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The Best Blues Guitarist Alive???
2009-03-19 09:00:00
Sometimes I answer questions over at Yahoo Answers. A lot of the questions are asked by kids and other people who do not really understand blues music very well. I like to share my knowledge and set people on the path of understanding the blues.This question, which I think is kind of silly, because some people think that music is like a sport. They think that in the same way that you might pick the best wide receiver in the NFL you can pick the best guitarist in blues music. I personally don't think it can be done, because blues music is an art. And art is subjective!Who's the best Blues Guitarist ALIVE right now?Now, I'm not talking about one of the old feelas who's still doing gigs aged 70, but a modern young version of Hendrix, say.Someone who still plays the blues from the heart and understands the idea of playing as if your heart is being ripped out of you because you'er suffering is so immense. Someone who REALLY understands the blues.So, who is Numero Uno?OK, this questi...
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New Release - Eric Lindell ? 'Gulf Coast Highway'
2009-03-18 09:00:00
Gulf Coast Highway Track Listings1. If Love Can't Find A Way 2. Willin' and Able 3. Love and Compassion 4. This Love Is Gonna Last 5. Turnin' It Out 6. It's A Drag 7. Lullaby for Mercy Ann 8. The Look 9. I Can Get Off On You 10. Country Livin' 11. Dirty Bird 12. I'll Be Around 13. Here Comes The Blues Again 14. Crying Time 15. Raw Doggin' Eric Lindell @SqueezeMyLemon
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The Men Behind The Bluesmen: Sam Phillips
2009-03-17 09:00:00
Sun King: The Life and Times of Sam Phillips , the Man Behind Sun Records"Imperfectly Perfect !!"---- Sam Phillips and Sun RecordsSam Phillips was born on January 5, 1923 and he passed away on July 30, 2003. He was a record producer who played an important role in the emergence of blues music and rock and roll as the major form of popular music in the 1950s. He is best known for having discovered Elvis Presley, and is associated with several other noteworthy rhythm and blues and rock and roll stars during that time.According to Wikipedia;On January 3, 1950, Phillips opened the "Memphis Recording Service" at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, which also served as the studios for Phillips' own label, Sun Records, through the 1950s. In addition to musical performances, he recorded events such as weddings and funerals, selling the recordings.Phillips recorded what some?notably music historian Peter Guralnick?consider the first rock and roll record: "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston a...

Happy Birthday To Lightnin' Hopkins
2009-03-16 09:00:00
Sam "Lightnin?" Hopkins was born on March 15 in 1912 and yesterday was his birthdate, he passed away on January 30 in 1982.A good friend said, have you ever heard of Lightnin' Hopkins? I said no, he pulled a cassette tape out of his top shirt pocket and tossed it to me, "Give this a listen, your going to like it."That has turned out to be one of the biggest understatements in this love affair that I have with the blues.As I have mentioned in other post here at SML, I love Lightnin' Hopkins. My favorite album of his is Complete Aladdin Recordings*Complete Aladdin Recordings*The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins (1967)Lightnin Hopkins' Last GigComplete Aladdin Recordings*Complete Aladdin Recordings*click image for mp3 samples Lightnin' Hopkins @SqueezeMyLemon
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I Feel Like Going to Church - Trouble of the World - Mahalia Jackson
2009-03-15 09:00:00
Trouble of the World - Mahalia Jackson The above clip is from the 1959 version of the award winning movie "Imitation of Life" it is one of those movies that is such a big part of the black culture of my youth. If you want to see some people living the blues, watch that movie.Again I think that this song captures the mood of gospel blues so well. And while it has a sad theme it soars in such a way that is joyous. And that to me is what the blues is all about. That journey from sadness to joy.
More About: Church , The World , Feel

