Guitars, Guitars and More Guitars

Although the Fender Stratocaster has been the mainstay of most blues musicians, their favorites come in all shapes, sizes and models. Going to blues shows through the years I have also seen my share of Telecasters, various Gibson's, Ibanez and Gretsch. A common thread that runs through blues musicians is that their guitars are treated like babies. They are pampered but after a few years show their battle scars well. Many blues players prefer vintage guitars found by being in the right place at the right time or by  on line collectors or pawn shops. Enjoy this plethora of stringed electric instruments.

In the works . . Buddy Guy/ Live At Legends

Not too far down the road, Buddy Guy will release the much anticipated; Live At Legends, scheduled for release December 18th. It was recorded during his annual residency in January 2010 and will include a couple of outstanding medleys : John Lee Hookers "Boom Boom" into Creams "Strange Brew" and the Hendrix anthem; "Voodoo Child" into Creams "Sunshine Of Your Love". Also Three previously unreleased songs from the Living Proof sessions; "Polka Dot Love". "Coming For You" and "County Boy". Looking forward to this one.

The Three Faces of Chris Duarte

Robben Ford

California native Robben Ford has carved his niche in contemporary blues today, playing and preforming with everyone from former Beatle George Harrison to Greg Allman. Four Grammy nominations means he is at the top of his game when it come to playing guitar.  Ford possesses a unique style that fuses jazz with the blues. His notes are precise and technically he excels. He comes from a musical family and grew up influenced by his father and formed a band with his brothers: Mark (harp) and Patrick (drums). Listening to him for years on various recordings,  I was thrilled when he played Orlando at BB Kings a few years ago. The three piece ensemble delivered two sets that covered a wide range of his recorded material. The musicianship was phenomenal and the show was very memorable.  Of course I had my trusty Nikon in tow. Enjoy the shots and the video, also check out his downloads via Itunes or other downloadable music sites.

Omar and The Howlers

In the late sixties and early seventies I was listening to what they called progressive rock on an FM station in Ohio. Their music program was  anti -top 40 radio and I was introduced to non -main stream rock groups at the time which included; The Doors, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Deep Purple and Creedence Clearwater Rivival.  CCR fronted by John Fogarty who had a unique swamp rock, bluesy sound that was very intriguing and the song Susie -Q (an old blues song by the way) locked me in. Unknown to me, shortly after that time, Omar Kent Dykes singer and blues guitarist formed a blues rock band in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1973 called : Omar and The Howlers. They later moved to Austin, Texas and was based there, making a good living playing Frat parties and local gigs. It was not until 1987 that Omar signed a deal with Columbia records releasing his first album with them: Hard Times In the Land Of Plenty. After listening to it, no wonder it was a success selling half million copies. The sound was a more bluesy, CCR and music to my ears and that is why I have followed Omar since that time and enjoy his entire catalog. Dykes has not slowed down through the years and recently released an Essential Collection containing most of the early songs remastered. Current releases include: I'm Gone and this months tribute to Jimmy Reed; Too Much Is Not Enough, Featuring the harp of the late great Gary Primich. I encourage you to check out the fine music of Omar Kent Dykes.

Blues Art

James Harman

It just doesn't get more bluesier than James Harman. Now sixty-six years old and originally  from Alabama, young James was baptized in black blues and soul music at an early age. The family then relocated to Panama City Florida and he was surrounded by like-minded blues lovers. While he was still in his teens James started to play juke-joints and clubs throughout the south. Through the years he was with many different bands and finally tired of all the clever names and started to tour in 1978 as The James Harman Band. Clever lyrics, gritty soulful vocals and out of this world harp is his trademark. A musician's musician, James is in much demand and works on many side projects. Quite a number of them with ZZ Top.
From a personal standpoint, I got tuned into the James Harman Band quite a few years ago with the release of Two Sides To Every Story, which is a classic. James has this down home cozy approach to the blues and everything else just falls right into place. He comes across as the kind of guy you would have over one night for supper then afterwards, everyone would pull back the chairs and  listen to him preform.
He is touring blues festivals overseas at present, so I can't wait until he returns and does a couple shows here in the states. I will mark it on my calendar. Enjoy the video from Buddy Guy's Legends.

