tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251786039061276192023-11-15T05:04:01.937-08:00In the Blues Music TraditionPull up a chair, sit a spell. It will take more than one visit to explore this multi-media look at The Blues. The focus is on the principal blues instruments: guitar, harmonica, and voice. I hope listeners will find something to enjoy from this personal selection. You might find an old favorite or discover a new one. Over time I will add new selections and expand on themes.
Sources include youtube and musician websites.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-16892197570513077872006-12-03T22:09:00.001-08:002006-12-14T23:45:50.280-08:00Heart of the Blues (home)Some feel that the blues is a way to approach music, a philosophy, in a manner of speaking. And still others hold a much wider sociological view that the blues are an entire musical tradition rooted in the black experience of the post-war South. Whatever one may think of the social implications of the blues, whether expressing the American or black experience in microcosm, it was their "strong autobiographical nature, their intense personal passion, chaos and loneliness, executed so vibrantly that it captured the imagination of modern musicians" and the general public as well. (Shapiro, Harry, 1992 "Eric Clapton: Lost in the Blues.")<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Blues is My Companion:I'll Just Keep Singin' the Blues</span> - Memphis Slim<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NVI7CRbn1ME"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NVI7CRbn1ME" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">John Lee Hooker - It Serves Me Right to Suffer</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4EwOO3NG5LA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4EwOO3NG5LA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-14887725438558519762006-12-03T22:01:00.000-08:002006-12-07T21:48:30.173-08:00Stevie Ray Vaughn & companyIn 1968 Albert King performed at the Fillmore Auditorium on a bill with Jimi Hendrix. The audience was anticipating Hendrix, but King had them wrapped around his finger after a couple of heartfelt songs. A highlight was when Albert meshed a broken string replacement into a song without missing a beat. When Hendrix appeared on stage, the first thing he said was, "Yeah, Albert King. I dig him." Then he proceeded to play some of Albert's licks as an homage. Albert King influenced Eric Clapton and was also a personal mentor to Stevie Ray Vaughn. <br /><br />Gifted musicians do what they gotta do, a drive that cuts through age, race, or gender. <span style="font-style:italic;">Doesn't matter if they halfway knew what they wanted to do, and didn't have it all together. Whatever happens. Let it happen.</span> Master and student play it: Stevie Ray Vaughn (1954-1990) and Albert King (1923-1992)<span style="font-weight:bold;">Matchbox Blues.</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KLKEGB0QFQY"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KLKEGB0QFQY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Stevie Ray Vaughan with Albert King, B B King and Paul Butterfield on harp.</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MESAzxkfQ2E"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MESAzxkfQ2E" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stevie Ray Vaughn Pride and Joy - unplugged on MTV</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EREyLrw_TFI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EREyLrw_TFI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stevie Ray Vaughan and the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS - Tuff Enuf</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m1dDJ7zAmSw"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m1dDJ7zAmSw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-35498029943617303782006-12-03T21:57:00.000-08:002006-12-08T01:34:10.640-08:00Blues Harp: the last 50 yrsIt's impossible to imagine the blues without the Mississippi sax -- otherwise known as the blues harp. The harmonica has a voice that cuts through - when the guitar player will turn down, of course. The move into blues for the harp happened over a period of time and there are various theories and "firsts" to contend with. The instrument's ability to sound like a train gave it a place in early pieces such as Railroad Blues by Freeman Stowers. The blues harp reached an early peak with Little Walter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hound Dog Taylor & Little Walter.</span> This is perhaps the only footage ever shot of harmonica genius Little Walter (1930-1968).<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5TZ7omxqzag"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5TZ7omxqzag" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">American Folk Blues festival - Down Home Shakedown.</span> Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, J.B. Lenoir, Big Walter, Shakey Horton.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ktunGWDnBbY"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ktunGWDnBbY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Your Funeral My Trial</span> - Sonny Boy Williamson (1899-1965)<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DFRMBWgyH-M"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DFRMBWgyH-M" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Howlin Wolf - <span style="font-weight:bold;">How Many More Years.</span> 1966.</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3cZHPptFMb8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3cZHPptFMb8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Blow Wind Blow</span> - Muddy Waters (1913-1983) and Jerry Portnoy (1943- ) on harp, 1977.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EbUhGSp3ehg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EbUhGSp3ehg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rockin' Pneumonia</span> - Taylor Hicks (1976- ) & The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra at Antones in 2006.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/--cWZbwScow"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/--cWZbwScow" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-61638212230683547882006-12-03T21:55:00.000-08:002006-12-08T00:23:36.527-08:00Georgia VariationsRay Charles' live performances of <span style="font-style:italic;">Georgia on My Mind</span> reveal a highly improvised and emotional connection to the music. The artists sway in unison to the music.