One of the great entertainers of the early Chicago blues scene was guitarist Tampa Red. He might have grown up in Tampa, FL but he got his start in the Chicago blues scene playing along with other known musicians like Ma Rainey and Tommy Dorsey. But what made Tampa most famous was his slide guitar technique and for being one of the first Chicago blues guitarists to play the big National resonator guitar. Due to his masterful technique and smooth voice, Tampa landed a lot of gigs in the Chicago blues scene. I came across a few recordings that I think you’ll really enjoy. Plus on YouTube I found a video from a user named bluescandy40 that performed one of Tampa’s songs in high quality. It’s a great chance to see some of the stylistic nuances in one of Tampa’s songs. I hope you enjoy all the videos as much as I did!
The first video I found to inspire this post was an early recording from Tampa Red performing a song called, “Hard Road Blues.” Enjoy it here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT74VypHtM0.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/hT74VypHtM0″ height=”420″ rel=”0″]
I’ll share the video from bluescandy40 I mentioned above next. See and hear one of Tampa Red’s songs, “Denver Blues,” in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R547pjbZrhc.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/R547pjbZrhc” height=”420″ rel=”0″]
Lastly, Tampa performed a few piano duets with one of his good friends and pianists Big Maceo Merriweather. Check out their rendition of “Don’t Jive It Mama,” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ2udQglGK4.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/kJ2udQglGK4″ height=”420″ rel=”0″]
I hope you enjoyed hearing from one of the great early Chicago blues guitarists. Tampa Red produced a lot of music and inspired the next generation of guitarists with his masterful slide guitar technique. There’s more coming your way at Blues Guitar Unleashed, so stay tuned.
Thanks,
Griff
6 replies to "Early Chicago Blues Man Tampa Red"
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He is great. Blues is the way. Bob
Great music Griff very grateful you keep posting these blues legends it gives such a great perspective on the newer legends to be : )
Love this stuff. Please keep it comin.
Keep them coming, I am really enjoying these ole slide guitarist. It is just wonderful. Thanks.