I thought it would be fun to chime in on what we’re listening to these days. Or possibly what some of your favorite blues songs are.
Hopefully in the process of looking through the comments at other people’s lists, you’ll find someone new to listen to and some new inspiration in your blues playing.
So I’ll start with some of my personal favorites…
1. Me and My Guitar by Freddie King – just such a killer groove
2. Texas Flood by SRV – I think I could listen to that 1000 times in a row and hear something new every time
3. Never Make Your Move Too Soon by BB King, though I’ve been listening to the Joe Bonamassa recording a bit lately. It’s one of my favorite BB tunes, and when Joe redid it, it quickly became one of my favorites of his.
4. Wind in Denver by Sonny Landreth – A very cold, dark, minor blues by the slide master himself. If you haven’t listened to Sonny you owe it to yourself to check him out.
5. Robben Ford’s Handful of Blues album – every tune on it is awesome.
So now it’s up to you… leave you favorites in the comments below for all to see and learn from….
1,943 replies to "What Are You Listening To?"
Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Saw them open for B.B. King a few years back and they are great. Blues or a blues with some funk to it from a sit down guitar. Incredible
Great stuff here!
My list:
Anything by JJ Cale
Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks
Joe Bonamassa-Beth Hart – I’d Rather Go Blind off of the Live from Amsterdam CD(One of the best guitar solos I’ve heard)
I try to watch Live from Daryl’s House on MTV whenever I can. Hall jams with an eclectic group of performers from big names (Billy Gibbons, Joe Walsh) to lesser known artists. A great mix.
Wow huge lists here. I’ve mostly been a rock fan all my life. Right now the band I’ve been listening to is Clutch. Their early stuff is pretty heavy but anything from the album Robot hive/exodus has some awesome bluesy stuff on it especially ‘Let a poor man be’ from the Strange cousins from the west album. Also love an Australian guitarist by the name of Tommy Emmanuel. Check out Guitar boogie on you tube. He is a gun. Unbelievable.
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Eric Clapton – Old love
ZZ Top – Jesus just left Chicago
Alvin Lee – The bluest blues
I like listening to Joe Bonamassa right now he has been my biggest influence I’ll listen to the music then watch it on YouTube, his new album Muddy Wolf is awesome and every once in awhile his tape something on how does a certain lick he does it to fast but if you watch it several times you might catch up. I like SVR,Robert Cray, Jimmy Page, I love listening to the Blues so anytime I can find something on YouTube I might watch it several times.
All good stuff. Might i suggest the following from ZZTOP: Album is “One foot in the Blues” favorite tracks are “Just got back from Baby’s” and “Brown Sugar”.
THen of course there is the consumate “Statesboro Blues” – courtesy of the Allmans.
Some of my favorites from my days in Chicago where there are awesome small Blues bars.
Lefty Dizz
Phil Guy (brother of Buddy Guy and an awesome blues guitarist in his own right)
Buster Benton
Magic Slim and the teardrop
————
Ronnie Earl
Derek Trucks
Duane Allman – To get a flavor of the original lineup with Duane and Ricky Betts – look for a CD called The Allman Brothers Band live at American University (circa 1970) I was lucky enough to be in the front row of that concert and it is still memorable all these years later.
I ‘spose, technically, this is “British Blues”… but my all time favorite is Savoy Brown’s ‘Lion’s Share’. Been listening to this album for 40 years now and just never get tired of it.
Ronnie earl ,,, “heart of glass”
Hey Griff,
17 year old kid here who’s infatuated with nothin but the Blues. Nobody I know my age is into this stuff like me.. Which is why I’m really diggin this post. My favorites are definitely SRV, Tab Benoit, Albert King, Claptons acoustic stuff and some Muddy Waters and of course BB.
Well Casey, I’m a 73-year old who has been diggin’ the blues for many years — finally got into an electr. six-string to learn how to play the sounds I’ve alwayd been so fond of and with the help of Griff’s offerings, I’ll capture the ability to do just that. Good on ya for feeling the spirit of the blues at such a young age – blues never seems to grow out of itself because it comes right out of the soul — its just keeps going and going. Blues forever !
Your letters style is qualified by me especially loving this site.
Meant to mention one of my best concert experiences – saw Saron Crenshaw in New York at Terra Blues. He did an acoustic set and I was in dreamland for the evening. Utterly fantastic – not heard of him? Check out his Tribute to BB King https://myspace.com/saroncrenshaw/music/songs.
Would love to get back and see his electric set!
Great to have such a wide list of great entertainers noted in this blog – will check more of them out. Just had a long car journey so was able to remind myself of some to the stuff I dont listen to as often as I should:
Mick Abrahams – Cat Squirrel is still brilliant. Saw him do this live at his 60th birthday party concert.
Matt Schofield – saw him live about 2 years ago in a local gig. Great musician.
Buddy Whittington – was great with Mayal at Mayals 70th birthday concert in Cambridge and his own albums are good listening.
In relation to Buddy also check out Roger Cotton (generally keyboards) but he played with Buddy in the UK and his album A Long Way Back is good listening.
Blues is such a broad church and just listening to the guys noted above gives some really wide appeciation.
Griff
Just got BB king Anthology. My favourite, at the moment is Sweet Little Angel. Another track I’m wearing out on my Ipod is Bad Penny by Rory Gallagher. Not sure if he was big in the States. But like Van Morrison, a great Irish bluesman.
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Going over all of your older emails and found this so here are mine and in no particular order
Keith Richards
Jimmie Vaughan
Tab Benoit
Coco Montoya
Robert Cray
Albert King
B.B. King
Johnny Winter
Rich Robinson
Peter Green
Paul Bloomfield
and last but surely not least; some guy named by the name of Griff Hamlin on Youtube and his own website. 🙂
Excellent post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.
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Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Hi Grif,
Wow, you have opened op a can of worms so to speak lol This blog is great and I will definately be investigating some of the (Unknown artists to me)
My juices comes from the legend, Gary Moore – Still got the blues, Midnight blues, and the ever green parisian walkways! then David Gilmour, Castlelorizon, now if you have a strat in your hands, and you dont attempt this stunning solo, then i dont know what would! then to mention a few more, Jeff Beck, Deep Purple – When a Blind man cries.
For technique, who else than the legend, Steve Vai Whispring a prayer, I know your there Joe Satriani – Always with me, always with you Big bad moon.
Wait, I need to stop, you get the message, when it comes to music, we all know the drummer is key, but what else than a stunning guitar Riff to flavour the song, a strat to speak to your soul, a les paul to wake the inner you and a Ibanez JEM to get your creative spirit creating….
I mostly listen to the “old Masters” like Muddy, Howling Wolf, Lightin’ Hopkins including newer ones like Paul Butterfield. Some people may not consider Marcia Ball to be Blues but I have long been in love with her… Now I am listening to Hilda Lamas “Larina Soul” and “love me alone”… new CD due out soon… I am ashamed to admit that I only recently discovered Janiva Magness… going to check out Evelyn Rubio… The Blues is alive and well, Long Live the Blues
Great picks here. Many of my favorites. Just wanted to mention “The Groundhogs”, and T.S. McFee solo albums.
Keb Mo’s Blues BluesAmerica and Clapton’s The Breeze, two of the best albums to come out in years. My opinion, of course.
Agree, SRV Texas Flood has always been one of my favorites. I was at Alpine Valley the night he died. It was an amazing show by 3 great bluesman at their very best (Cray, SRV, Clapton). Unfortunately it turned so tragic.
here are 3 of my favorites.
Tab Benoit – Albert King and S R V
davey knowles Originally with back door slam(1st album is incredible), and roy rogers Vida,s place. also walter trout(who is not doing well and won’t be around much longer without a new liver. check out his site to help out)
The music one likes has much to do with one’s age, IMHO. I was in my mid-teens when the British Blues boom hit so my favs are things like the early (A)Stones
(B)Animals
(c)Mayall – the beano album with Clapton, Hard Road with Peter Green
(D)Early Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green (after they went pop I refer to them as Meatwood Slack
(E)Savoy Brown/Kim Simmonds
(F)Johnny Winter – his 80s stuff on Alligator esp. Third Degree
(G)Mick Abrahams/Blodwyn Pig
(H)Ten Years After
(I)The Allmans
(J)A zillion more but lack of time keeps me from going on.
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S.R.V. anything but lately the sky is cring
Rory Gallagher absolutely anything the live stuff is stomping
And when i get to walk robert Johnson.
I’ve been listening to Big Bill Broonzy a lot, the recordings he made just before he died, and a fair smattering of Muddy Waters. I also picked up a second hand vinyl copy of Ry Cooder’s “Chicken Skin Music” a few weeks ago and that’s given me a lot of fun. Lastly, for when I want electric ideas, I’ve been listening to Wilko Johnson’s recent album with Roger Daltrey: Wilko may have pancreatic cancer, but he’s not giving up.
Findlay, Strathpeffer
With the band i have now and the music we play this will probably sound funny but I have been listening to a lot of allman brothers I saw them not too long ago and they really are a remarkable group I wish i could have seen them back when Duane and Dickie were in the band but they are amazing still.
John Mayall The mists of time. Thank you!
Johnnie Johnson & The Kentucky Headhunters….That’ll Work…..the whole disc is killer! A wide range of styles of original music penned up for this occasion …a must check out disc for blues fans!!! PS….For those that think that the name johnnie johson sounds familiar…I suppose his claim to fame was that he was the keyboard player for chuck berry for years………enjoy!
Seasick Steve Raw unadulterated blues from the heart.Check him out on you-tube. Missing strings or wrong strings.Amazeing
Personally I’ve yet to hear a bad bluesman. One of my favorites is Jimmy Thackery. Not too many people I come in contact with even know the name, much less his music. I think his best song (to me anyway) is “I’m Gonna Steal The Bitches Car”. Take a listen on you tube.I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Guitar Dan: Your right I’ve seen Jimmy Thackery about 12 times. He is fantastic. I videoed his show in SOUTH Bend In. 3 years ago,and in Ft Wayne last year. I think the song title to what talking about above is (I’m gonna sell the bitches car)buy myself a cool guitar. See Ya Mark
Wow what great responses.
Freddie King – surfing’ with FK, the entire album
John Mayall & Blues Breakers – Little girl and Hideaway
Elmore James – anything
Bonamassa – Driving towards daylight
Freddie King the Shelter Years
ACDC – ride on
Eric Clapton – Hardtimes, Take a look at yourself
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Curtis Lowe
Jeff Healey..”See the Light”. Was a blind blues-man from Canada, thought he deserved a mention. Awesome you tube performance with Dr. John.
For something new, a young guy named Tyler Bryant is who I HIGHLY recommend checking out. Really check out his background and his playing, this guy is carrying the torch of all these greats into the future. His band is Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown, find them on YouTube, iTunes, or at tylerbryantmusic.com
Pure electrical magic coming from this artist! His band mate is killer too, Graham Whitford, son of Brad. Two amazing young players and they are steeped in the music and soul of what bring all of us to this conversation. Do yourself the favor…!
All time #1 Hendrix cover of Red House,SRV: Texas Flood, Gary Moore: Still Got The Blues. I’ll just leave it with those 3.
Floyd Lee “Mean Blues”
Daddy Mack, “I Don’t Understand You Baby”
Melvin Taylor Tin Pan Alley great slow blues
Guitar Slim- killer version of Sweet home Chicago, playing with fingers instead of pick
Holmes brothers
Cash box Kings, great blues
I have been reading out many of your stories and i must say pretty clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
Johnny Winter-Pick up my Mojo
Ry Cooder-Crazy about an automobile
Bluestime w/ J. Geils -Pontiac Blues
These will get you going strong.
Was replying to a post where someone liked very much Eric Clapton’s version of Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice it’s Alright, and I said I agreed he had played an incredibly bluesy version and also said check out the reaction of Steve Cropper on the DVD of the Bobfest!
