by Donnie and Hock Walsh of the Downchild Blues Band.
And now for the real test – a slow blues…sounds of BB King mixed with Buddy Guy?
Apparently he is working on a CD that will come out next year – but already generating significant buzz…or as we like to say “paying his dues”
Nice to see that blues is alive and well.
Filed under blues guitar by on Dec 14th, 2011. Comment.
