Who's your guitar daddy now?

I just got a blue ray player so I bought the live John Mayer BR disc to check out the audio side of things in the format. I couldn't name a single JM tune, but I know he's a pop star, dates pretty girls, and I had heard he could play some guitar, so I gave it a shot.

No doubt he has some technique and some passion, but his vocabulary and phrasing are really derivative. Dave Mason here, name your favorite '60s electric bluesman there. Compare his tone to Clapton or phrasing to Richard Thompson and there's no "there" there. He also lacks the "wit" of a Todd Rundgren or Bill Kirchen, who could otherwise be criticized on the same basis. JM is undoubtedly a fine player and I certainly wouldn't dismiss the guy, but -in the end- I found myself a bit disappointed.

My guitar hero list still includes RT, Lindsey Buckingham, David Hidalgo, Danny Gatton, and more.

Marty

To those who noted Mayer is young and has great potential once he finds his own voice ...

Completely agreed.

I also agree that he is a suprisingly charismatic kid.

Marty

Synth,

If you want a sense of how young Mayer is, check out his bandmates in the
JM Trio. I suspect that Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan are each twice his age.
In this company, he's a kid. He may be long in the tooth for a pop star, but
for a traditional blues guitarist, he's startlingly young.

As to stereotypes of audiophiles, it's only in the last few years that I learned
this guy was more than a top 40 heartthrob. That doesn't mean I care more
about gear than music, it means I care more about gear than shitty music. In
the case of JM, I was just late to the party in learning about his broader rep.

OTOH, Richard Thompson was younger than JM when he recorded
"Sloth", so maybe he should be further along in his development.

Marty

PS Jordan is great.

Oddmorning,

I've heard lots of people say this about Clapton, presumably because he combines a rather traditional blues approach with limited (compared to some others) technique. But he really has a ton of heart and truly beautiful tone. A player like -say- Steve Vai may have much more technique and maybe a more innovative voice, as well. No shot at Vai, but, personally, I'd prefer to sit and listen to Clapton every time. I'd also rather listen to Janis Joplin sing the phone book before Barbra Streisand sing anything she chooses. Barbra's got the voice, but JJ's got the soul. Just my $.02

Marty

Map,

In a weird way, Clapton is a bit like Elvis in that regard. He became the original "face" of the electric guitar (along with Jimi) in a similar way that Elvis became the original "face" of rock n roll. I'd personally argue that Chuck Berry is the more significant artist, but - for me -that doesn't necessarily diminish Elvis. I do understand why some would call him "overrated", but you can still appreciate what he accomplished.

I also understand Odd's point (I believe) as to Clapton's limitations in both technique and innovation. Your point about lesser known players is also taken. Should Richard Thompson be more highly regarded than Clapton? In my world, there's no doubt. But, I'd still resist trashing Clapton ("Most overrated on the Planet") and those who prefer his playing.

I was just trying to argue that the appreciation of guitar may extend beyond technique and innnovation. In this respect, Odd's statement about "most overrated" struck me as more than a bit much. Clapton plays with beauty and heart and he usually "gets" his material spot on. Lots of players can (and do) mimic Clapton with some precision, but few manage the same result. He just does more with less and - IMHO - shouldn't be dumped on for it.

Marty

BTW, by Odd's standard Neil Young might have that "Most Overrated" title sewn up! I happen to enjoy Young's playing, too.

The phrase I take issue with is "most overrated on the planet". Even if not meant to be taken literally, this is a fair bit harsher than simply "overrated". BTW, I know many folks who agree with Odd's harsher assessment of Clapton - just not me.

Marty

I've seen EC absolutely tear it up, but I've also seen him phone it in. Sometimes on the same night.

Marty

Recently I've been on a bit of a Danny Gatton kick. I don't know too many players who'd want to try to match up with "The Humbler". The ultimate master of the Telecaster.

Marty