At the moment I am listening to the Mississippi Sheiks and do like fingering with your fingers and I would also recommend one of my favourite artists Tony Joe White – The Gift and Rainy Night in Georgia.
I watched a couple of Joe Pass videos on YouTube and I’m in awe of his left and right hand techniques, not to mention his dry wits.
Albert Cummings, Walter Trout, Bernard Allison, Tommy Castro..4 of my current favorites.
Lots of great stuff listed all very worthy of the blues. My favs are anything by Muddy Waters, the same for John May all and the blues breakers. Clapton. A guy I used to go see at the House of blues in Cambridge Harvard square Ricky “King” Russell had a few great song like “Transportation” Sweet tooth mama and basic black. Also Marc Bolan’s lean woman blues classic Bolan. Zeppelins lemon song. All scream Blues and I love em
Jimi Hendrix, “Hear My Train A’Comin'”, electric version and 12 string Zemaitis acoustic from JIMI AT BERKLEY; Red House from IN THE WEST, just fro starters. Thanks, Rob Waldrup@
I’m with Rob. Hear My Train A’comin and Redhouse by Jimi.
It will take months to sift through this list! Bernard Allison’s Across the Water CD is amazing. Son of the great Luther Allison and he can play. Great mix of blues, driving rock and funk thrown in.
You and I are travelling on the same road. And add to my list Matt schoffield, all of Albert Collins ,especially “Live at Montreaux” and I love his “my baby’s got a black cat bone”. Also, lot’s of Tab Benoit His “Darkness Between You and I” is as good and wrenching as it gets.
Ive been listening to the same Gary Moore cd for over a year….
Only learned of Gary a few weeks ago but he has completely taken over my musical life. I am continually playing his albums and trying to play my own solos to his songs.Will never ever match his playing but he is the best in my view.Find his backing tracks on You Tube great to apply my own amateur soloing to.
Same Old Blues Freddie King
bb king–The thrill is gone;Rory Block walking blues; Lightning Hopkins blues in the bottle; bb king sweet sixteen.
You got it right man BBis so friggin into thissong you can hear his blood flowing if ya listen close!
Re-discovering the “master of the telecaster” Albert Collins. Amazing sounds from just bare hands and a strategically placed capo!
all the above mentioned are great Gary Clark JR I resonantly watched on
guitar center sessions was good.John Mayer’s blues was great when he was playing blue’s
Hi yes, Gary Clarke Jn is a nice edgy sounding player but i have noticed this is a trend lately in someplayers. I love SRV, he makes it sound so easy. I thought about this the other day, all of my music is guitar but with so many different styles you couldn’t compare them from Steve Vai thro Clapton, SRV, John Mcclaughlin, Joe Satriani but my absolute favourite hero has got to be Jeff Beck. Nobody plays like him & with such sensitivity. Great stuff.
Hi there, I enjoy reading throgh your article post.
I like to write a little comment tto support you.
I am mostly a classic rock man . I have a band and we play out now an then. I have been studyng blues for a reason . I couldnt solo very well so now I have a better understanding of the guitar. lets face it the blues created rock. LED ZEP 2 Mark Bolan or T REX Lean woman blues is very cool. 3 Doors down time of my life . Joe Satriani summer song i believe others also Santana who doesnt like his style. Tom Petty break down running down a dream cool solos there and easy to learn . Cream the early years . Ten years after. Creadence early stuff, I got one record which has stuff I have never heard before . Who doesnt like BB king or his friend Kennie wayne Shepard I hear thoes 2 jam together. I have been playing guitar since i was 10 or so I am 54 now and I would like to mention that I was introduced to Al Anderson who was NRBQ had a beer with him at his local hang out which is gone now .He still plays at a place in Hartford Ct. with another friend of mine . When i mentioned his former band he almost cried because he sold most of his music rights to his songs ,but if you listen to Als stuff he has a hit called a little bit of bad. he has a style all of his own. JJ kale johnnie lee Hooker 2.OK then . Once got a nod from Huey lewis at the agora ball room he was on the cat walk special apperance after a concert at hartford civic center. Texas Flood a ct. band Steve the guitarist is awesome he played at a place the night after my band played. Matt from phycial grafitti is a great guitarist also he and i know each other .Just got some friends in the music biz just to many to list. PEACE AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL HAPPY HOLIDAYS
F YOU HAVEN’T HEARD ANY TUNES FROM ALBERT CUMMINGS, RONNIE BAKER BROOKS, AND WALTER TROUT, YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON SOME GREAT BLUES AND GUITAR LICKS
I got into the Keb Mo CD “Just like you” (1996) along with “That’s not love” and “Just like you” along with a remake of Robert Johnson’s “Last Fair Deal Going Down”. All great tracks and definitely worth a listen. Also, check out Gary Clarke Jr. and his stuff rocks. It is a kind of nuevo blues but old school style. He is an up and comer.
Love love love John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana on the title track to “Chill out”. I can listen to that anytime day or night.
Here is a wild card for some funky blues with rockin’ bari sax accompaniment, Janiva Magness doing “Slipped, tripped, fell in love”. Just a great vibe!
TIME TO SPEND SOME TIME ON YOU TUBE. ALL THESE SONGS I NEVER HEARED EXCEPT TEXAS FLOOD BY STV.
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Thanks for the list, I will definitely check those out. I have been into Bluesville on Sirius lately and it gives me a variety of artist and styles that I would not pick out individually and listen to.
JOHNNY WINTER — “Nothin’ But the Blues” – 1977
backed by Muddy Waters’ band
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothin%27_But_the_Blues_%28Johnny_Winter_album%29
My first taste of real raw blues. Grammy award. True classic.
Hendrix red house something bluesy but not orthodox blues
While my guitar gently weeps listen to that guitar wail
Clapton playing lead for g. Harrison if that ain’t blues I’m adoch uncle
Bb king hold on I’m coming
Santana black magic woman
Elmore James shake your money maker
Dust my broom
Doctor brown
Eric Clapton from the cradle album.
dereck trucks band down in the flood
the Rolling Stones exile on main st.
Queen bohemian rhapsody
Boston foreplay long time
The eagles life in the fast lane and Rocky Mountain way
The allman brothers band whipping post.
Boston..MTAF.
Need your love so bad – peter green/ fletwood mac
A change is gonna come – sam cooke
I’d rather be blind – chicken shack
Alvin Lee’s “The Bluest Blues”, ” Slow Blues in C” and many others. Also anything by Popa Chubby. Check out Popa Chubby’s version of ” Hey Joe”. Gary Clark Jr.’s got an interesting blues vibe.
Joe Bonamassa has a dvd out of an acoustic concert he did at the Vienna Opera house that has some unbelievable cuts. On one song his fingers are moving so fast yet every note is true. I saw it on a local pbs station – check it out!
Outstanding Joe is all natural Great.
Check out Brother Dege ‘Too Old To Die Young’ for unbelievable slide guitar. You can download the podcast from ITunes. Its impossible to keep your foot still.
1 Ice cream man -Van Halen
2 Walking Blues and crossroad blues – Robert Johnson
3 Red House and Hear My Train a Comin -Jimi Hendrix
4 Crossroads duel- Steve Vai
Thes Last Two Dollars (Lady at the Casino)
Great A minor blues – not standard 12 bar, so it’s a little more fun for jamming with
For me it’s SRV, Gary Moore, Jeff Healey sadly all gone. Also love Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Billy Gibbons, EC, Skynard, Zep, Jimi, and some local guys. Love the power and tone of rockin Blues.
+1 on Billy Gibbons, especially “Jesus Left Chicago”
Griff … Can these be played at all on an acoustic and sound reasonably good? Dr. O.
Cold Shot – By Albert Collins. Tab Benoit. BB King – Ling from Cook County Jail.
Soulshine by the ABB, many other songs by the ABB also esp , all the takes on Blue Sky, Many CCR songs for the talent of minimalism, less is often more. All the SRV songs , just great tones , & vocals which match. The Clapton era of the Journeyman Album, as l prefere the modern electric blues with Power , n forceful rhythms. BB Kings deep rich tones , Skynyards Mr, Breeze , n others which mix rhythms with gibson tones with strat tones , n honk piano all in one band. Jimi of course ,and the early 70’s bands, Born to be wild , early Led Zep, Beatles , Rolling stones, Beach Boys , + so many others just as fun to learn from & listen to.
one of my favs bobby bland stormy monday the guitar player i don,t know who he is but a great blues player anybody know his name thanks Art
Englands best blues band [the hamster] album open all hours.this is awesome.plenty of volume on for opening track,then stand back and be amazed.
It’s the Hamsters, in case anyone wants to google them, they have split up after doing +25 years of blues/rock gigs. Hail from Southend , England, home of Doctor Feelgood.
First Time I Met The Blues by Buddy Guy. . . Oh Well by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. . . Ain’t No Rest for The Wicked by Cage The Elephant. . .
By the way Griff, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity. Have you ever thought of playing in the UK? . . .
Wow–What a boatload of diverse comments !! Truly a subject worth discussing Griff, there are so many worthwhile players mentioned here. While I did not read every single entry here are some additions whose names I did not see: Carlos Santana–Brothers album, anything by Chris Duarte, Roy Buchanon–When a guitar plays the blues, Steve Gaines–I know a little, and Griff Hamlin’s Long legged woman. These are an incomplete list of some of what I like to listen to…
Night Train to Nashville–Tab Benoit
Anything by Tab Benoit
John Hiatt’s “Down Around My Place” especially the version with Joe Bonomassa
It’s my own fault——-Johnny Winter
Going back here. Muddy Waters “Deep Down in Florida”. No, I don’t live in Florida.
Griff ,
Thanks for your emails over the past years (lost track) but it was when you first put up a little advert. Some of those messages or a simple tip got me through a really rough time.
Hi guys
You may think this weird but T.Rex frontman Marc Bolan, who died in ’77 played a lot of blues stuff including a brilliant raw blues song called ‘Baby’s new blues.’ He also did a little known blues album entitled ‘Rarities Vol., 1 which is full of gems. Another one to check out by Bolan is a dark blues song called ‘Plateau Skull.’
Check them out if you ever get chance.
Take care
Chris (U.K.)
Hi Griff give Oli Brown a listen he is a young blues player
Peter Green, Need Your Love So Bad. How can anybody not love it!
Check the original by Little Willie John too.
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While my guitar gently weeps. George Harrison….bell bottom blues..mr ec. Blue jean blues. Zz …as well as Jesus just left Chicago..and that jam ec did with page on his history album
Chuck Berry – Johnny B Goode, Sweet Little Sixteen, Roll Over Beethoven
Eric Clapton/Mark Knopfler – Same Old Blues (Listen to Knopfler’s rhythm playing)
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Do I Look Worried
Lynryd Skynryd – (I’ve got the) Same Old Blues
Zeppelin Babe I’m gonna Leave you Live ,Page, Plant. Pages strumming and blazing solos are amazing. I own 3 Gibson Les Pauls 2 cherry bursts 1978 Deluxe and a 2013 Standard plus. 2012 honey burst because of page. Lol.. Tons of feeling amazing ability Jimmy Page has, hard to beat him.
BB King
Albert King
Freddie King
Albert Collins
Muddy Waters
Roy Rogers
John Lee Hooker
what I like and would like to play the right way,in Lightning Hopkins style is “BABY PLEASE DON’T GO”,also stuff from Magic Sam,like “magic sam’s boogie”,earl hooker the song he plays on the american folk and blues festival 1969,what a riff…this is the stuff l like to play now,most young people don’t even know who earl and magic sam and hopkins are !!!
.
Guitar Shorty, Bare Nuckles CD, the song Betrayed.
Fool for Your Stockings by ZZ Top
Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
Ode to Billie Joe by Bobby Gentry
No need for purists to tell me that these don’t all fit your stock blues styles, but they are what I like.
West Coast Blues – Wes Montgomery
Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You – Kenny Burrell
Everything from Grant Green
Treetop Flier – Stephen Stills
Once I Had A Woman – Jimi Hendrix
Mood For A Day – Steve Howe
Always felt one of the most underrated Blues artists of all time was the band Free.