Robert Cray

Robert Cray is among the honored and respected elite group of song- writer musicians. His guitar chops and vocals speak for themselves. His song writing can put you in the middle of the lyrics and you can feel the pain and in a few words of the chorus. . . you get it.  Blues players respect his work and accomplishments. They have all requested his presence; from John Lee Hooker to Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and the immortal Stevie Ray Vaughan. Approaching 60 years of age has not slowed his talent down one bit. Just when you think: I haven't heard from Robert Cray for a while, up comes another chapter in his book. A very diversified musician, Cray is comfortable both in studio and on a large stage. The 1986 album release: Strong Persuader put him on the map and earned him a Grammy Award. The single: Smokin' Gun, was a crossover hit and gave him the recognition he rightly deserved. Since that time his catalog has grown and so has his audience. Which brings us back to the present and his latest release: Nothin But Love. Give it a listen and it has similarities to the aforementioned Strong Persuader. The story telling blues ballads are flowing in this catalog. The first cut: (Won't Be) Coming Home is in classic Cray style. He could easily blow you way with a Strat solo in the middle, but that's just not his thing, Robert gives you a continuous peppering of great guitar riffs throughout the entire song while telling you the story with stellar vocals. Another cut from this set is: Blues Get Off My Shoulder takes you back to a smokey bar room in the 50's with great guitar riffs by Robert and extraordinary piano work by Jim Pugh. Time will tell, but this 16th studio recording by the Robert Cray Group is one for the books. Great Listening.

Chris Duarte

Shortly after the release of Texas Sugar/Strat Magik in 1994, I was mesmerized by the tone and riffs of Chris Duarte and knew if he toured I would go see him live. In 1995 he came to Dayton, Ohio. I was not disappointed. He captivated the crowd with his playing and endless energy. Fast forward 18 years to 2013, Orlando, FL. Just like a fine bottle of wine that gets better with age, Chris Duarte fronting his current three piece ensemble, improved with the passing of time. I really expected to see a Duarte older, wiser, but a few steps slower . . .He was older and wiser (quoting Shakespeare during the sound check), but his energy level and expertise on the guitar had not diminished one iota! He delivered two sets (two hours) of blistering blues that quite honestly was the finest I have listened to for quite a while. His catalog of songs is much more diverse, although he borrows heavily off the aforementioned first release. Besides his greats like Big- legged Woman and My Way Down, the highlight of the night was: One More Cup of Coffee from the Romp recording. The Nikon came with me and I attempted to capture the explosive energy digitally. I look forward to the next time I see the Chris Duarte Group, hopefully it will not take as many years.

Jimmy Thackery

No doubt about it. Jimmy Thackery is indeed a sensational guitarist .  His Studio recordings are always clean and his guitar tone seems larger than life, however the studio does not do the man justice. Live is the best option to see Mr. Thackery. Then and only then you receive the full frontal ax- attack of this journeyman of the blues. Thackery wan an integral part of the Washington DC Band; The Nighthawks, and helped put them on the map before going solo in 1986. The three piece power blues trio forming Thackery and the Drivers won international acclaim and continues to tour today. In 1993 I caught them in Cincinnati at a place called Jefferson Hall. A memorable show happened. One for the books. Just happened to take the trusty Nikon to record the event.

Pick Six

Every once in a blue moon I like to think about recordings that I never seem to tire of. Perhaps you have a few that come under that category. Of late I have been giving a serious listen to Chuck Berry and now view him as a major contributor of the blues. His recording pictured here proves that without a shadow of doubt. Of course, Buddy Guy's Slippin' In is a Chicago classic. Murali Coryell's 2120 has some blues standard's that pay homage to the originals. Eric Clapton has always been steeped in the blues, but really hit the mark with; From The Cradle. I rate Chris Duarte's debut release; Texas Sugar up there with the rest if guitar riffs and great tone is music to your ears. The Stax 50th Anniversary collection has some keepers in it: Lots of Sam & Dave, Booker T & the MG's and Otis Redding.

