Jack White is perhaps the most unique and vibrantly creative artist active today…it just so happens his roots are in the Blues no matter how far his creative puruits take him.

That’s the way it should be, start with internalizing the foundation of music (the Blues) and build out from there.

Same formula as Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clarke Jr., Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, The Black Keys…should I go on?

What do they get from the Blues?

• Learn to dig deep and find the emotional ’10’ that sits behind music that connects
• Simple before complex…instead of striking out to be complex, you start with the simple lessons of the Blues (less is more, space means as much as notes, rhythm, etc…) and then build out from there
• Music first…before anything else, staying true to the music is the first priority
• Always learn and improve
• Pay your respects to those who came before…keeps your ego in check

All of that said, when you come at Jack White, his versatility is incredible – you could just as easily hear him playing Bluegrass as something approaching maniacal punk rock.  So, if you haven’t followed him and don’t have some background in Blues music you may be forgiven for passing right over – but guaranteed you will be pulled in again.

I’ve picked up a copy of his latest critically acclaimed (and yes – very highly recommended) Lazaretto – a rich, sometimes eclectic, but always rooted piece of creative mastery. 

If you fancy yourself a music fan, then you MUST have Lazaretto in your portfolio as it will go down as one of the more important creative endeavors this decade – of that I am sure. 

What’s your take? 

Here’s one of the lead tunes – just to give you a sample – but go and get the full CD, you won’t be disappointed: