Studebaker John

Born in Chicago in 1952, Studebaker John is a very diversified blues musician well known and respected as a "Triple Threat" -harp player, slide guitarist and  vocalist. An Italian American, whose real name is John Grimaldi, began playing Chicago clubs in the 70's. In 1978 his recording career began and eventually was signed with Blind Pig Records and released a series of recordings with them. John and his band have toured all around the globe. I first caught up with Studebaker John and the Hawks  at the Cincinnati Blues Fest in 1994, and was fortunate enough to have a camera in my hands. The set was spellbinding especially his stellar harp & slide guitar work inspired by Hound Dog Taylor. Catch Studebaker John next time he tours near you.

Blues Art - Albert Castiglia

Recomendation of the Week

If you are like me, you appreciate the Masters. We prefer the original artists in their pure, unadulterated state. I was too young to see some of these guys in my lifetime, but through the magic of restored video tapes, and DVD digital transfer, you can be there front and center to enjoy the treasured performances of these musicians and you will know why they are so special to blues enthusiasts today. I highly recommend the following DVD's; The American Folk Blues Festival 1962 -1966 and Muddy Waters "Can't Be Satisfied" are both worth their weight in gold!

The Three Kings of the Blues

You may already know that there are three Kings of the Blues. They are in no particular order: BB King, Albert King and Freddie King. As to who is the greatest King, I will leave that up to your individual taste. Both Albert (1992) and Freddie
 (1976) are gone, and BB lives on and continues to add to his very long list of recordings dating from 1949 until now. BB is short for Blues Boy and it stuck with him all these years. Now in his eighties, BB is always in demand from other dignitaries of music and entertainment.  He is already in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and tours many nights out of the year, even owning a bevy of BB King Blues Clubs around the country. Having had the privilege of meeting BB, he is a very humble man who remembers where he came from, how he paid his dues, and where he is going as he passes the torch to the new generation of Blues artists. You can't go wrong with the three recordings I recommend here.

How bout some Texas Slide?

 

Smokin' Joe Kubek delivers some of the best slide guitar ever!