Crazy4blues- the "bar-band status" comment about Thackery wasn't a negative, just surprised that with all his recordings he's not better known.
I love the raw power of a good bar band, but it's hard to capture that energy on a recording. It's hard to mic an amplified instrument like guitar or a B3 organ(have you notice the renewed interest in the B3?) to get the same sound you hear in a club.
I agree, great players define the blues, not the instrument.
Aloha |
Kana: You raise an interesting point: What instrumentalists "define" blues?
See, I'll be the first to admit that, as a technician, Ford is a better "guitar" player, but, even if I were to accept your assumption that "bar-band status" is somehow a deficiency (let alone its accuracy), Thackery would seem to be a better definition of Blues. I just think that his playing is more "honest." You hear more struggle and pain in his music. I think that there is a lot more polish and "correctness" in Ford's playing, which isn't such a bad thing; it's just not as down as Thackery's playing.
As far as a specific instrument "defining the blues," I just don't know if that's really what blues is about. To me, it doesn't matter if you play guitar, piano, or nose flute: if you're playing with complete honesty, you're probably playing the blues.
Again, opinions are opinions--and that's a fact ^_^
Cheers! |
Crazyblues- I have checked in with Mr.Thackery. Funny
how he's never risen much above bar band status.
Suggest you check out Robbin's "Weenie" music at:
http://www.bigkahunasmusic.net/rford.html
Personally, I don't think guitar players define the blues.
I prefer the great blues piano players like Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr John, Pinetop Perkins, Johnnie Johnson,Thelonious Monk,Jay Mcshann,Gene Harris, etc...
I do agreed that most underpowered rack style systems sound better on guitar based bands. |
Robin Ford? NAW! He's a WEENIE!! Check in w/ Jimmy Thackery's "Guitar"--that's the blues instumental album. Or, you can just about listen to any version of "Paker's Mood," and you'll get the idea . . . |
If you like the blues, give a listen to Robbin Ford. |
Your post conjures two of my favorite songs by Jeff Beck:
1. "'Cause We've Ended as Lovers" off of "Blow by Blow"
2. "Brush with the Blues" off of "Who Else" |
Anything and everything by Earl Hooker |
Well...more deep soul than blues...but Booker T & the MGs are the definitive instrumental power soul band...hey...they even backed up Otis Redding...great band...MUscle Shoal rthylm section was shit hot too... |
FREDDIE KING!!!! Freddie basically made a signficant part of his career playing instrumentals. Many of them are excellent, and some are corny (like the surf stuff), but they all have his great playing. Hide Away, anyone??? 17 Hits, there's lots and lots on eBay at good prices. |
Sean,
I agree completely about Robert Cray. Between his guitar and clean vocals, he is my favorite artist, period. I have been considering going out to see him in Nevada in March (I'm in Upstate NY). The two albums you mention are wonderful. I think my favorites are "I Was Warned" and "Sweet Potato Pie".
He just makes me shake my head and say "Man-O-Man"...
Matty |
I'm not sure you can have blues without lyrics ... blues have to tell a story. That said some of my fav. blues are early Robert Cray (particularly Bad Influence and False Accusations) and Snooks Eaglin (Teasin You has an up to date sound).
Snooks does some instrumentals, and Robert Cray does none ... but then who doesn't like Cray's vocals ... I've often thought his vocals are even better than his guitar. |
I agree with Moonpie. There are several cds by Ronnie Earl of mostly if not all instrumentals.Some excellent titles are... Deep Blues, Test of Time,Greatful Heart Blues&Ballads,Still River,Language Of Soul and The Color Of Love.Don't forget "Stop" by Super Session ( Mike Bloomfield, guitar) and maybe my favorite of all time "Albatross" by Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green, guitar). Several by Shuggie Otis"Slow Goonbash Blues"and "Gospel Groove" and the spacey "Freedom Flight" are three. Shuggie, please come back and play for us, we miss you!!!!! |
Blues without lyrics? I would recommend skipping over the cuts with lyrics. That's quite a bit of skipping, but your'e the one who doesn't like the signing. Try Roy Buchanan, Lonnie Mack, Earl Hooker, Albert King, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, the list goes on. |
The "Italion Chainsaw", Jim Mesi. A cd called 'shut up and play'.
Disclaimers- if you are a guitar player, you may be sick. And if you currently take medicine for blood pressure, consult your doctor. |
You may want to try Ronnie Earl. I'm sure you will approve.
Enjoy! |