Eric Culberson Blues Band

For twenty years Eric Culberson has paid his dues playing the blues. He and his three piece band has probably played every roadhouse in the south. Time passes and before you know it, you start making a name for yourself. People have always noticed locally, ( in Savannah Ga) and then all of a sudden nationally they begin paying attention to your distinctive sound, the tenacity and drive you display and the recordings you release. So it was with anticipation I ventured out to BB Kings Blues club here in Orlando, FL to hear what others were talking about. Right from the get go I loved the tone of the Les Paul he played that night, primarily due to the expertise of the finger picking Eric has perfected. The choice of songs was exceptional. Eric's renditions of various blues standards was very tasteful. Therefore, I highly recommend the up and coming Eric Culberson Blues Band, and look forward to their popularity soaring! Put it in the bank.

Indigenous - Mato Nanji

Once in a blue moon Mato Nanji and Indigenous tour east of the Mississippi . It was nearly four years ago they played BB Kings here in Orlando. Mato's mastery of the Strat was something to behold. He lights up a room and catches lightening in a bottle with his scorching tones and progressions. His smooth vocals add the icing on the cake . Check out their catalog on I tunes.. Enjoy the photo montage.

  

Joanne Shaw Taylor X 3

Didn't think a petite young lady could have this much intensity and power when playing the blues. Joanne Shaw Taylor certainly proved me wrong! The three combined photographs well illustrate the emotional attachment Joanne exudes as she delivers her very own version of electric British Blues. Her debut album; "White Sugar" speaks well of this up and coming talent.

The Radio Kings

I attended the Queen City Blues Fest in Cincinnati in 1995 and happened upon the Radio Kings. Although they were not headliners, there was something about their unique sound that was nostalgic but still very fresh. Featuring Brian Templeton on vocals & harmonica and Michael Dinallo on guitar, they have always stayed true to their brand of blues which borrows from many styles: Jump, Texas, Chicago and Memphis. The bottom line is that it works and they also put on a whale of a show. Check out the Live At BB Kings and their latest; The Radio Kings.

Smokin' Joe Kubek With Bnois King

Texas Blues is served hot off the barbecue and is a pleasure to listen to live. If you have ever had the opportunity to see and hear  Smokin' Joe Kubek with Bnois King you know what I am talking about. These guys are two peas in a pod and don't miss a note. I have posted a few picks from the last time I saw them here in O-town.

Pick of the Week

Tab Benoit has been at it for quite a number of years. This Louisiana Bluesman keeps it coming and continues to make a name for himself with his Cajun style of the blues. A work ethic rivaled by none, he tours constantly playing Blues Festivals and one night gigs all over this country. This new collection is packaged very nicely with new twists on older songs, both live and studio. In particular; Shelter Me and These Arms of Mine are stellar cuts. He also joins forces with several guests including; Jimmy Thackery, Kenny Neal and Jimmy Hall. I highly recommend this one for your personal music collection, along with any other of his recordings.

The First Time I Ever Met The Blues

Can you remember the first time you heard the blues and it hit you square right between the eyes? Like many teenagers of my day I was listening to top 40 AM radio. If you happened to live in Cincinnati tri-state area, then WSAI was your station in the1960's. The British invasion was in full swing, battling the main stay American pop -rockers. It was the Beatles, The Stones, The Who and The Dave Clark Five vs Freddie & the Dreamers, The Young Rascals, The Turtles and the Beach Boys. A few years passed by and all of a sudden it was 1969. I was into the Doors, Hendrix, the Kinks and Cream. I went to the record store looking for a bargin. There happened to be a Capitol Records Sampler with a number of new artists on the record. Steve Miller Band, Bob Seger had cuts on the record and also someone I had never heard of before: Mississippi Fred McDowell. I listened to his cut and listened again and again. "Baby Please Don't Go" was the song that hooked me and introduced me to the Blues. Fred changed my entire take on music! It was McDowell that put me on the path to Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Slim Harpo, Hound Dog Taylor and a host of other players. I never got the opportunity to thank him, but thought it wasn't too late to let the world know now. Perhaps you have a similar story.