Old Man Blues Video
2009-03-14 09:00:00
Old man blues - Notes From YouTube; Based on the old woman blues by Champion Jack Dupree. The longer stop time verses are Geoff C's.
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Friday Blues Funny - Guitar Face - Ana Popovic
2009-03-13 09:00:00
ANA POPOVIC @ The Rams Head Annapolisphoto by Glenn's photography
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Gary Moore - Still Got the Blues
2009-03-12 09:00:00
Gary Moore - Still Got the Blues According to Wikipedia;Gary Moore (born Robert William Gary Moore, 4 April 1952, Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish guitarist. In a career dating back to the 1960s, he has played with artists including Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and the Blues-rock band Skid Row, as well as having a successful solo career. Among many cameo appearances over the years, he performed the lead guitar solo on "She's My Baby" from Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3.Still Got The Bluesclick image for mp3 samples
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Blues songs about War Question
2009-03-11 09:00:00
Someone asked the question over at Yahoo Answers; Do you know of any blues songs about war?My AnswerYes, during Vietnam many blues musicians sang songs that mention that war."Vietnam Blues " by JB Lenoir B.B. King has a couple of songs where he mentions returning from Vietnam.Sonny Boy Williamson I also sang songs about WWII, as probably other musicians too. See his Decoration Day Blues No. 2 his album Essential Sonny Boy Williamson.Sonny Boy WilliamsonSonny Boy Williamson (John Lee Williamson)@SqueezeMyLemonJ.B. Lenoir @SqueezeMyLemon
More About: Songs , Question

Smoking Hot Nina Simone
2009-03-10 09:00:00
Some problems are nice to have, consider this clip of Nina Simone singing the blues. Though she is not what you would call a traditional blues musician, she performed all types of music. So if you have a blues blog, and you find a smoking hot clip like this, "Then What Are You Gonna to Do."
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Double Trouble by Otis Rush
2009-03-09 09:00:00
I Can't Quit You Baby: The Complete Cobra SessionsPeople, watching the news on TV has given me the blues. It's that bad luck and trouble. They say you can make it if you try. Double Trouble, this is how I feel right now, and I'm sure there are a whole lot of you who feel the same way."I lay awake at night with thoughts of love, just so troubledIt is hard to keep a job, laid off, having double troubleBut hey hey yeah,they say you can make it if you try, Yes, some of this generation is millionares,it's hard for me to keep decent clothes to wearYour love has got me walking baby and I have no place to goBad luck and trouble taken meI have no money to showBut, hey hey to make it you've got to tryBaby that's no lieYes, some of this generation is millionares,it is hard for me to keep decent clothes to wear"From Otis Rush - I Can't Quit You Baby (The Blues Collection Vol.19) - 05 - Double Trouble Double TroubleOtis Rush and Eric Clatpon "Double Trouble"Otis Rush - Live at Montreux ...

I Feel Like Going To Church - Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood - Presence of the
2009-03-08 10:00:00
While not really a gospel song, this performance of "Presence of the Lord" is definitely informed by gospel blues. And again it is an example of how gospel music serves as a base for a lot of blues, and rock music also.Eric Clapton , Steve Winwood - Presence of the LordNotes from YouTube; Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007, with Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhill
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Little Walter: His Best The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection
2009-03-07 10:00:00
His Best:Little Walter If you read SML often you probably know that I love harmonica players. And the harmonica player that I love listening to the most is Little Walter. And the Little Walter album that I like listening to the most, is His Best :(Little Walter)The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection. I am serious when I tell you that if I was placed on a desert island, and could only have one album, this might be the album. And I bet someone is wondering how could I pick a Little Walter album over say a Muddy Waters album, or maybe a Howlin' Wolf album. Well part of it may be my mood right now, if I pose this question on another day, I might come up with a different album, but right now this is how I feel.I agree with Robert Gordon's assessment of Little Walter when he said;Marion "Little Walter" Jacobs is perhaps the most influential harmonica player on contemporary blues, and his collection is a great place to start. He was trained by Muddy Waters, but brought a more swinging feel...
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Friday Blues Funny - Guitar Face - The Holmes Brothers
2009-03-06 10:00:00
The Holmes Brothers @ The Blue Bird Blues Festivalphoto by Glenn's photography
More About: Funny , Guitar , Friday

Blues Blogs In The Spotlight: A Copywriter's Blues
2009-03-05 10:00:00
Another blues blog that I often read is A Copywiter's Blues . This blog is notable because it post some of the most comprehensive posting on blues greats to be found on the web. A typical post includes several video clips and other links to support and act as a resource for background information.You can tell that the author Alex Badalic is a blues music lover by the way he writes about it. He also relates his experience with the musicians over the years as he relates various shows and other important milestones.One reason that I like this blog so much is how it often surprised me with his selection of musicians and his presentation.
More About: Blogs , Spotlight

Big Joe Williams in His Own Words
2009-03-04 10:00:00
I love it when the bluesmen speak for themselves. There are a lot of people like me who write about what they said and did, but it is best to hear them say it in their own words.Here we have Big Joe Williams talking about his music, and how he has written songs for women that he has known over the years. It is very delightful to here him talk about some of these mean old blues in such a light hearted way, with panache and a bit of comedy. Big Joe Williams - Arkansas Woman (1966)Shake Your Boogieplease click image
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Sweetheart Like You by Guy Davis
2009-03-03 10:00:00
Sweetheart Like Youclick image for sample mp3sGuy Davis - Sweetheart Like YouGuy Davis - Things About Coming My WayGuy Davis @Amazon.com

It's the Birthday of Rory Gallagher
2009-03-02 10:00:00
Irish TourRory Gallagher was born on 2 March 1948, and he passed away on 14 June 1995. He was an Irish blues/rock guitarist, born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster.And even though he had a shot life, and he suffered from illness, the guitarist, singer, and songwriter got a lot done in the world of blues music. His death was due to complications from a liver transplant surgery on June 14, 1995, at age 47.If you are not familiar with his music click on the images in this post to listen to sample mp3s. Critics agree that Irish Tour 1974, Calling Card, or Fresh Evidence, show case his abilities as a guitarist, singer and songwriter.Calling CardFresh Evidence
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I Feel Like Going To Church - Nodody's Fault But Mine
2009-03-01 10:00:00
To illustrate the progression from gospel to blues to rock, please consider the following versions of Nobody's Fault But Mine .Blind Willie Johnson - Nobody's Fault But MinePops Staples - Nobody's Fault But MineLed Zeppelin - Nobody's Fault But MineNobody's Fault But Mine @Amazon.com
More About: Church , Feel

Shemekia Copeland: The Joy Of Singing Blues on NPR
2009-02-28 10:00:00
Never Going BackNPR's Liane Hansen interviewed Shemekia Copeland recently Shemekia Copeland: The Joy Of Singing Blues on NPR. She talks about her new album Never Going Back. Growing up with her famous dad, the legendary blues guitarist Johnny Clyde Copeland. She laughs often during this interview, which makes me think that she is happy. Which beleive it or not, I think helps to make some good blues music.I also noted that she updated her MySpace photo albums, you can check them out here >> Shemekia Copeland @MySpace.According to Ms. Hansen's interview;Singer Shemekia Copeland knows the blues, but maintains that singing it doesn't always have to be sad. "I think blues gets a bad rap for its name, unfortunately," Copeland says. "Blues is just like country, in that it's just telling stories. Sometimes they're sad and sometimes they're happy. I have a song on a previous record called 'I'm a Wild Woman and You're a Lucky Man.' There's nothing sad about that."There are also ...

Friday Blues Funny - Guitar Face - Albert Castiglia 2
2009-02-27 10:00:00
The Backroom Blues Bar, Delray Beach, Florida photo by Zack Hughes Photography
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Happy Birthday To Marcia Ball
2009-02-26 10:00:00
Peace, Love & BBQFeburary is the birth month of Marcia Ball . I have posted here before how much I really like her sound and style. She was born in Texas (I don't hold that against her) but she was raised in Louisiana, and it shows. What with the way she handles a keyboard, is there any question?Her recent album Peace, Love & BBQ was nominated for a Grammy Award. She wrote or co-wrote eight of the thirteen songs on the CD. It includes deep soul ballads and blusy stump your foot party songs to straight-from-the-heart storytelling. This album is delightful and if you are a long time fan you will love it. And if you are a newcomer this album will make you a believer.The way Wikipedia describes her music;Ball is known for her piano style, which shows elements of zydeco, swamp blues, Louisiana blues and boogie woogie. Most of her most well-known recordings were released on Rounder Records in the 1980s and early 1990s. She was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 1990.In the...
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Free Blues mp3s from Alligator Records
2009-02-25 10:00:00
Just click on the images below to get free blues mp3s from Alligator Records .HypnotizedOrange BlossomsMy Dog's Still Walkin'Lay Back DownAmazon mp3 gift cardsblues mp3s @Amazon.com
More About: Blues , Free

The White Stripes on Conan O'Brien's Last Show
2009-02-24 10:00:00
I'm always saying, "there is so much music and so little time." Consider the White Stripes for example. I have been planing on writing about them forever. But I could not really put them in the proper context for my humble little blues blog here. Well, some times my lackadaisical attitude gets overtaken by events.Recently the White Strips played a unique version of We Are Going To Be Friends for Conan O'Brien's last show. Some music bloggers and commenters are slamming the performance, but it fits perfectly with their stripped down, blues folk music style. And I would love it if all their music was more like this.The White Stripes @Amazon.com
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Blues Book: Blues for Dummies by Lonnie Brooks
2009-02-23 10:00:00
Blues for Dummies click for infoI'm a fan of the "For Dummies" books on subjects that I know nothing about. They can bring you up to speed on a subject if you really don't know the ends and outs and want a good overview, so that you can jump right in.Well that is what this book does. If you are a long time fan of the blues and know the history of the blues all that way back to Charlie Patton, then this might not be for you. But if you are looking for a comprehensive book that is well written by knowledgeable and enthusiastic blues musicians, than this is the book for you.The book covers early and modern blues artist, where to find blues music, it gives some hints on how to play blues music, and how to throw a blues party. All an all this is a great read for most fans of the blues.
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I Feel Like Going To Church: Live: Hope At The Hideout
2009-02-22 10:00:00
Live: Hope At The HideoutDown In Mississippi - Mavis StaplesTrack Listing1. For What It's Worth 2:52 2. Eyes On The Prize 5:27 3. Down In Mississippi 4:32 4. Wade In The Water 6:34 5. Waiting For My Child 4:27 6. This Little Light 4:49 7. Why Am I Treated So Bad 8:18 8. Freedom Highway 4:37 9. We Shall Not Be Moved 7:44 10. Circle Intro (encore) 3:02 11. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (encore) 4:17 12. On My Way (encore) 6:01 13. I'll Take You There (encore) According to Amazon;On June 23, 2008 at Chicago's legendary roots club The Hideout, Staples played with a stripped down, raw, and swampy three-piece band and just a handful of backup singers, providing a rare opportunity for fans to get close to a figure who has led a five-decade long musical charge towards equality. This release comes off her critically lauded "We'll Never Turn Back", and is a potent mix of her classic civil rights freedom songs alongside some fiery new compositions co-written with p...
More About: Church , Live , Feel

John Boutte - Good Neighbor
2009-02-21 19:15:00
GoodNeighborI first heard blues / R&B / Jazz musician John Boutte, while listening to my local blues cable TV station. They really play some great blues. I don't know if any of you have access to blues music via your cable TV, but you might want to check to see if your cable provider has a blues station.His MySpace page has a good selection of songs from his recent album Good Neighbor. I really like the funny and infectious little diddy titled "Good Neighbor." It is song number four on his MySpace page. Check it out, I'm sure you will like it.I really like his voice and the fact that he grew up in Louisiana makes it easy for me to understand where he is coming from. He played trumpet in the marching band and marched in parades during the Mardi Gras. According to the bio on his web site;After high school, John studied at Xavier University, a black Catholic institution known in New Orleans and indeed the entire Deep South. After graduating John was commissioned as officer in the U. ...
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Friday Blues Funny - Guitar Face - Albert Castiglia
2009-02-20 10:00:00
photo by Zack Hughes Photography
More About: Funny , Blues , Guitar , Friday , Face

Willie Dixon & Chicago Blues Old Stars - Seventh Son
2009-02-19 23:23:00
Unlike Willie Dixon I'm the first son, but I think if you were the Seventh Son you would have a lot of luck, and a lot of big brothers to help teach you how to play those guitar chords. LOL.Willie Dixon & Chicago Blues Old Stars - Seventh SonThe Chess Box

Andre Williams - Agile Mobile Hostile
2009-02-17 10:00:00
As I watched this documentary titled Agile Mobile Hostile about Andre Williams , I wondered where I should post this. I mean Andre Williams is not technically a bluesman, but this guy has lived the blues to the third degree, so much so that I decided that it was best to post it here at SML.I think the video will only be up for a week, so if you want to see it, you might want to check it out while it is still up.In his time in the music business Mr. Williams has played many parts, he has been a recording artist, producer, songwriter, and many other things in the music business.He was born November 1, 1936, in Chicago, IL, and was raised in a housing project by his mother, who died when Williams was six years old (which is he gives a tour of in the documentary links below). He is best known for co-writing and producing "Twine Time" for Alvin Cash & the Crawlers, "Shake a Tailfeather" by the Five Dutones, and a greasy solo recording, "Bacon Fat," where Williams talked over a funky, crud...