One name is all you need-Magic Sam!! Simply the greatest nastiest stuff out there(Delmark Label Out of Chicago)
Need Blues Rec--burn the house down guitar stuff
Help Please!
I've Seen several blues artists live that were just amazing...topping that list is Buddy Guy back in the 80's. But, like others, his CDs never seemed to translate that raw club energy/presence I witnessed live. Blues has always been something I enjoy in person...but never really energizes me when I listen at home. I suspect It's out there and I am missing some great artists/performances. I would like some recommendations for:
Some blistering guitar driven/energetic/possibly live stuff--I don't want the slow stuff (I have that). (I guess when I think about it...it's more rock than blues I'm looking for)
I've Seen several blues artists live that were just amazing...topping that list is Buddy Guy back in the 80's. But, like others, his CDs never seemed to translate that raw club energy/presence I witnessed live. Blues has always been something I enjoy in person...but never really energizes me when I listen at home. I suspect It's out there and I am missing some great artists/performances. I would like some recommendations for:
Some blistering guitar driven/energetic/possibly live stuff--I don't want the slow stuff (I have that). (I guess when I think about it...it's more rock than blues I'm looking for)
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I don't know if anyone has mentioned the Alligator Records "Houserockin' Blues" sampler series. These compilations include contributions by a variety of blues artists (some already listed here) on the Alligator label, and are pretty much specifically designed to satisfy the requirement you've described. You can also expect to find some new names that you may want to pursue beyond the samplers. Good Luck, Marty |
Isn't that a great looking guitar on the cover of Johnny Winter's Progressive Blues Experiment. That is a National register steel guitar made from a cash register. Yup,in the depression so many business's went under that they made guitars out of the cash registers. The sound is unique and they are highly sought after because of the sound they make when you use it as a slide guitar. If you dug this album then go straight to Second Winter. |
Checking back in...picked up some of the suggestions and "wish listed" some of the others. VERY good recommendations...I am particularly liking the Son Seals Live and Burning and Johnny Winter's Progressive Blues experiment. The Lonnie Mack stuff is intriguing...Danny Gatton stuff seems to be a gold mine ... But ALL of it's appreciated! Thanks Guys! |
If you want to explore Johnny Winter try his Reprise album The Progressive Blues Experiment and his debut on Columbia,also Second Winter and Live. After Johnny cleaned up his smack habit he came out firing to re- establish himself on three albums on Aligator records that are blistering fret displays. Another Guiter player that influenced both SRV and Billy Gibbons was a Cincy guitar slinger Lonnie Mack who's live album is worth checking out. If you want a band that came out of Texas on the heels of ZZ Top's rise in popularity check out Point Blank. |
Here are a couple URLs to check out too. All Music http://www.allmusic.com/explore/genre/blues-d41 Musicovery: I liked their old format better, but type in Johnny Winter and wander off from there. http://musicovery.com/index.php?ct=us |
You know what, Qdrone, you might be right!! Although I got a lot of other great suggestions (which I'm acting on)...that may indeed be the style I'm trying to articulate. I actually wanted to say in my OP, as an example, SRV....but didn't want that to skew the thread and lead people to believe I think SRV's the first and last thing in Blues. I do dig ZZ top stuff too...but need more like that... Just not them...someone else (i.e. who did they rip off?). I do have to investigate Johnny Winter though...always been on my periphery but never listened to his stuff. |
The latest Crossroads 2010 Festival Blu Ray DVD is amazing--I picked up a copy for half off at Best buy for 17 bucks for 2 discs! A who's who of blues stars, and even a finale sit down with BB King. Sound is not DTS HD but it's 24/96 and sounds really good. Susan Tedeschi, Carlos, Winwood, Buddy Guy, and many others. From Soldier's Field in Chicago. |
Man oh man have I got what you want."Carlos Santana Plays Blues at Montreux"2004!!!There are 2 versions of this DVD,one version is a short program version,NOT the one you want! The FULL LENGTH version has 3 complete sets of BLOW YOUR MIND blues with Carlos sitting in with (set 1)Clarence "Gatemouth"Brown. (set 2) Bobby Parker(if you've never heard of Bobby parker think of a SMOKIN HOT guitar playin James Brown).(3rd.set) Buddy Guy (& this IS Buddy at his LIVE BEST)!I NEVER get tired of spinning this disc! |
I absolutely second the Danny Gatton recommendations - best guitarist I have ever seen, by far. Secondly, if you'd like to hear a VERY well-recorded blues album, pick up Junior Wells' "Come On In This House". Absolutely 1st rate recording and mastering quality thanks to Bob Ludwig. This is a reference-quality recording. Available in several formats, even the DTS-CD sounds superb. -RW- |
Wow, I've been sampling (and purchasing) some of these from AMZ... can't tell you how much I appreciate the recommendations. Made a Jazz inquiry not too long ago and yielded some great suggestions. Recommendation from Friends is always how I discover the best music. Trying to avoid a dreaded dry run. Good news is every time I thought it was over...and heard all that could be heard...hooked up on a different even richer musical vein! |