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y-4U4B8MQDQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y-4U4B8MQDQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />The tradition of an improvised and idiosyncratic <span style="font-style:italic;">Georgia</span> continued with interpretations by musical legends such as Van Morrison.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2S5fw9XTfjM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2S5fw9XTfjM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />Emerging artists in popular music advance the <span style="font-style:italic;">Georgia</span> tradition and introduce new elements, such as the blues harp. According to Vibe Magazine (Nov 2006), Taylor Hicks has received recognition from Ray Charles' estate for his devotion to Ray's musical genius. Hicks will be the first person permitted to use Ray's former studio to record a song of his choosing from Ray's extensive catalog. This video is from a mid-week, impromptu performance at a small club in Atlanta in Sep 2006. <br /><br /><embed src="http://www.gofish.com/player/fwplayer.swf" width="343" height="290" align="middle" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="fwplayer" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" FlashVars="&loc=blog&gf=true&ns=true&fs=true&gfid=30-1050836&c=grey&autoPlay=false&getAd=false&wm=true&ct=true&tb=false"></embed><br /><br />Audio recordings from Hicks' live sets reveal a voice that is ideally suited for the phrasing and nuances of blues music. Hicks' vocals to Stevie Ray Vaughn's <span style="font-style:italic;">Texas Flood</span> represent one of most distinctive ever recorded.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-7840819425732870472006-12-03T19:09:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:03:00.853-08:00Forever Man VariationsEric Clapton's (1945- ) musicial style is firmed rooted in the blues. He delivered <span style="font-weight:bold;">Forever Man</span> into the public awareness through his virtuoso guitar.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B1Dyy3tyHWk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B1Dyy3tyHWk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />During a performance at Antones in Austin, Taylor Hicks (1976- ) interprets <span style="font-weight:bold;">Forever Man</span> with blues vocals that reflect the lyrics of longing and commitment. The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra includes Sam Gunderson is on lead guitar, Brian Less on keyboards, Jeff Lopez and flute, Zippy D. on drums, and Mitch Jones on bass (absent that night). <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Uw8t-9yZUR4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Uw8t-9yZUR4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-3487692187755202202006-12-02T19:36:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:03:58.806-08:00Cassandra WilsonCassandra Wilson (1955- ) is an American jazz singer and songwriter from Jackson, Mississippi. Wilson's repertoire includes both jazz and blues standards and renditions of pop and rock songs. Her alto voice has been described as bluesy and sultry.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cassandra gets down on Son House's Death Letter Blues!</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1b6nYkV7ot8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1b6nYkV7ot8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-58955548107863797612006-12-02T19:30:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:04:45.735-08:00Susan TedeschiSusan Tedeschi's (1970- ) voice has been described as a blend of Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, though she explains this is due to sharing the same influences as the two. Her guitar playing is influenced by Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Freddie King. Tedeschi tours extensively through out the United States and her spectacular stage presence and powerful voice draws larger crowds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Susan Tedeschi on Austin City Limits</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DvvlLs8ScIQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DvvlLs8ScIQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-10232616479093205992006-12-02T18:50:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:05:25.607-08:00Robert CrayRobert Cray (1953- ) is a blues musician, guitarist and singer. Robert Cray was among artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Thorogood, who got wider radio airplay and regular MTV video exposure during the late 1980s. By the early 1990s his name was immediately associated with his soothing, soulful voice, crisp, clean guitar work, and innovative modern blues sound. Cray is the opening act for friends, such as Eric Clapton, and sells out larger venues as a solo artist.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Smokin' Gun</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A2nB2QjqPlg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A2nB2QjqPlg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-23116122244181162192006-12-02T18:37:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:06:38.397-08:00BB KingB. B. King (1925- ) is an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter. He is widely considered one of the best (and most respected) blues musicians in the world. According to a 2003 listing in Rolling Stone magazine, B.B. King is the greatest living guitarist, and ranked 3rd among the "100 greatest guitarists of all time" (behind late Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tracy Chapman & BB King. <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Thrill Is Gone - 1997</span></span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTKd7vSJPk4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTKd7vSJPk4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-63363953105332625312006-12-02T17:16:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:07:06.001-08:00Janis JoplinJanis Lyn Joplin (1943–1970) was an American blues-influenced singer with a highly distinctive voice — her rasping, overtone-rich sound was significantly divergent from the soft folk and jazz-influenced styles that were common among many white artists at the time. Her lyrical themes were of pain and loss. Janis's vocal style, her flamboyant dress, her outspokenness and sense of humour, and her strident, hard-living "one of the boys" image all combined to create an entirely new kind of female persona in rock. Joplin followed the precedent set by her white, male counterparts in adopting the image, repertoire and performance style of African American blues and rhythm and blues artists, both male and female. In so doing, Joplin was pivotal in redefining what was possible for white female singers in mainstream American popular music.