Kossof”s guitar and Rodgers voice are what the blues are all about!
mmm, fave tunes, tough, so many good ones out there.
One of my fave albums to start, is Eric Clapton — from the cradle. many gr8 tracks
hoochie coochie man, 4star
blues before sunrise 5star, so down n derty, what a sound, awesome.
it hurts me too, elmore james
etc etc. I discovered Leroy Carr from this album, great early blues singer songwriter tragically died very young.
Someday after a while, freddie king.
So much talent.
John Lee Hooker, hobo blues, theres a gr8 early vid of this on youtube, he makes it all look so effortless. And hes the master everyone — follows him. lol.
bonnie raitt, i think under estimated, i got to see her in uk recently, she is so acomplished, a fantastic guitar player, and singer.
crikey so many. blind willie dixon, leadbelly,err rev gary davis, such an amazing legacy, how lucky we all are. And a bit of nationalism, grateful thanks, to british groups of the sixties, who took blues back to the states. and the world!!! H
You’ve gotta check out eddy taylor . he is known 4 his 6/8 time signature, melodic rhythm, major key tonality, and heavy instrumentals and improvisation…
Also check out Mighty Joe young… Pine top Perkins. Elmore James is a must 4 all Blues lovers. and of course Lightin Hopkins who’s career ran from 1920 into the 80’s
I also enjoy Tab Benoit Cajun influenced blues and a lot of Fantastic Guitar playn’ smoking solos and awesome instrumentals!!
Hi Griff
One of the numbers that made me want to start playing electric guitar was Parisienne Walkways by Gary Moore.
rock me baby by bb
since i’ve been lovin you zepplen
lil red rooster willie dixon …
Johnny Winter, “Roots”. Just can’t stop listening to it.
I GOT UR 29 BLUES TRACKS, DO U HAVE ANY OTHER TRACKS GOING I CAN GET FROM U // LOVE TO PLAY ALONG WITH UR TRACKS I HAVE, THEY R GREAT,
Hey Griff,
First off I missed you at the Arcadia Blues Club recently, I was bummed but had a family deal. Would love to know when you play locally again. I live in Altadena.
Everyone knows the old standards, thought I’d ingest some new blood.
My first suggestion is even a girl.
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s “White Sugar” album is killer from the first riff to the last.
Just discovered Lee Fields and the Expressions is an awesome gutterall old school vibe
Those are two new ones for ya.
Out
GC
I’ve been listening to a lot of David Gogo lately. Bad n Ruin off his new album Come on Down is a killer remake.
Check out Ryan bingham melds blues with folk country …more bluesy though.
Buddy Guy’ s last album.. check out songs like me and BB , Im 74 years old. A classic Buddy blues mixed with humor as only Buddy can
Buddy has just cut and released a double live set recorded live at his chl-town club
SRV LIVE @el macombo Lennny… The best version I’ve ever herd that entire show is , the best of the MASTER Texas blues player of all time !!!
Been lstn to alot of the sorley under rated Gary Moore
Just for fun check out Mumford & son
Also alot of Howlin Wolf
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Blue on Black
Rory Gallagher – Messin with the Kid
Johnny Lang
Albert King –
Alvin Bishop – Fooled Around & Fell in Love ( love the sound of his 335 )
– with Paul Butterfield
truly the first mention of Rory Gallagher wow
truly a legend
Fort the last 2 months, Joe Bonamassa wall to wall. From my Ipod , Ipad, in the car and in Blu ray for 3 different shows.
Hey, Griff. Been listening to Pandora, a station I made for Blues and Blues Rock. I’ve been hearing a lot of Roy Buchanan, Rory Gallagher, Doyle Bramhall III, and some old Chicken Shack. Of course, there are many other. Oh, Yeah, and check out Melvin Taylor…he’s got some smooth licks.
Roy Buchanan and Dave Bromberg
Kirk Fletcher CD (Shades of Blue)
Any CD by Dave Specter latest one is Spectified, out standing CD
Any CD by Billy Flynn
Perry Weber and the Devilles, Riot Act CD
Tedeschi Trucks Band Midnight in Harlem off the Revelator CD
Always listening to BB, Albert and Freddie King
“High on the Hog” & “Right As Rain” — Tommy Castro Band
“Lovin’ Cup — Paul Butterfield Blues w/ Elvin Bishop
“Can’t Get Away” — Sixto Rodriguez (from Searching for Sugar Man Soundtrack) A great folk tune with a good groove. Worth listening and learning (could you help!)
Thanks!
Bob Brozman and Jeff Lang, Rolling through this world, is FANTASTIC,
and anything by Buddy Guy and Junior Wells.
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Comin Home – Luther Allison
Anything by Michael Bloomfield, Buddy Guy, or JB Hutto & his Hawks
All time fav: Lover Man by Jimi Hendrix
Just recently discovered a young lady by the name of Kelly Richey. Saw her live in concert. WOW!! Her CD ” Speechless” is really good and so is “Sweet Spirit”! Both are really good. But live was simply amazing! Need to check her out!
I like Robert Nighthawk and Earl Hooker. Listening to Drifting Blues right now
I like the I
Old song, old Jabo, by brownie McGhee and Sonny Terru
Samba Pa Ti …and Europa …by Santana….incredibly smooth
All things SRV.
I’m listening to Wolf Mails new album. But really all his stuff are worth a look.
While I am online I hae got Link Wray, King of the wild guitar. I love it, this s the type of guitar I like. Shuld be mor of it.
I really love listening to people like Jessie May Hamphill, Dennis Jones and of course Big Bill Broonzy when I get the opportunity, which isn’t very often. But of course my favorite is Jimi Hendrix, I listen to his stuff all the time.
Anything by Rory Block! Great player and great looking.
For my money it’s still Crossroads by Cream from Wheels of Fire. I think I was 12 when it came out and I’ll never get over it!
Tab Benoit “Nice and Warm” and just about anything else
Bex Marshall “House of Mercy”
Eric Johnson “Texas”
I like alot of Roben Ford stuff and have spent alot of time learning all those jazz chords He uses in His Blues Songs.
Robin Trower
20th Century Blues
Slightly off topic, but a local radio station was asking “what was your first concert”. I can’t remember in what order, but around my senior year of high school I saw Peter Paul and Mary, Wilson Pickett, and Jimi Hendrix.
Today I have a Pandora feed that I seeded with Los Lobos. I get an incredible variety of music ranging from Albert King, SRV, Clapton, BB, to Pink Floyd, Led Zep, Petty, Dire Straits. A “second tier” blues player that sounds interesting is Magic Slim.
Anything by Gary Moore is worth a listen- tone, vibrato, bends.
Was just listening to Robert Johnson and he had a version of “Sweet Home Chicago”. I didn’t realize that fit the timeline. I thought the “country blues” players migrated north and adopted electric blues. So where did this come from?
I like Clapton’s Promises and Lay Diwn Sally. Also, about anything by Duke Tumatoe. I especially like Duke’s “Don’t Have it in Me, All I Want to Do, and you Can’t Fool Me”. I don’t
Think it gets much better than Duke.
Just got back from baby’s zz top
The big train Ronnie Earle
The thrill is gone Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack
When my train comes in Gary Clark jr.
There are many-many more.
I joined a jam band 2 years ago as lead guitar.Got the job by default.Joining a jam band was the best thing I have done as far as improving.Wasn’t very good when I started but now
we play the above songs as well as about 200 others.I now play in 2 jam bands.It is awesome.
Shakey Graves, the best new blues I’ve heard in a long while
check out Shakey Graves on U-Tube
Glad to see Sam’s shout out to Koerner, Ray and Glover – I especially love listening to anything by the late Dave Ray. Buddy Guy and Junior Wells’ Alive and Accoustic is a great album, and anything by Mississippi John Hurt. Dave Van Ronk, some Keb ‘mo, early Geoff Muldaur, Eric Von Schmidt, Mike Bloomfield, Muddy, Howlin Wolf – too much to list….
I guess you can say any of the great blues masters.I recently came across Eric Clapton playing outside women blues Acustic I guess that and Jeff Beck & Billy Gibson SIXTEEN TON.
Hell at Home- Sonny Landreth
Anything by Kirby Kelly
What a terrific response! Right now my favorites are:
Johnny Lang. – Still Rainin’
Carolyn Wonderland – Texas Burning, Judgement Day Blues, Still Alive and Well.
All the old classic blues artists. Lots of Jimi and Clapton. Jack White, The Black Keys, Mount Carmel are all awesome. William Elliot Whitmore Songs Of The Blackbird is a great album.
koerner, ray, and glover rags and hollers
Los Lonely Boys – Heart Won’t Tell A Lie
White Stripes – Ball and Biscuit
ZZ Top – I Need You Tonight & Fool For Your Stockings & Blue Jean Blues
Nazareth – Please Don’t Judas Me & Whiskey Drinking Woman
Alicia Keys – Fallin’
allman bros–derek truks/etta james song id rather go blind.
Clapton, BB King, SRV. I still love good old Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top. Still a cool dude and churns out some steaming hot Texas Blues.
Rory Gallagher, SRV, Muddy Waters, Albert King
Matt Schofield does some really tasty blues.
Wow that Snooks video is way cool.How do you teach your right side to strum like that?
Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, Muddt Waters, B B King, Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Backmore, Mike Mattice just to name a few.
Listening to the early blues guys is very helpful to me to get some of the basics down.
listen to blues,metal,androck
There are so many I like, but one that I once played with back in 1963, was
Little Milton” & I listen to a lot of his stuff.
To me there are way to many great blues artist and songs to definitively come up with with some favorites. But will add a couple of good ones I certainly enjoy to the list I did not see mentioned below. Tab Benoit and Tinsley Ellis. I’ve seen them both live and they totally rocked. Don
Can’t go wrong with this version of Lipstick Traces by Snooks Eaglin with George Porter Jr. and Kenneth Blevins. I highly recommend enlarging it to full screen to scope Snooks’ technique and cranking the volume. I’ve probably watched this video 100 times and never get tired of it.
http://youtu.be/SdMDexoMSlc
Walter Trout
Coco Montoyoa
Cordell Dupree
Omar and the Howlers … Texas sound
Georgia Healers
Topper price
Gotta be Red House. As John Lee Hooker said Jimi reaches right down your throat and grabs your heart on that song. Lovin Seasick Steve, Eric Bibb, Smokey Wilson and our Rochester locals Joe Beard and his son Chris. and speaking of locals the John Cole Blues band ROCKS!
Hey Griff:
I really appreciate the work that you are doing with these emails, etc. An artist that most people don’t think of as blues is Willie Nelson. But if you listen to his Milkcow Blues album on which he plays with some of the greats you can hear that even he has a style and some licks that are awesome. Anyways just a thought!!
Albums I’ve been listening to for years:
Fathers And Sons – Muddy Waters et al.
Women Of The Blues – RCA Victor Vintage Series
Nobody’s Blues But Mine – Bessie Smith
Albert Collins – The master of the Telecaster!
Hi Griff,
I’ve been trying to expand my listening tastes recently. Alabama Shakes are a good place to start, Brittney Howard has a massive voice. Off course there’s the black keys, I love that rock sensibility. You can add Jack White to the list. Another band I have just heard off is Deap Vally a girl duo with massive attitude. Being an old indie kid, BRMC have that blues/indie rock crossover.
My Babe , Hot Tamales…. all of John Hammond Jr And being a southern man always connected with Greg Allman
Hello Griff, my all time favourites are just Howlin’ Wolf with the two great songs, ‘Smokestack Lightning’ and ‘The Killing Floor’ – ‘The Killing Floor’ the cover by Jimi Hendrix.
The B.B.King songs, ‘The Thrill is Gone’ and the song in which he explains how he came to give his guitar the name ‘Lucille.’
Also ‘Machine Gun’ by Jimi Hendrix.
Seasick Steve is nice to listen to. He even made his own guitar out of two hubcaps and a broomstick! I also like listening to some bluesy stuff by Chris Rea.
Gregor Hilden -Guitar Delux – Golden Voice Blues
Chris Rea
Taj Mahal
Joe Bonamassa
Ana Popovic
Johnny Winters Album ” Nothin’ But the Blues, Love the National steel!
Anything by Pete Thorn
Rhett Tyler
Back Door Slam
Albert Cummings
Blues Deluxe…Joe Bonamassa.
Great interpretation of many blues classics. Great tone, and groove!
Hi to all, I’d like to share these talents which I have been addicted to lately.
1: The late GARY MOORE from Thin Lizzy, he does STILL GOT THE BLUES, and His singing combined blows you away.
2 :TRACY CHAPMAN ; The simple acoustics arrangements are mesmerizing and very moving.
3 :Thanks Griff its always fun to check in on your updates.
Hi Griff,
I’m from South Australia, Adelaide,….love all your work….Hank Marvin, Beatles fan.,.if Micheal from South Australia reads this, I’ll Jam with you all day MICK, BEATLES and SHADOWS music…I have 1964 USA Strat, and stack of VOX AC-30 amps….will sing BEATLES all day non stop…..contact via my website: http://www.strutmaster.net
Cheers,
Vikk
Blue By Nature’s ‘Live at The Lake’ CD from 1998; all of it. Gutsy electric blues from Karen Lawrence and Rick Dufay et al.
Paul Rogers’ (formerly Free and Bad Company) album Muddy Waters Blues is a killer! Each track features a guest guitarist like Slash, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Gary Moore, David Gilmour etc. Pure quality!
Louisiana red. Bring it on home to me.
In no particular order
I coulda had religion – Rory Gallagher
Have you heard – John Mayall and the blues breakers. (with EC)
I ain’t superstitious. – Howlin Wolf
Albert’s shuffle – Mike Bloomfield (from Super Session)
Avalon blues – Mississippi. John Hurt
My most favorite by these times is Ridding with the king by BB King and Eric Clapton: it makes me feel so good.
As many others have stated I to enjoy all the blues music but lately I’m really enjoying Taj Mahal and Muddy Waters chess box album and the anthropology 1947-1972 along with Johnny Lee Hookers early stuff . Growing up in Chicago ( not in the suburbs) I kinda cut my teeth on the blues music. These artists as well as many others inspired meto start learning to play and with the help of Griffs blues DVDs its coming along .
Great idea Jeff. Trying to get into the new breed of blues men. Check out Gary Clark Jr. Acoustic versions on YouTube of Neighbor Blues(Open G tuning) and When My Train Come In(em am bm
Also check out the new Ben Harper- Charlie Musselwhite Cd. My fav All that Matters Now.
I could go on for days as 99 percent of my music is blues, i have no real favorites as i likem all,
All the king boys, srv, big bill, ry cooder, bonnie raitt, etta james, jj cale, sleepy john,big joe turner,
blind lemon,louis jordan,t-bone walker, elmore james,guitar slim,buddy guy,john lee hooker to name
a few.We also have of good bands and soloist up here in canada such as colin james, powder blues band, bill bill mcclean who used open a lot of muddy water shows years ago and there are many
more. But the only version of red house to listen to is by the one and only hendrix no other version can match it period.
Led Zeppelin. Since I’ve Been Lovin You live. Jimmy Page plays a stunning guitar solo which is both smokin fast and full of passion and clean. Robert Plant is also awesome in that song and concert.New York Madison square garden 1973.. Jimmy makes BB king look silly.!!!! I saw a clip with BB and Aerosmith and BB asked if someone would play the rhythm parts because he didn’t know how to play chords.Really that’s surprising ,lost respect for him right then. He’s been playing for 60 years and cant play chords,wow.Your not a complete Guitarist if you dont play both rhythm and lead. Jimmy Page is the man.As are many other great guitarist, Robin Trower ,Richie Blackmore etc.But Page is the greatest. Kids are still wanting to play his stuff and play like him.
Well the man , the legend Rory Gallagher brought me to blues, and now I use him as my muse.
My favorite Freddie King songs and playing is the King stuff on King/ Federal. My favorite Blues is from 1920s to World War two, and post war Chicago blues and other 1950s Blues and R+ B. and current music that fits these styles.
I really love BB King, Freddie King, Robben Ford, and a lot of other strictly Blues greats, But my favorites are the Jazzy side of the Blues, this is where I’m heading. I like Kenny Burrell, he’s got tons of music out there, but God Bless the child comes to mind, and Easy. I like Larry Carlton’s style, and Grant Green, Feelin The Spirit, Sunday Morning, and Idle Moments. I’m trying to figure out how to play them.
By the way, I’m really enjoying your lessons, re-inspired, and learning a lot.
ctb
Exercise dieting on the road is also calculated
in to help set realistic goals. The second day I got a bit off track but I was dieting on the road desperate as I had anticipated but I don’t know why. To help you out with this, I had my main meal which consisted of anything I wanted,.
Way to go Griff your one bad man,awsome idea now I’ve got both sides of an a4 loaded with tunes to check out from all the great folks posts, thanks guys , On the older side lets say ,for me it’s got to be SHOWDOWN ,every tunes a pearl,with the mix of tones from ,Albert Collins ,Robert cray and johnny Copland ,voted best blues album 1984.
Mr Fenton Robinsons last album before he sadly left us, somebody loan me a dime ,is great.
Nobody does it better than Etta James ,dust my broom.
Smokin joe kubek & benios king ,Have blues will travel album ,is simply ace ,the track Ru4 real,guys you have got to listen to this,with the slow blues tone and the lyrics of today , this tune will make every guy smile at the end if not during it, every one of us have thought this, everyone of us.
Eric Bib ,Troubadour live, and Michael Burks ,show of strenth ,are more than worth a check out.
Cheers guys ,
Agree. Showdown is a great album.
This is good information . Thanks Travannan
thanks for your sharing
“My Time After a While”, from John Mayall’s Bluesbreaker album, Crusade, with Mick Taylor on guitar and Rip Kant on sax. If there is a better straight ahead sax solo anywhere I would love to hear it.
Taj Mahal’s version of ‘Stateboro’ Blues’ was the first slide guitar tune I fell in love with.
Freddie King playing ‘Hideaway’ – just a great tune.
Two wonderful guitarists are Kai Strauss of Memo Gonzalez and the Bluescasters (plays tunes down low on the neck instead of high up the top of the fretboard) and Pete Boss from Oxfordshire’s Bluehearts who is as good as Eric Clapton but has never wanted to make it big. See ’em if you can.
Although not thought of as strictly blues, all of the famous “brit” guitarists thrived on all of our American blues artists, perhaps one of my favorite is “Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You done by Led Zepplin – Pages guitar work and Plants vocal shadings are definetly blues worthy !!!
Thank You For teaching me to play blues Griff
” The Blues Had a Baby & They Named It Rock & Roll… ” – Muddy Waters –
I am a rock & roller but I love the blues. The combination touches my soul.
Hallo Griff,
Verry nice story about those blues legends.
I like to now more about Howling wolff and Hoocker. and Muddy Waters.
Maybe some lessons and tabs from those legends
Also if it is possible can you send me the tabs of the following songs:
Manish boy by Muddy Waters
Need your love so bad by Fleedwood Mac
Brown eyed girl by Van Morrison.
Thanks a lot
Juchi
If you ever get a chance, check out Mississippi Fred Mc Dow. I used to listen to him back when I was in my early 20’s. I no longer have any of his recordings, but I wish i did. I’ll be 59 come sept.
I’d like a lesson on the Elvis Presley version of “Reconsider Baby” from his 1960 album “Elvis Is Back”-Elvis is playing rhythm guitar on the track and it sounds like a fun jam session. I know it’s basically 12 bar blues with some turnarounds but I can’t quite figure the whole thing out strum pattern-single notes he is hitting ect. It’s one of my favorite blues performances.
What an interesting post and the comments are outrageous. So interesting to see the opinions and be reminded of stuff we have listened to over the years. I was a big Motown fan for a lot of years with Mary Wells on top of the heap of artists I really liked, and then one day a friend of mine told me to get this album by the Yardbirds called Rave Up with Eric Clapton as the lead guitarist and that album changed my life forever in musical taste as from there I became a guitar freak. Everytime I heard a great lead on a song I would go buy the record or if I knew certain guitarists were on albums I would buy the album. I was big into Robin Trower with Bridge Of Sighs, anything that Gary Moore did, Jeff Beck when he joined the Yardbirds and Clapton formed Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King and a whole slew of others, but I have to say the first time I heard Led Zepelin I was not knocked out, which led me to following guitarists playing heavy metal with the best lead, in my opinion, by Vivian Campbell on Ronny James Dio’s “The Last In Line”. I am also a huge fan of Carlos Santana whose “Europa” still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. A guitarist I follow today who is outstanding is Buckethead, this guy can really play. I could go on for hours on this subject matter…..Paul
just got 1969 grateful daed show lovelight hard to handlemidnight hour. latter day dead little red rooster,c c rider,you may not know bob weir is a grate slid player
dark star
Just watched 20mins of Eric Sardinas OMG
Johnny Winter and Kim Simmonds, a couple of guys, from either side of the pond, I respect for sticking to Blues instead of making “Hit” music. Roy Buchannon, check out his cover of Neil Young’s Down By The River.
Almost anything by the late Gary Moore
“Loan Me A Dime” , Boz Scaggs’ first album. I don”t know what notes are him or what notes are Duane. However I later saw Boz solo at Big Sur and he played it better than the album version.
i’m digging Skip James “Today” LP and of course Mr.Robert Johnson’s Entire catalog. also enjoying a lot of the works of the recently departed Slide master Bob Brozman as well ….R.I.P. Bob
i listen to blues .rock .rockabilly .and that all your lessons also purchased your beginners course and now i am improvising and playing around thanks rick
Goin Down by Freddy King
Six Days on the Road Taj Mahal with Jessie Edwin Davis
Albert Collins solo in Blackjack
Beautician Blues by B.B. King
Forgot to mention my personnal favorite EVER is Buzz Feiten a true guitarists guitarist,from his earlywork(19!)with Paul Butterfield thru his work with Stevie Wonder and Neil Larson to Riki Lee Jones whether as the funkiest rhythm player to the tastiest soloing(check his work with Dave Weckle)Buzz is the Man.. so little public recognition but revered by many in the know.Recently Drew Zing gave props to him as his biggest influence, high praise from another bluesy fusion cat(check Steely Dan “Alive in America”)
Just recently got a copy of BB Kings Blues is KIng(’67) and rediscovered Gamblers Blues..his opening solo is (IMHO) his finest recorded(so good that Chris Cain, a west coast guitarist recreated it note for note as a tribute, but other gems on there such as a cover of Willie Nelson’s”night Life”and Don’t answer the door.. wow!
Check out Tony Duffy. TBone Duffy on Facebook. Absolutely superb.
Macca
Check out up and coming Irish blues guitarist Simon McBride. Paid his dues as session guitarist and it shows. Plays beautiful in sound and tone PRS guitars. Saw him in an old church in Sandwich (yes the golfing Sandwich in Kent England) the other week, he was frustrated as he had to keep the volume low but you could see his talent trying to burst out.
Definitely worth a listen.
Just seen Joe Bonamassa in Orlando, Great! Tremendous talent. Hope he doesn’t get burned out cause he’s got many more years ahead.
Gary Moore, died to soon. – Midnight Blues, Still got the Blues, Need Your Love So Bad.
Buddy Guy in his mid seventies and still going strong – Rememberin Stevie, and the whole album – Skin Deep
Peter Green – A Fool No More and a lot of his other stuff from Fleetwood Mac through the splinter group.
and of course BB King, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, which reminds me, I heard somewhere that he either invented Ry Cooder or electricity. Fine job whichever it was.
Hi Griff,
I’ve been listening to Dawes lately. One of the songs is “From a window seat.” Great melodies and hooks, good song writing and nice guitar chords!
