If you've been a Buddy Guy fan for a long time you have to be aware that his live and recorded performances have ALWAYS been extremely variable. I saw him regularly for a span of almost 20 years starting in the late 70s and can say with confidence that you never knew which Buddy was going to show up; the take no prisoners, nobody's ever played better Buddy, or the I'm mailin' this one in from a couple of states over Buddy. There was a span of a few years in the early 80s that he so desperately sucked that I swore I would never see him again. Then I saw him with Jr. Wells at the Beacon and he was so great that my goose bumps got goose bumps.
I think he is one of the quintessential blues men. His heart is always on his sleeve and if he feels like crap, so goes his playing. Substance abuse may also be a problem as it is with a great many performers. We should support him while he is still with us.
I think he is one of the quintessential blues men. His heart is always on his sleeve and if he feels like crap, so goes his playing. Substance abuse may also be a problem as it is with a great many performers. We should support him while he is still with us.