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qaksJNIkA9s"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qaksJNIkA9s" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-10989396121995578412006-12-02T15:22:00.000-08:002006-12-14T23:27:00.093-08:00Paul Butterfield & CompanyPaul Butterfield (1942–1987) was an American blues harmonica player and singer, and one of the earliest Caucasian exponents of the Chicago-originated electric blues style. After studying classical flute as a teen, he developed a love for the blues harmonica, and hooked up with white, blues-loving, University of Chicago physics student Elvin Bishop. The two started hanging around great black blues players like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Junior Wells. With the release of <span style="font-style:italic;">The Paul Butterfield Blues Band</span>, in an instant, the image of blues as 'old time music' was gone. Butterfield's band introduced modern Can't Trust Your Neighbor 'Chicago-style' blues to mainstream white audiences. It alerted the music scene to what was coming, taught American rockers the blues and how to play an improvised, extended solo. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw Butterfield as a solo act and a session musician, releasing a couple of albums to a small and devoted cult following. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Driftin' Blues (Monterey 1967).</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e3LEhfbKCSc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e3LEhfbKCSc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Can't Trust Your Neighbor (Atlanta, 2006)</span> - Taylor Hicks & Wynn Christian lead the blues groove in a style reminiscent of Paul Butterfield. <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IZ8x6psOmi0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IZ8x6psOmi0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-47942261600506402792006-12-02T15:17:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:08:47.750-08:00John MayallJohn Mayall (1933- )is a pioneering English blues singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was the founder of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and has been influential in the careers of many instrumentalists, including Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood among others. In the early 1970s, Mayall achieved commercial success in the United States. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm Gonna Fight For You J.B. (Beat-Club) 1970</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VQXd9lSE6wQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VQXd9lSE6wQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-28497431259124955582006-12-02T15:09:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:09:22.638-08:00Junior WellsJunior Wells (1934–1998), was a blues vocalist and harmonica player based in Chicago. He played with Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Junior Wells live at Theresa's Lounge.</span> Junior Wells performs at his 'home base' club in the 1970s, Theresa's Lounge on the south side of Chicago. On guitar are brothers Buddy and Phil Guy.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTkrka4oi9U"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTkrka4oi9U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-3516305616841523192006-12-02T14:37:00.000-08:002006-12-08T01:40:44.270-08:00Muddy WatersMuddy Waters (1913–1983) is considered the father of Chicago blues. Waters started out on harmonica but by age seventeen he was playing the guitar at parties and fish fries, emulating two blues artists who were extremely popular in the south, Son House and Robert Johnson. Waters sound was basically Delta country blues electrified. Following Waters's death, B.B. King told Guitar World, "It's going to be years and years before most people realize how great he was to American music."<br /><br />This clip is from a broadcast on German TV of a program called "Jazz For Fun", with a pretty clever edit of two different live performances of the Muddy Waters band doing the same song eight years apart, the first in 1968, and the second in 1976. The band in 1968 features James "Pee Wee" Madison and Luther "Snake" Johnson on guitars, Paul Oscher on harmonica, Otis Spann on piano. The band in 1976 features Bob Margolin and Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson on guitars, Jerry Portnoy on harmonica, Pinetop Perkins on piano, Calvin Jones on bass, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on drums.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Got My Mojo Workin' </span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xaHSaMxsyAU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xaHSaMxsyAU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">More Mojo with Sonny Boy Williamson on Harmonica</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hjPezeHN9Hc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hjPezeHN9Hc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-69020923184533639252006-12-02T14:21:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:12:35.431-08:00John Lee HookerJohn Lee Hooker (1917–2001) was an influential American post-war blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. In addition to adapting the occasionally traditional blues lyric, he freely invented many of his songs from scratch. Recording studios in the 1950s rarely paid black musicians more than a pittance, so Hooker would spend the night wandering from studio to studio, coming up with new songs or variations on his songs for each studio. He appeared and sang in the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers. Due to Hooker's improvisational style, his performance was filmed and sound-recorded live at Chicago's Maxwell Street Market, in contrast to the usual "playback" technique used in most film musicals. Hooker recorded over 100 albums.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tupelo Blues</span>.