“Smoking Gun” Robert Cray
“Thrill Is Gone” BB King
“If You Loved Me” Van Morrison & BB King
“Bring On Home To Me” Sam Cooke
“I’m A Love Man” Otis Redding
“Three O’Clock Blues” BB King
“Houndog” Big Mama Thorton
“Love Letters! Ketty Lester
“Hummingbird” BB King/Leon Russell
“Ain’t Nobody Home” BB King
“Mother Fuyer” BB King
“Alberta” Eric Clapton
“Rock Me Baby” BB King/Eric Clapton
Hobart’s Blues by Jimmy Thackery is a great blues instrumental. What the Hell is Goin On? by Paul Thorn is a good one. Excuse My Behavior and I Wanna Get Up by John Campbelljohn are must listen for slide lovers.
I’m from Norway and can recommend some good Norwegian blues artists:
Vidar Busk, Reidar Larsen and Rita Engedalen.
You can find them on YouTube.
Been listening (repeatedly) to the Allman Brothers Decade of Hits CD, and also ZZ Top’s Greatest Hits. Haven’t listened to either in some time, so just enjoyed and reminiscing.
Just got back to Metro Atlanta yesterday after attending the annual Savannah Music Festival (the largest in Georgia, a state not lacking in great music festivals already), where we attended the Tab Benoit (pron. ben-WAH) concert. Already a fan with several of his albums (I esp. like his “Fever for the Bayou”), I was absolutely floored by his onstage performance. Not only a great blues singer, he is a fantastic guitarist! How he managed with ease to play rockin’ blues lead on his Fender Strat, plus rhythm guitar, and–at the same time–blow the roof off with his soulful Cajun-accented voice, is beyond me, but he did. Between songs, he displayed a dry wit that had the appreciative crowd laughing. Offstaqe, Tab Benoit is also an ardent conservationist who continues the work to rescue and preserve the Delta wetlands of his native Louisiana. Highly recommended.
Allman Bros….mostly the early stuff with Duane, i.e. Fillmore East, etc. I also like the Wilson Pickett sessions that Duane did with him as well as the Clapton sessions with Duane. I listen to a lot of BB King and SRV. Most recently, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Gary Moore. That guy is(was) crazy good.
Glad you mentioned my fav, Sonny Landreth! Others being– Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King “Runnin’ Blind” Jimmy Thackery- Walter Trout- ZZ Top”Bluejean Blues” For a surprise, and for you “Wah-Wah” fans, I recommend listening to “Going to the Country” by Beau Jocque & the Zydeco High Rollers. (from the CD Check it out,Lock it in, Crank it up) Don’t know why this song hasn’t become a blues classic????? (or even heard by many)
original Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman’s session work with Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett. Derek Trucks, Duane Allman in Derek and the Dominoes. Warren Haynes. Duane Allman and his session work with King Crimson. Oh yeah and did I mention Duane Allman’s?—a pretty good slide player as well!!!!
I’ve read many of the comments but didn’t see Delbert McClinton mentioned once. He is my overall favorite artist to listen to but I like a lot of different kinds of music and artists. One post mentioned Rory Block. I agree she is terrific and fits in with my passion for acoustic blues, like Eric Clapton Unplugged. One other artist I will mention is Marcia Ball. The first time I heard her, I was hooked on the boogie woogie style piano blues.
I enjoyed looking over the lists of blues artists listed, surprised that some of my old favs are listed. and have also found a few new ones I will look into. I am an old dude and being so was lucky enough to see a lot of the old blues masters before they left us. There was a small kickass beer joint (Pluto’s) in Bellingham WA near the Canadian border that was owned by a Blues lover. He managed to book a huge number of blues players bound for bigger venues in Vancouver Canada where I got to see Canned Heat and the original Fleetwood Mac and later the Rolling Stones .
It was here in 1969 through 1972 that turned me into a forever blues nut. The likes of Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, James Cotton. Taj Mahal and many more. I am listening right now to a CD called Tal’s Blues on the Legacy label. I really like Rye Cooder’s slide work too, a couple of artists not mentioned yet. I have some great memories from then: Willie’s band pulling chairs up and sharing some beers with the fans at intermission and Albert Collins playing his guitar all the way out the front door onto the sidewalk. I was a drummer in my early days and now am learning to play the guitar, I enjoy the new challenge ….who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
Hi Griff, Hows everything? Great idea. Some of my faves are,in no particular order. Earl Klugh, Benson, Albert King, Eric Gale, Wes montgomery. I also love listening to great bassists like Jaco Pastorius, Ron Carter, and Marcus Miller. I could go on but why bother there are so many out there.
Here it is my top five:
N1 Tin Pan Alley , SRV
N2 Cat Fish blues, Jimi Hendrix , version
N3 Double Trouble, (O.Rush) E.Clapton version
N4 It serves you to suffer, John Lee Hooker
N5 Crossroad, (R.Johnson) Cream
Lately been listening to a lot of older releases: Climax Blues Band (FM LIVE), Savoy Brown (Looking In), Peter Green (Splinter Group), John Mayall Bluesbreakers (A Hard Road), and mix that up with some Captain Beefhart.
have seen a few names I haven’t heard before. thanks for the new music. alltime time favorites the radiators , john Campbell, tinsley ellis, Kenny wayne shepherd, and dave Alvin
I started off in the 60’s playing Shadows(Hank Marvin) instrumentals and Buddy Holly, but in the last 15 years or so I have diversified to Cream,Rolling Stones,Dylan,Eagles, and anything I like the sound of, but the old acoustic blues players they were the masters for sure.
Well done Griff———don’t stop
mick
I am still listening to Cream, Rolling Stones (especially the Mick Taylor era), Neil Young, Muddy Waters.
Lately I have just discovered Tab Benoit,. He is such a great modern blues man.
Also Jim Suhler, another modern era blues player.
Thanks Greg, Gold Coast, Australia.
I’ve been a singer/harp player for over 40 years and have suffered high-frequency hearing loss due to working with too many guitarists who insist on turning it up to Patent Pending and letting it rip. Nonetheless, I’m enjoying learning to play guitar from your lessons, Griff. Good teaching!
I’m so tired of all the Stevie RayVaughnabees who tune down a half-step and try to play like their idol. Forget it guys, you are not SRV. Try to play like your own self. Study the real blues, not just blues rock.
Scrolling down I see lots of great players mentioned. I did not read all the entries, however I’m surprised not to see a few who definitely deserve mention:
One word: Ronnie Earl Horvath
Duke Robillard
Albert King
Albert Collins
Otis Rush
Hollywood Fats
Kirk Fletcher
Jimmy Rodgers
Eddie Taylor
Robert Jr. Lockwood
T-Bone Walker
bellyup4blues.com
Roy Buchanan
Joe Bonamassa
Leslie West
Lightnin” Hopkins
Wolf Mail
Dion
Eric Bibb
RL Burnside
Ryan McGarvey
Tony Joe White
To my surprise, most reviews seem to exclude some obvious British Blues celebs.
Though a Canadian myself. I can’t help but notice the omission of say…….
John Mayall & the Blues Breakers (c/w EC…. 2007 video @ RAH 70th Birthday for John RAH) or say the late & very great
Gary Moore, (perhaps the best JH rendition of Red House, just before he died in Spain, or say
Jeff Beck, super rendition of A Day in the Life, (Ronnie Scott’s concert c/w Jimmy Paige in attendance & Tal Wilkenfeld on bass).
Or say Joe Walsh, (not British but a performer at the Stratpack 50 concert along with
David Gilmore, (Pink Floyd), Gary Moore, (EC a serious omission in this concert, or say
“Cream”, see reunion concert RAH…… Stormy Monday, Sleepy Time Time, etc with Ginger & Jack,
Mick Taylor & current Blues Breakers Axe Man
Buddy Whittington, no slouch by any assessment,
and great Stratman Hank Marvin to name just a few.
If you get the chance, suggest you listen in on these dudes. All on Video somewhere. Some may be taken for or described as “Rock” content, but I think it’s all got blues roots if you listen to the keys & scales in which the play. Billy
Hi Iam grateful that you are sending your guitar lessons to me, being on a pension makes it hard to pay for your course,I have played on and off from 12 years old to 60, and still learn new stuff, and from you. 1 Beatles 2 led zeppelin 3 Clapton 4 pink Floyd and off late joe Bonamassa,I have guitar tabs for most off the music to the artist above,I live in South AUSTRALIA and Iam 60 the hardes 1 thing I have found is finding someone to jam with, I could play beatles music all day from rubber soul on there music has a magic for me and is not so easy to play, Michael
Not strictly blues but a superb guitarist, listening to Richard Thompson at the moment and saw him live 2 weeks ago..
I have been listening to alot of Son House, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson, and Joe Bonamassa. Just love those blues riff and that slide guitrar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for your sharing this information
Its quite obvious that there are alot of great Blues players out there, past and present. Another one to add to the mix is Montreal artist Michael Gerome Brown, a wonderful musician who has a keen interest is researching the history of Blues and playing some of the more obscure individuals of the past. I would also add Regina, SK artist Colin James, a virtuoso guitarist. I mourn the passing of Alvin Lee, another favourite. James Cotton, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Walter Trout (whom I discovered thanks to Griffs article). check out ROBIN TROWERS NEW ALBUM ROOTS AND BRANCHES
Can’t go past Albert collins or Mark Knopfler. Could listen to the sultans of swing solo forever and wouldnt get bored.
God I’m stuck on Mississippi Fred McDowel right now. Check out Louise and Frisco Line. Granted this stuff is done in open tunings but it’s powerful and raw. It’s not the sme kind of thing as what we’re learning in BGU but it can certainly add to the rhythms and feel for the blues. I like John Hammond alot too. He’s a master of acoustic and electric blues.
Hi Griff,
I have one of your more advanced BGU courses and I have learned a lot from it. I would love see you produce a course on how to blend the blues with the wonderful licks of the old 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s classic County/Rock-n-Roll tunes. I think, allthough they may not want toto admit it, many of your fans like old country/rock-n-roll as well.
Richard Pope
Texas.
your missing one of the greatest and he went yesterday to the last great jam in heaven alvin lee. get some ten years after the early years, live in frankrurt were i was lucky to see them live or woodstock were he blew them all away with i’m going home. so sad that we lost another great at his prime only 58. he also played at eric clapton’s crossrods concert at chicago in 2008.so sad i’m still crying.
B B King all blues, I like Chet Atkins with Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton.
I go for some of the way out there stuff that not too many guys encounter…….Bernard Allison, Buddy Guy, Bobby Blue Band, Little Charlie, Mike Robbins,Amos Milbourne ( Bad Bad Whiskey) Joe LIggins and Roy Milton to name a few…….BIg Joe Williams can send out a set that captures the soul!
Try some….priceless
I am pleased that Griff has listed Robben Ford among his favourites. I discovered R F in 1995, when Handful of Blues was reviewed in a magazine somewhere. I am so glad that I read the article and then took a chance on buying the disc. I was hooked from the first track and I still can’t get enough. Somehow he manages to get the balance just right for my taste. I read some where that it is called “fusion”. Is that blues/jazz fusion or what? Now I have retired, I have more time. So I bought my guitar and Griff’s BGU course, so here goes.
Alber King, Alber collins, and SRV
Griff; Joe Bonamassa is an exceptional blues artist! Midnight Blues, High Water Everywhere, The River, Dislocated Boy, and sooo many more! I also listen to Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Allman Bros,BBKing, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Gary Moore, and many others.
Thanks for asking>
1. John Bonnamsa’ s Driving Towards Daylight – big blues guitar, great vocals
2. Freddy King – The Stumble from Surfing with Freddy King, this cut will teach you how to mix major and minor pentatonic scales.
