As one of the leading exponents of modern blues, we always highly recommend any Josh Smith recording. What sets Smith’s most recent offering apart from his previous albums (aside from the fact that it’s largely an instrumental record) is a bold and strident Nashville horn section that adds power and swagger to Lemar Carter’s drums, Calvin … continue reading »
Eric Gales – Crown What can ask of an album that opens with the line “My names is Eric Gales, any questions?” Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, this follow up to 2019’s ‘The Bookends’ sees Gales reclaim his (ahem) crown as one of the kings of modern blues. The opening riff on the mid-tempo … continue reading »
This week’s recommended listening comes in the form of a relatively modern, 1995 classic from Californian guitar maestro, Robben Ford. Ford’s signature jazz-influenced blues style shines throughout this record as he seamlessly intersperses fusion-tinged licks with classic blues phrases. The lead work on the uptempo opening track ‘Rugged Road’ is a great example of Ford’s fusing … continue reading »
Eric Gales needs no introduction. With 19 albums under his belt, this legendary lefty is a veteran of the blues scene. His latest release opens with a barrage of fuzz and whammy pedal on the psychadelic instrumental ‘Intro’. Next, we’re treated to the acoustic-lead shuffle of ‘Something’s got to give’. Later, ‘Whatcha Gon’ Do’ grooves along … continue reading »
Heads, Tails & Aces is the 5th album from one of the UK’s finest and most hard working modern blues guitarists. Schofield’s style is a hybrid of classic blues phrasing, mixed with harmonically sophisticated, jazz inspired flourishes. The opening shuffle of “What I Wanna Hear” showcases these influences perfectly. The funky groove of “Live Wire” sees Matt’s … continue reading »
This 1990 release is essential listening for fans of Texas blues/rock ’n’ roll. Family Style is the only full studio release by Austin’s most celebrated brothers, Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. The record’s opener “Hard To Be”, written by Stevie Ray and Doyle Bramhall is reminiscent of older brother Jimmie’s band The Fabulous Thunderbirds. “White Boots” … continue reading »
Upon release of his debut album in 2009, Josh Smith, then aged 30, was already a veteran of the blues scene, having begun playing the Florida blues circuit at the tender age of 12. Now a modern blues/rock solo artist and in demand LA session guitarist in equal measures, Smith is a force to be reckoned … continue reading »
Despite having never recorded a traditional blues studio record, Jimi Hendrix remains one of the leading exponents of the genre. Having been inspired by blues artists himself, Hendrix continues to influence blues guitarists almost half a century after his untimely death. “Blues” is essentially a posthumous compilation release. This collection of songs, released by MCA in … continue reading »
This classic blues album showcases Albert Collins at the peak of his career. From the biting lead tone and gutsy sustained notes of “Honey Hush” via the gritty slow blues of “When The Welfare Turns Its Back On You” to the funky blues of the instrumental “Ice Pick”, the “Master of the Telecaster” digs in and … continue reading »
Although this live album wasn’t released until 1988, it was actually recorded at Montreux Jazz Festival in 1973. Material from King’s appearance at Montreux was also used on “Blues At Sunset” and in many ways, the two live albums compliment one another perfectly. Albert’s guitar tone soars from the opening version of “Don’t Burn Down That … continue reading »
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble’s “Live Alive” is technically a compilation album, consisting of material recorded at four concerts between 1985 and 1986 and originally released in 1986 as a live double album. What could be better than 70-plus minutes of SRV in his natural habitat: The stage? From the opening wah-wah shuffle of “Say … continue reading »
Blues Deluxe is the third studio release by the now legendary New York State guitar virtuoso, Joe Bonamassa. Recorded and released in 2003, the album features nine blues classics, along with Bonamassa’s original compositions: “Woke Up Dreaming”, “I Don’t Live Anywhere” and “Mumbling World”. Then, just 26 years of age, Bonamassa was already a veteran of … continue reading »
If you’re looking for a great album for source material from which to borrow classic blues licks, look no further than the underrated, Grammy Award winning 1985 release from blues legends Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland. From the opening version of T-Bone Walker’s “T-Bone Shuffle” through to the emotive slow blues of the cover … continue reading »
Laughing in the face of the difficult second album myth, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton hit the ground running from the opening bars of “Shuttle Buttin’”, the firey instrumental track that opens the trio’s second studio release. The three-piece are joined on the title track by Stevie’s big brother Jimmie, who also plays … continue reading »
Muddy Waters’ fifth studio album marked something of a musical departure for the blues legend, introducing a fresh electric blues sound to a younger rock audience while at the same time, upsetting several blues purists of the late 1960s. Opening with a psychedelic version of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You”, featuring … continue reading »
Live At Legends – Buddy Guy – 2012 It’s hard to believe that, at the time this live album was recorded, the Godfather of Chicago Blues, Buddy Guy, was in his mid 70s. From the Opening Wah wah of “Best Damn Fool”, Guy lets rip with all the reckless abandon of a blues legend falling down … continue reading »
Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues – 1990 A strong blues influence was apparent in the late, great Gary Moore’s playing during his time with Thin Lizzy and throughout his successful solo career. However, up until his first all-blues solo release in 1990, Moore was predominantly considered a hard rock guitarist. The album’s track listing … continue reading »
Steve Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble – Texas Flood – 1983 Arguably the most influential blues album of the 80s and to many, the definitive Texas Blues record, Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble’s debut spawned a generation of aspiring guitarists, all in search of the secret behind SRV’s signature tone. From the opening number, “Love … continue reading »
Albert King With Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session – 1983 In session is a live album by Albert King, heavily featuring special guest and then newcomer to the blues scene, Stevie Ray Vaughan. The performance was initially recorded for Canadian television at CHCH-TV studios in Hamilton, Ontario in December 1983 and released as an album … continue reading »
B.B. King – Live At The Regal – 1964 No blues record collection would be complete without B.B. King’s 1964 live classic. There is a reason why blues fans both casual and hardcore consider this an essential album. King’s vocal performance is sublime and the phrasing, sense of dynamics and note choice in his guitar solos … continue reading »
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