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AcdpJafbfTA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AcdpJafbfTA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Boom boom boom</span></span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h-L-jfCGhoY"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h-L-jfCGhoY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Santana & John Lee Hooker - Chill Out</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yyi1Z16CONU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yyi1Z16CONU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-46971008933909409552006-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:14:43.628-08:00Freddie KingFreddie King (1934-1976) was one of the premier artists of the West side Chicago blues scene of the 1950s and 1960s, the definitive time location for electric blues. Here is a 1960's TV performance with paisly flowers and go-go dancers plus some James Brown dance routines by the brass players. Part of his unique, rich tone is made by using his fingers instead of a pick. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hide Away</span> <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZHPpzVql4T8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZHPpzVql4T8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-65707675380384023832006-12-02T13:53:00.001-08:002006-12-07T22:51:04.860-08:00Boogie BluesA blues lesson from Memphis Slim - great boogie woogie on the piano for Willie Dixon.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q6KZLLK1KUg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q6KZLLK1KUg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">More Boogie Blues. </span> Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis & Fats Domino on stage together. 1986.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-reCqGNEjOc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-reCqGNEjOc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />Fats Domino (1928- ) is a pianist with an individualistic bluesy style showing stride and boogie-woogie influences. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm Walkin'</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jklypm-beEU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jklypm-beEU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-5003077644070683782006-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:17:44.784-08:00Buddy GuyGeorge "Buddy" Guy (1936- ) is an American blues and rock guitarist and singer. Known as an inspiration to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and other 1960s blues and rock legends, Guy is considered an important exponent of Chicago blues. His music can vary from the most traditional, deepest blues to a creative, unpredictable and radical gumbo of the blues, avant rock, soul and free jazz that morphs at each night’s performance. As New York Times music critic Jon Pareles noted in 2004: "Whether he's singing with gentle menace or bending new curves into a blue note, he is a master of tension and release, and his every wayward impulse was riveting."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">First Time I Met The Blues.</span> With David Myers, bass, from the movie Chicago Blues, in 1970<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PvO23BHKr6c"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PvO23BHKr6c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Acoustic Buddy Guy in 1969.</span> <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C-w-dn6oDi4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C-w-dn6oDi4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Eric Clapton & Buddy Guy - Concert For NYC. Two songs, two masters. 2001</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/567qcgh8gQs"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/567qcgh8gQs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy. Montreux Jazz Festival 2004</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yKo0FK6-O-E"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yKo0FK6-O-E" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-12937873246247704542006-12-02T13:18:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:18:29.135-08:00Otis RushOtis Rush (1934- ) has a wide-ranging, powerful tenor voice. Signed to Mercury Records in 1976, he remained with the label for twenty years. Rush continued to produce quality recordings and perform live throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1999 Otis Rush earned a Grammy Award for best traditional blues album for his 1998 release, Any Place I'm Goin'. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I can't quit you baby</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3QluF97eLsI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3QluF97eLsI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Double Trouble</span>. Antones, 1985.<br />Otis Rush is a master of the slow blues. Stevie Ray Vaughan loved Otis so much, he named his band after this song; Double Trouble.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Txjd8RbPKIg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Txjd8RbPKIg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-58164572745905675042006-12-02T12:15:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:27:43.476-08:00Chuck BerryChuck Berry (1926- ) is an immensely influential figure, and one of the pioneers of rock & roll music. Cub Koda wrote, "Of all the early breakthrough rock & roll artists, none is more important to the development of the music than Chuck Berry. He is its greatest songwriter, the main shaper of its instrumental voice, one of its greatest guitarists, and one of its greatest performers." John Lennon was more succinct: "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'."<br /><br />Chuck Berry plays the blues at the Montreux Jazz festival, backed by the great band, The Aces. <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Wee Wee Hours"</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e6QhVNSbjKk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e6QhVNSbjKk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chuck Berry-Roll Over Beethoven-Duck Walk</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/djTsEifHRNM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/djTsEifHRNM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-71295131125644572132006-12-02T11:27:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:33:10.815-08:00Ray CharlesRay Charles (1930-2004) was a pioneering pianist and soul musician who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">O-Genio - Ray Charles - 1963 - Live in Brazil.