3. John Mayall with Eric Clapton – Hideaway, same mix of major and minor and all over the neck.
4. Freddy King – Same Old Blues (The Shelter Years) – great slow tune, you can let it out.
5. Elmore James the Blues Kingpins – Lost Woman Blues – great way to learn open D tuning.
6. Little Feat – Keepin up with the Joneses.
Grif, Trampled Under Foot May I Please Be Excused I’m Blown away every time I hear it!!I
Going up the River – Chris Barber Band (with greatest blues guitar solo ever by John Slaughter)
Make it Rain – Michael Burks
In the Shape of a Heart – Jackson Browne
If Heartaches were Nickels – Joe Bonamassa
Freedom – Richie Havens
Move it- Cliff Richard/Shadows
Wings-Live
Midnight Rambler-Rolling Stones
I am goin down- Freddie King
Paradise by the dashboard light- Meat Loaf
Hay Griff! Anything SRV, & Gary Moore also buddy guy like smoken guns ?? or the Almen bothers. Its all good and may be could you take a slow blues song brake it down and show how to build up a guitar solo .
Feeling Bad Blues-Ry Cooder
Woke up Dreamin Joe Bonamassa
7Dollars in my Pocket Jimi Hendrix
After the Rain Album-Muddy Waters
Basically I drink this stuff in like water every day
Has nobody heard of Rory Block? If you haven’t, you should. Knows more about Robert Johnson than anyone on the planet. And how about some of the old guys? James Cotton, Little Junior Parker, Hambone Will Newbern, Frank Stokes, Skip James, and Willie Brown. Anyway, look up Rory Block, she is great. I was lucky to catch her here for FREE. What Luck.
Brian Setzer, Chet Atkins, Tommy Emanuel and Scotty Moore.
Great idea Griff! Anything SRV, & Gary Moore also a lot of Michael ironman Burkes , Bernard Allisons my guitar and me. Sony Landreth loved seeing him on the Crossroads DVD,s ,I like most of Lloyd Spiegal,s Acoustic stuff also.
Hey Griff, Thank you for your lessons and tips. I enjoy playing blues for it’s tempo and familiar intimacy. My favorite is Christian and gospel music. When I first heard “Jesus is the Rock and He rolls my Blues Away” it became a favorite and led me to the old gospel call and response songs and hymns. It also opened up a door to encourage others to sing their own lyrics and cries to God.
Paul Rodgers tribute to Muddy Waters – Muddy Water Blues. Or any track on the album.
Joanne ShawTaylor – White Sugar.
Anything SRV
Eirc Gales – Relentless
Occasionally a bit of Bonnie Raitt
Niel Diamond 12 Songs
Bad Company – Dangerous Age
I Could go On and On and On and On and On and On.
R.J.
I think you are looking for ‘Have You Ever Had The Blues” by Lloyd Price & His Orchestra.
You can find it on YouTube.
Hey Everyone!
I’m glad you asked because I’ve been trying to find the words & music for an old tune I used to dance to back in the day! The main refrain goes:
Have you ever had the blues? Sit alone by the telephone. Have you ever had the blues?
Well, I don’t know what love is, but this is one thing I know, somebody’s got to help me, these blues
have got to go!
I got the blues and I’m feeling mighty low, well it looks like the end my friend, Yeah, I really got the blues.
Anybody got a clue? Thanks.
R.J.
I’ve been listening to Henry Vestine and Alan Wilson of Canned Heat. What a monster guitar player Henry is! How does he produce that huge tone?
Keb Mo -It Hurts Me Too
Listening to all of Paul Thorn’s stuff…”A Long Way from Tupelo”, “Pimps and Preachers”, etc….Also Stevie Ray.
John Lee Hooker boxed set, Albert King – Born Under a Bad Sign. Rev. Gary Davis. RL Burnside, and a bit of cigar box stuff.
I got turned on too Rory Gallagher lately.I cant believe his playing!!!
Jonas Fjeld playing with Rick Danko and Eric Anderson
Jonas Fjeld playing with Rick Danko and Eric Anderson on album Fjeld Danko Anderson track Drifting Away and others
Bonamassa’s Midnight Blues, Slo Gin, Driving towards the Daylight, Slow Train and many others.
Fleetwood Mac’s 1963 version of Oh Well
Clapton – many
Bobby Blands 1948 version of Stormy Monday
BB King – many
One of my favorites albums John Mayall’s Blues Breakers 70th Birthday Live Concert.
hi griff i love to listen to the early fleetwood mac sound its great les
Kelly joe phelps Lead Me On-album
Jim Suhler-various songs off albums
Greg Brown-various songs off albums
Seasick Steve-various songs off albums
Harry Manx-various songs off albums
Last two names have great concerts on moshcam.com
have been listening to a lot of Gary moore still got the blues
In the last year or so I’ve gone away form Stevie, Eric and Joe who are all so great, to a lot of the good music done in the 60’s and 70’s. People like Johnny WInter- Live in NY, any Johnny WInter is great. Albert King-Live Wire/Blues Power and any early delta blues just for variety. Lil’ Dave Thompson has a great album called “C’mon down to the Delta” which has some good tunes. Some hot players include Smokin’Joe Kubek with Bnois King and Skip Castro.
ONE GREAT TOOL to find out about new and old Blues Players is a GREAT on line magazine at
THE BLUES BLAST.COM. Great interviews with players and new music coming out and you can sample tune and find out where Blues playing is going on in your area and state. Weekly and the articles will turn you on to more talent than you can handle. I’m still trying to catch up music that I heard a year ago. ENJOY, Jack
Buddy Guy wailing out Jimi’s red house…very powerful
hi griff ,I have been listening to warren haynes his band is goverment mule , he is one of the best ,listen to him and bonamassa on u-tube in a duet also warren is one of the best slide players ever and plays sometimes with sonny landreth , listen to warren playing with derek trucks a numer on duel syncronised slide song is on u tube called “old friend ” I THINK YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED ,also the Trucks Tedesci band susan tedeschi and husband derek trucks , this girl can sing a telephone book . let me know what you think . see u later Ron Wood
I either need to ‘grow into’ juice, or forget it about ever trying.
The electric guitar renderings of SRV, Clapton, Bonamassa, and the hard rockers who claim to be playing blues—- when it is really hard rock or heavy metal, leave me cold and a feeling of them exerting a sacrilege on the instrument the more ‘crying and waililng’ they seem obsessed with. As I said, I may have to grow into it, but I bought and sold a strato long ago and never looked back.
BB king, Benson, Wes Montgomery (who deserves greater recognition), and others of the—-I don’t know what to call it—-‘soft’ electric blues, are a joy to my ear. And now I regret selling my Gibson ES, I should have been more patient, but in truth, I didn’t think I deserved such a fine piece with my then low level of ability and persistent lack of talent. ( most of the time I feel like the Salieri in “Amadeus”, bemoaning a god who gave him such a passion for composition, and so little talent with which to express it. Unlike Mozart who was indeed blessed.
That said, although he’s not as versatile as he maybe could have been—almost 99% of his work is at the first position—-Mississippi John Hurt’s compositions and covers is the first CD I reach for when taking a road trip, as well as Robert Johnson’s anything, there are so few, with not one more favorable than another.
The other greats you name you list above, several of them are new to me and I will give them a hearing ASAP.
If any are as hard to listen to as SRV, to me, then I’ll have just pass by.
Acoustic Blues artists, then, are my obsession. And within that framework the differences between say Johnson and Hurt and Hopkins are almost as different as blues vs country vs easy listenin’. I can’t find the ‘blues’ in Casey Jones, or Spike Driver Blues, or Shinin’ Moon.
They are a different genre to me compared to Terraplane, or Come on in My Kitchen, or Rollin and Tumblin’, or Can’t Be Satisfied.
I emphasize, IMHO.
For the past 10 or so years I have attended most of the Delta Blues Festivals and others within in the state of Mississippi along with people all over the world. I believe I have had the privilage of hearing and seeing a range of true blues musicians from Mississippi now past and present performing live from the age of over ninety and down. The root from which the true blues flowered is still blooming here tho transplaned and flowering elsewhere. But, here is where un-beknown to many is where the root is still alive and well.
I have read a lot of these comments and have come to the conclusion that some of these characters know zero about the blues.But they are all entitled to their opinions as am I. I’ve been listening to the blues now for almost fifty years and still find them the most emotionally expressive of the music genres.To sit and listen to “your” favorite artist or artists is like no other feeling I can describe.It can take you to the height of emotion.
Thank you,Grif for helping keep this treasure alive.I’d like to thank everyone out there for sharing their comments also.As it is one of my most enjoyable things in life is to find another blues artist that moves my soul.
When I was seventeen years old I sat outside the side door of a bar in Goleta Calif. called the “Headband” so I could listen to Jimmy Reed.One of the guys working there came and opened the door to let in some fresh air.He let me stay right where I was and now I could actually see the stage maybe twenty feet away.There was Jimmy with his Kay Guitar and his harmonica rack around his neck playin’ all my favorite songs of his.I was mesmerized by his ability to bring the whole crowd up and down emotionally.One minute they would be singing along, a few minutes later they sat in stunned silence as he played his harp.Sadly it was the only chance I ever had to see him. I’ve been a blues freak ever since.
Many great people mentioned here.Here’s a few of my favorite tunes off the top of my head:
First and foremost Eddie Cochran’s “Eddie’s Blues”
Charlie Musselwhite’s “Cristo Redemptor” on the Stand Back album
Key Largo’s version of “That Did It” on History of British Blues
Earl Hooker’s “Hookin” on Don’t Have to Worry
Bobby Bland’s “Poverty”
Eric Clapton – From the cradle. All are great, but specifically like “Sinner’s Prayer”
Skip James- Hard time killing floor
Lightnin’ Hopkins – Bring me my shotgun ( I can and have played this over and over for hours)
Elmore James- Sunny land- (The heaviest sang I have ever heard)
There are many tunes I really like. I’am mostly into Big Bill Broonzy. The tune he does that is my favorite is Willie Mae.
Alex Harvey Band – Trouble in mind ,
Chris Farlow – Stormy Monday Blues
John Lennon,Eric Clapton, Keith Richards. & (believe it or not Mitch Mitchel on drums.)
ALL in same “bootleg” band Playing “Yer blues” (R&R Circus 68)
VERY rare piece of film & a fantastic sound.
Paul L.
Done got old – Buddy Guy is a fave.He’s too cool.Robert Cray has some Gr8 stuff.
>CeeCee James-Low Down Where the Snakes Crawl
>Gary Moore-Still got the Blues
>Kirk Fletcher-Congo Square,Blues for Antone
>Popa Chubby-The Devil’s Guitar
>Ronnie Earl-Blues for Otis Rush
mike bloomfield “stop” awsome groove
little walter” my baby”
freddy king “in the palace of the king”
big mama thornton “ball n chain” with buddy guy
etta james “the sky is cryin”
Griff
Do you know of a good source to purchase some of these blues artists that are listed below?
Roger
Hi Grif,
here two Blues Favorits from far away Switzerland, i’ve seen them both live and these are just great Guys, RIP Michael …
«Ice Storm» played by Marquise Knox
«Feel Like Going Home» played by Michael «Ironman» Burks, nearby my alltime Blues Guitar Favorit
Also take Joe Bonamassa on your list, he’s a real bluesman …
I listen to Xfinity’s Music Choice Blues channel It brings hours joy to hear various blues musician’s pieces
Joseph
Hell Bound Train (Album) by Delta Moon
Tastes Like Chicken (Album) by Bad Influence
Close To The Bone (Album) by Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King (Unplugged)
Jos Turner,( love the stuff you send)
Anything by Roy Rogers (The blues slide guitarist) and there’s a great Canadian blues man named Robert Farrell, check out ” The Heavenly Thrillbilly” it smokes!
I live in South Bay , LA CA. We have a radio station that plays Blues /Jazz . I like Jack king, BB King, Clapton, Muddy waters, TJ Hooker some I listen too I can’t remember there names.