</span> A rare recording of a 1963 performance by Ray Charles in Sao Paulo, Brazil: <span style="font-weight:bold;">What'd I Say </span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5fQkTU_WBU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5fQkTU_WBU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">In the Evening</span> - 1963 Blues & Jazz tune <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNpM4i0QU8Y"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNpM4i0QU8Y" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My Bonnie.</span> Ray in a 1963 Brazilian Concert, with the original Raelettes & David Fathead Newman on lead Sax.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VR3LhX6oE3s"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VR3LhX6oE3s" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let it Be</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1SJr_x0Qp8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1SJr_x0Qp8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Seven Spanish Angels.</span> Ray Charles and Willie Nelson.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QBq-n_zvBoA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QBq-n_zvBoA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-89875975094860004892006-12-02T11:02:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:52:12.504-08:00Social Context of The BluesThe Civil Rights movement in the U.S. in the 1960s prompted J. B. Lenoir to record several LPs using acoustic guitar. His work at this time had an unusually direct political content relative to racism or Vietnam War issues. Despite the angry lyrics of many of his songs, Lenoir sang in a disarmingly sweet, laid-back style, and he was widely known as an exceptionally friendly and gentle person. He befriended and encouraged many young blues artists both black and white. His untimely death is lamented by John Mayall in the song, "Death of J. B. Lenoir".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">JB Lenoir and Skip James</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fxBENVTkZY0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fxBENVTkZY0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-18335594293804558912006-12-02T03:16:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:53:03.871-08:00Big Mama ThorntonWhile still a child, Willie Mae (1926-1984) taught herself to play the drums and harmonica, and by the age of 14, she had run away from home to make her career in secular music. It was "Hound Dog," which she recorded in 1953 with the Johnny Otis band. Big Mama Thornton always claimed to have written the song herself, and her ferocious rendition of it (complete with Big Mama's growl and a nasty guitar line by Pete Lewis) held the #1 spot in rhythm and blues charts for nine weeks. Unfortunately for Thornton, Elvis Presley's smoother version was a major rock'n'roll hit in 1956 and successfully eclipsed her biggest claim to fame. For some years, Big Mama suffered in obscurity like most of her fellow bluesmen. <br /><br />Her name gained wider prominence and her career enjoyed a significant resurgence as her song "Ball and Chain" was covered by Janis Joplin, making it a regular number in her repertoire. From that point onward, Thornton would remain a headliner at blues festivals, colleges, and clubs throughout the USA and Europe. Her name and legacy will forever remain amongst the very greatest of blues legends. Thornton's mighty voice, take-no-guff attitude, and incendiary stage performances influenced generations of blues and rock singers and carried on the tradition of tough "blues mamas" like Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, and Ma Rainey.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-2aHVING6XQ"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-2aHVING6XQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-38903451293071791982006-12-02T02:51:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:54:13.298-08:00Memphis SlimMemphis Slim (1915–1988) was a blues pianist and singer. He composed the blues standards "Every Day I Have the Blues" and "Mother Earth". He was a big man with a big voice and an immaculate touch on the piano. During his lifetime, he cut over 500 recordings and continues to influence blues pianists. <br /><br />Memphis Slim in 1963 playing <span style="font-weight:bold;">Wish Me Well</span>. Memphis Slim was one of the top blues & boogie piano players there ever was along with Otis Spann & Sunnyland Slim. <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0IYe329Jp24"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0IYe329Jp24" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Memphis slim plays the blues in Belgium 1963.</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rghFoM4rwNY"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rghFoM4rwNY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Every Day I have The Blues</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y_y6R1EtpGo"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y_y6R1EtpGo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm Lost Without You.</span> </span> <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4kFMi_D8s_g"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4kFMi_D8s_g" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125178603906127619.post-12292572172528246032006-12-01T23:04:00.000-08:002006-12-07T22:59:06.609-08:00Jimmy WitherspoonJimmy Witherspoon (1920-1997) was an American blues singer. He first attracted attention singing with Teddy Weatherford's band in Calcutta, India, which made regular radio broadcasts over the U. S. Armed Forces Radio Service during World War II. In 1949 he had his first hit, "Ain't Nobody's Business", a song which came to be regarded as his signature tune.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ain't Nobody's Business</span> with Buck Clayton's band.<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ydTlJGVIt2I"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ydTlJGVIt2I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />1962 with Ben Webster & The Vince Guaraldi Trio</span><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zmCz9Ua0AoM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zmCz9Ua0AoM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0