I’m working on learning the Little wing DVD. I’m struggling. I have Artritis in my hands. Here I get your course and my left hand has flared up. Trying to play bar cords is tuff. My Index Finger is weak and stiff. I’m having to skip the “E” and A” String to get pressure on the lower strings. Trying to learn the chords and remembering them has been a Challange. I’m an Old Man from the 60’s/70’s, my memory is not good. Sucks getting old LOL.
All Darrell Scott and Scott Ainslie are usually worth a listen. SA plays a lot of Robert Johnson on a National and has a fine voice.
Hi came across a guy from the 20s or 30s called buddy boy hawkins he played hawkins rag. really unbelievable i no its well advanced of what you are sending,i know you can probably play it, lets have a go please, throw me in at the deep end? best website ever GUS !
Still Got the Blues and Parisian Walkways – Gary Moore – Classic blues by a master who left us too soon!
Hi Griff, Love Keb Mo !! Will now listen and loook at some of the cool artists you have mentioned.
Thank you for the cool lessons and tips. I really get alot out of your tutorials. Cheers
Hi Griff. Please check out Michael Burks. He passed away a few months ago in his prime. A nice man , and left us with some great music.
Hi Griff, I never get tired of watching Wes Montgomery’s thumb and listening to his renditions of songs of the past. Thanks for your emails. I am just a beginner,but am having fun with the guitar and your lessons are very helpful. Thanks again.
I have been a long time Gary Moore fan and for me he will always be my #1 blues player.
Also loving Joe Bonamassa, Keb’ Mo’, Leslie West, Billy Gibbons, SRV and Virgil McMahon.
WOW…where to start? OK, there is an under rated blues guy in the Bay Area name Tommy Castro that I’d encourage anyone to listen to. Specifically, try on his “Can’t keep a Good Man Down” album.
I’ve stumbled upon two other blues artists that I can also recommend and listen to routinely: Any album by Walter Trout and Jimmy Thackery. Both are fresh and bluesy.
Finally, I am all about listening to Joe Bonamassa. While he dances on the fence between blues and rock, when he does get down to business on a blues number, it is blues all the way. There are some great blues renditions on his “Live From The Royal Albert Hall” album. Don’t miss “Black Rock”, either. I could go on as there is a TON of great blues to listen to these days.
Hi Griff and all cool cats and dolls, I always have JJ Cale in the stacker easy to jamb to and simple chords but a great song writer, also Eric Clapton, SRV, Brian Setzer…. G’Day from Australia! Keep practicing and keep it fun!
Mark Knopfler new and old…play along with my new old Heritage as I try to add something positive to the music…between his guitar and Everyman lyrics and stories, I am content as I listen and play along…I feel some progress in healing a blood clot in my thigh…it gave me a reason to slow down and hear the music…this guitar progress and personal healing will always be linked to this time out of mind…these many hours of listening and learning…
Anything by Stevie Ray Vaughan,The Allman Brothers Band, ZZ Top,Eric Clapton, Joe Bonomassa, Buddy Guy, John Hiatt
Really into Don’t Explain album (Joe Bonamasa & Beth Hart) at the moment, Beth’s vocals are outstanding and JB’s guitar work is always great.
Also Snowy White’s (the old rocker) album Blues Agency is surprisingly excellent in all respects.
Last but not least Tony Joe White (the old swamp fox himself) Uncovered album. Maybe not the greatest guitar play but his style is original and still great.
Oh and of course, anything by BB King!
My fav. is Gary Moore. “Still Got The Blues”, “Show Me Where Love Is” Cant figure why Gary Moore is not in the Music Hall Of Fame. He was the best gutair player in the world .
There’s a Badd mammyjammy here in N.Y.C. named Ray Schinnery. Ya gotta here him do
“stoop down Mamma” and “I’m Drinking again”.
A dude from Dallas that I recently re-discovered. His name is Texas Slim. Pure blues. Also, Rocky Athas from Dallas plays a great version of Little Wing. Another killer version of Little Wing; Monte Montgomery ( the best acoustic guitar player I ever heard, amazing! )
Finis Tasby- A Tribute To John L Hooker
Joe Houston-Live At Cafe Voltaire
Big Joe Turner-The Very Best Of Big Joe Turner
I love to hear this time:
Garry Moore – did you ever feel lonely
Dan Granero – the album -Can’t Stand To Lose
Shane Dwight – the album -What You Need . all recordings —>awsome voise and damn good guitar player
Duke Robillard – Blues-a-Rama —>just wow
Dave Hole – Northwest Blues + The sun is shining —>the best slide guitarist i know
Henrik Freischlader – all tunes are super-b
Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King – She Can Smell Another Woman
I hope you like them too and you find some new good guitarist/bands in my list
have a nice day 🙂
“Five Long Years” off Clapton’s “From the Cradle” album is one of my favorites. Great illustration of the minor/major interplay that Griff teaches in his courses. Plus Clapton’s guitar playing is just unbelievably good. For a fun comparison, listen to Buddy Guy’s version of the same song. It’s twice as long and his vocals bleed with emotion.
I also love the Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out” from “Eat a Peach.” Is there a better example of a Duane/Dicky guitar “conversation?” Short but sweet.
just gotsw back from texas buddy miles sweet home chicago the sky is crying SRV hootchie cootchie man muddy waters
i listen to all your videos and i really enjoy them they are very useful to me i am having some trouble using my hand due to some problems with the nerve but i have learned a lot from your method of teaching which by the way is very good . i would like to get some information on bar chords if that is possible.
I’d like to learn some Chuck Berry Runs and Elvis Blues
Like “That’s Allrighrt Momma, One Night With You and Baby What you Want Me to do.
Thanks for your devotion to music!
you’re the Best!
Wayne
Besides Joe Bonamasa, Eric Clapton and all the others I like I think that Jeff Golub is one of the best. Ive been listening to his albums ang going to concerts the last 15 years. His 2009 album “Blues For You” is great and his latest 2011 album “The Three Kings” (BB., Albert & Freddie) is the greastest ever. Considering the fact that in 2011 he lost his sight in both eyes and just recently falling of a subway platform in NY and almost being killed by the train makes me want to support him even more
Okie Dokie Stomp by Hollywood Fats or Cornell Dupree
There’s certainly enough there to be checking out
but try
Albert Cummings – Lonely Bed
Buddy Whittington – Sure got cold after the rain fell
meanwhile i’ll be playing good old Bo Diddley
Daydream by Robin Trower. If Jimi Hendrix had lived, this might be what he played.
Jimi Hendrex; Blues CD. He performs Red House, Cat fish blues and many more good ones.
Griff,How ‘Bout 1. Gary Moore,Still Got the Blues
2. B.B. King and Gary Moore-on YouTube there’s a video of both B.B.and Gary playing “Thrill Is Gone”,and they do a little Cuttin’ Heads which is AWESOME!!
3. Eric Clapton, “Before You Accuse Me”
There’s a Bunch More,But,figured that’d be good for a start : )
THANKS GRIFF!
Bob Malin
Lyons,NJ
Stevie Ray Vaughn…can’t think of anyone I’d rather watch or listen to. He makes it look so effortless.
I have been listening to a compilation of Dr. Feelgood, kind of a mix up of blues & rock-a-billy. Also some Ted Hawkins & Son House.
I love the combination of Sleepy John Estes on Guitar and vocals with Hammy Nixon on Harmonica.
Nowhere can I find tabs or videos on how to play his stuff.
It would be soo cool if you guys covered some of his awesome songs.
Thanks,
Tom
Ry Cooder playing ‘Crossroads’ (from the film) is probably THE Blues song of all time!!
Take care y’all
Chris.
ZZ Top, One foot in the Blues.
This Album is really bluesy, it’s core is similar to what Griff has been teaching.
First of all your doing great things out there Griff
I myself like to listen to BB king ,Blues we like for example and things like Eric Clapton,Driftin blues andwalkin blues
Hi Griff,
Check this out i love this blues session
Super Session – Really – Bloomfield – Kooper – Stills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55tjlXHxyVo
All the best
Rony
Most recently, Joanne Shaw Taylor, White Sugar album.
Have just been given a guitar by my father, its electric, its heavy and I have to play or else, it hurts my fingers it makes me cry, I can’t get a tune I watched your 4 note video its difficult to sit comfortably and look at pc and fingers at the same time, I have to learn or my life is over, don’t know any chords yet, should I run away or is there any chance that I might find hand sttrenght, this is so painful now. can you help me please? Tho.
Rory Gallagher – Live in Europe
Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour 74
Rory Gallagher – Stage Struck
Rory Gallagher – all the posthumously released live albums.
Taste – all four albums: Taste, On the Boards, Live Taste, Taste Live at the Isle of Wight
Derek and the Dominoes – both live albums, and Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
Eric Clapton – 24 Nights, Just One Night, EC Was Here
Gary Moore – Still Got the Blues
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood – recent live album
Led Zeppelin – I to IV (yes, they are blues!)
Hi,
First of all let me congratulate you for having such a wonderful site. Secondly I love the song “help the poor” by BB king and Eric Clapton. Such a beautiful piece of blues guitar playing, so simple yet so beautiful.
Regards,
Nabeel
Just read Buddy Guy’s book..So I have been listening to alot of Muddy, howlin wolf, jimmy read ect..I feel I should try and learn from them if Buddy did…Buddy guy is my favorite guitar player..Seen him several times..
If we are talking only blues, then it has to be Gary Moore stuff, Still got the blues is one of my all time favourites. I tend to like only certain tracks from most other artists.. I also love Eric Clapton stuff and a lot of Dave Gilmour of Pink floyd (though obviously not a blues player in the way of most on here!)
There’s a CD by Kenny Burrell called Blue Note which I’ve been listening to a lot lately! I believe it was Kenny’s version of Chitlins con Carne which inspired SRV to record it. It’s very clean and tasteful!
Difficult one this. I listen to loads of stuff and different genres from classical to jazz. But from a blues point of view, I enjoy Robben Ford too. Just read Buddy Guy’s biography so got more into his music of late. For inspiration I like listening to Carlos Santana, in some ways simple but well structured guitar playing.
Always been a big fan of Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, SRV, Clapton et al.
From a modern perspective, the more I listen to Bonamassa the more I hear true genius. Going to see him in Sydney in October so looking forward to that.
Often considered to be too pop to be blues or too blue to be pop, so bold as to say it as he thought it was through his music and as a result forced to do much of his recording and concert work in England, my absolute favorite blues man seems to be long forgotten by you of the younger set. I’m speaking of Josh White out of Chicago. You can make all of the arguments I mentioned above, but his over-powering voice, compelling material, and rhythmic acoustic guitar work always swung.
Paul Main
Warrensburg, Illinois
I have been listening to bb King-Blues on the Bayou, The Allmamn Brothers Band, Buddy Guy-Buddys Badest, Robert Allen Jr.-Turn Your Radio Up, Gary Moore- Bad for you Baby, Robert Cray-Strong Persuader and Dave Mason-26 Letters, just to mention a few.
These are some of my favorites BLUES albums.
Buddy Guy —— SKIN DEEP
Blindside Blues Band (Smokehouse Sessions–Vol. Two) —— THE BLUES IS EVIL
Joe Bonamasa ———- BLUES DELUXE
Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers ———- ALPHABET BLUES
SRV – Little Wing – Smoothest sound I have ever heard
Buddy Guy – Red House – Really plays it like he means it
The Up And Gone lesson was just what I needed. Messing around with the slide on that lesson gave me that push to finally do what I set out to do when I bought the slide. It is blues based rock as opposed to blues, but I have begun to learn “Woke Up This Morning” by Nazareth.
Oh Yea, Delbert McClintock, Never Been Rocked Enough
Savoy Brown, Street Corner Talking
Any SRV
Any BB King
One of the best music-related purchases I made in recent years was subscribing to Sirius Xm radio — mainly for their blues channel, called BB King’s Bluesville. For someone relatively new to blues, I absolutely love it and listen nearly every day. it’s been a great introduction to a wide variety of blues artists ranging from some of the forefathers, and foremothers, of the blues as well as more contemporary artists that are already listed in other posts here.
I would strongly recommend anyone wanting to learn more about blues music spend the $110 a year to get the Sirius. I don’t work for Sirius or have any financial connection to the company, this is strictly a listener recommendation.
all the above
Listening to every Gary Moore album I can find.
I love this mans work !
Have to bring up Jimmie Vaughan’s CD “Plays more Blues, Ballads & Favorites. And Steve Cropper, “Dedicated” CD. If you’ve missed these, you don’t want to.
Joe Bonamassa- Sloe Gin, Blues Deluxe
Gary Moore- I’ll Play the Blues for You
Delbert McClintock-Shakey Ground
Michael Burks- Empty Promises, Got a way with women
Walter Trout- Mercy
Coco Montoya- Woman have a way with a fool, Free
Albert Cummings- I’m Free
Jimmy Thackery- Edward’s blues
Luther Allison- Middle of the road
Tinsley Ellis-To the devil for a dime
I could go on and on. I love these artists also Ana Popovic, Eric Clapton, Albert Collins,
Awesome selections folks, please keep this list up, great inspiration! LIke Robert Cray and EC performing Old Love (can be found on youtube) Also Robert Cray and Albert Collins the Dream, (can be found on youtube).
I have been listening to a CD of ” Mississippi John Hurt” and find his style fascinating ,
Please give me your thoughts about his finger picking ?
Maybe I missed it, but I haven’t seen the best slide/harp combo out there…Roy Rogers (Slide guitar) & Norton Buffalo (Mississippi Saxophone). The entire album entitled “R&B” is an absolute joy for your auditory system.
Keb Mo’ Standing at the station,Colin James,National Steel,Doug Cox,While my guitar gently weeps,Lighting Hopkins,Allman Bros,SRV.
Alvin Lee- Bluest blues- Woke up this morning
Sonny Terry- White boy lost in the Blues
Peter Green(Feetwood Mac)- oh well
Dire Straits- Down to the water line-Six blade knife
It’s a oldie St James infernary
I missed out the title of Mark Knopfler. It is “The Ragpicker’s Dream” I also forgotten to mention “Boogie People” George Thorogood.
Thanks Griff for sending ” Acoustic Blues Guitar Unleashed” so promptly. I have had it now for about 2 weeks. I hope this will develop my blues playing.
I am a fingerpicker.
Although Mark Knopfler isn’t a renowned blues artiste. His roots are blues (in my opinion, also his)
I have just recently purchased one of his CD’s and I find this a very good back to roots blues CD. At the moment I cannot stop listening to it.
Before you judge, just listen, you might be surprised!
I have been listening to BB King “The Thrill is Gone” Seasick Steve CD and Lead Belly CD.
My two favorite tune of all time is Little Wing done by SRV
and Train kept a Rollin by Aerosmith. Love your programs. Being self taught with playing and reading music, you shine a light on alot of areas I wondered about. Things that books don’t teach me. Keep em coming. Bob.
Wow the comments already listed all of my favorites.
I do like BB King and Muddy waters a lot. I even played The thrill is gone and Ive got my mojo working at the last local open mic. If you have not played at an open mic yet, it is very scary but a big rush. Sure is a great feeling when everyone is clapping for you.
One guy came up to me after I played and said, I love your stuff. That was great.
Gary,(gmoney) keeping the blues alive.
Shannon Curfman. Loud Guitars about 12 years ago. Anyone heard of her or what she’s up to? Think she’s from Minn & went to high school with Johnny Lang. Keb Mo Am I Wrong & Gonna Tell Everybody I Know
Try Tab Benoit’s new one, Medicine.
My favourites
1) key to the highway – claptan from Layla and other assorted love songs
2) Further than we’ve gone captain Beefheart from Bluejeans and moonbeams
3) smile on my face – Peter frampton from frampton comes alive
etc etc etc
I like to listen to Lightnin hopkins and John Lee Hooker….wish I could learn to play like that.
More than any other…
I absolutely love the Allman Bros version of “Stormy Monday” and also “Tin Pan Alley” by SRV but I enjoy blues from a big variety of people and bands. Big Delta blues fan ( maybe because I’m from Mississippi ) like BB King, Robert Johnson, Son House. I like listening to Joe Bonnamassa, Albert King, Kenny Wayne Shep, Willie Dixon, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy ( his guitar playing anyway cuz sometimes his vocals get on my nerves ) Albert Collins, Keith Wyatt, Robben Ford, Johnny Winters, and so many more. At the age of 42, some say I’m too young to like the music that I do but I cant help it…..I love that GROOVE.
I love all the posts and like minded people here and agree with 99% of the opinions.
Out of all the awsome blues acts I saw during the July 4th 5 day Portland Blues Festival (and yes I attended eveyday) 21 year old newcommer Marquise Knox by far was the most refresing blues artist I have heard in many years. Check out his Album and title song “Here I am” This kid will carry the torch a long ways. You have to check this guy out. Today. Right now.
Just being an old and crippled, bass player, I keep my 6-string around for fun, and when my brother chuck comes a-calling. He’s always good with the Allman’s and EC, We both like the old stuff from Muddy Waters, and all the King family LOL. Daddy taught us country blues aka Hank.
Hey Griff,
I’d firstly like to thank you so much for all yor emails, you are without a doubt the best teacher I’ve come across and I’ve learnt heaps from just your emails (nearly mastered “Down to the Station”).
I would really like to learn abour R L Burnside’s sytle.
Thanks again bro!
Paul from Australia
P.S Sorry I havn’t bought anything yet!
Being Irish…maybe a little bias:
Rory Gallagher – “Messin’ with the Kid”, but anything, really. The story about Jimi is probably untrue since Rory was hardly known by then. But such an axe-master, and pure joy on stage.
Gary Moore with Freddie King “Stormy Monday”. Find it on youtube.
Louis Stewart – Louis is known as a Jazz guitarist and educator. But for rock and blues, hear him on the original record of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Adrian Campbell – Honorary mention, but not blues.
SRV – Anything, especially “The House is Rockin'”
And agreeing with Lonnie6a…Fire Down Below – Drew Abbott, cool.
Right now I be listening to BB.King ” the thrill is Gone’, Humming Bird
SRV ” Texas flood”, Tin Pan Alley
Albert king “born under a bad sign, I almost lost my mind
Albert Collins “Hot and Cold along with Icy Blue
Also listening to George Benson “On Broad way, Love all the Hurt away One of my favorites jazz pieces
Of course the Isley brothers “Eternal
and last but not least “Bob Seger “the fire down below
must keep a load of different artist around along with My Gospel favorites that keep me grounded.
“The canton Spirituals, Melvin Williams,Mighty Clouds of Joy and a list that would make you drool.
Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Big Mamma Thonton, Albert King, BB King, Freddy King, Willie Dixon, Jimi Hendrix, John Hurt, Skip James and Charlie Patton ……. etc. The Original Masters of the Blues.
see previous comment . Wrong ID Not laqdyman Ladyman
Coming from a small country town in south australia and discovering Hendrix through a friends introduction via the record club at boarding school in Adelaide , (you would get three free albums by mail which took ages and it was still ages more till your parents had to pay for them ).
Along with the Hendrix axis of love and Band of Gypsies was also a band called the Doors, Morrison Hotel and LA Woman .
There was no personal radio and even so ,this music would not have been played much if at all main stream. No ipads no computers no mobile phone ,
The music came as LP records in elaborately artwork covered sleeves I can still remember the smell of the vinyl when I opened them up
The Doors were great but tame compared to Hendrix Who blew me away, I was fifteen at the time and my next big issue would be the Vietnam war call up in three years . Being sent to a foreign country to murder or be murdered by complete strangers or go to jail for refusing to
Mean time it was considered offensive to wear your hair long ?
I never realised the connection at that time to the blues.
There were no drugs available to us then the music its self was it.
Amongst this confusion and madness the music opened up a door to a more sane place .
Now much later in my life having time to go back there and via the computer have instant access to the roots to it all Robert Johnson Muddy Waters BBKing John Lee hooker all those black american blues players and the westerners players that were inspired and joined them .
A whole new journey is opening up again .
In my car i have a compilation tape some one made years ago of John Lee Hooker. I had it burned on a cd and I listen to it endlessly over and over through the traffic ,chills me out , so much space in his music ,I can just be in there,…. like the… Feng Shui… always leave one empty wall in you house concept .
Always room for new vibes to enter .
Through the years my fumblings and bumblings bits and disjointed pieces of very undisciplined indulgences with various guitars have both frustrated and inspired me .
I have no real interest in performance but love chilling out and playing for my own amusement .
I really appreciate Griff going to the trouble of opening up some doors for me .
In a very short time im now able to start to understand what is going on.
Hopefully I can begin to apply some constant articulation now , rather than relying on
intoxication and the occasional random revelation.
Thank you very much Griff.
My intro to Blues is a roundabout one…I watched/heard the Rolling Stones do some really great stuff on the Bigger Bang DVD set. That is what kicked me off looking at at playing blues cause I found it fascinating….and have had no idea how to do it till I found Giff….and I just got my “Acoustic Blues Unleashed/Delta Slide Blues Unleashed” in last nights mail so the “no idea how to” part is hopefully going to slide into the history books
Hey I already mentioned Joe Bonamassa which many did. I also like Zeppelin, Lynyard Skynyrd, Clapton and a lot of the 60’s & 70’s stuff people mentioned … How about Robin Trower? I didn’t see him mentioned and I always really liked him.
Tinsley Ellis………..
Baby,please don’t go,boom boom,hideaway,red house and purple haze by Jimi,the super sessions with Michael Blommfield,the original versions of suzy q and I put a spell on you.Most of these songs are difficult to play.It is however a pleasure to try and listening to it!!! I like the bleus but I like also some energy in it.It must make you stamp your feet on the ground,along with the ritme.
I’m listening to a lot of 70s “soft rock”, to Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, mmmmmmmm, that’s about it. O yes, some of that Guthtir family’s stuff.
Joe Bonamassa — all of his stuff is great but … his version of ‘Just Got Paid’ is awesome. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SiVgNcYwZc
Hey this is really a cool idea…So I thought I might drop one on you…now I know that there are a whole bunch of really well known blues guitarists out there…and trust me I do have preferred favorites among them like so many others…but…personally I make it my goal to find the relatively unknowns…well if you get the chance you’ve got to check this guy out…really…the name is Jeremy Lyons…I met him in New Orleans about 6 years ago…Playing Delta Style Blues and Rockabilly…
He plays slide…and standard style…he’s a fingerpicker…and I swear the guy’s got three hands with 6 fingers and two thumbs on each…I never heard so much sound from one guitarist…and yet he could lull you to sleep with the subtlest of lines…he’s not out of NOLA these days thanks to Katrina…but works from the Boston Cambridge area…He can be found on Facebook…he also sidelines with the group Morphine playing mostly 2 string slide fretless bass…but it’s the solo material you want to hear…very down to earth and rootsie…and he’s a real humble guy…very approachable…check it out.
I agree Robben Ford but his tribute to Paul Butterfield and a new discovery for me a British blues guitarist called Matt Schofield. Well worth checking out!
My current favorite is Billy D and the Hoodoo’s. His group and his unique vocals have a way of making the complicated look so easy. I listen to him often to pick up leads, bass, slides and rhythm tracks.
Rory Gallagher version of – Pistol Slapper Blues, I Could’ve Had Religion, To Much Alcohol – is what I’m playing with right now. I like everything Rory has done though.
First and foremost GM, who got me interested in Blues and giutars.
Gary Moore – Still Got the Blues for You, Parisienne Walkways, That’s What The Blues Is All About and Stormy Monday.
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood.
Robben Ford – Help The Poor.
Jazzy Diana Krall – All her slow ,soulfull Jazz favorites especially Temptation and Devil May Care.
Of course, all Led Zeppelin. Don’t know why they classify them as Heavy Metal.
Haven’t really gotten around to listening to all Blues players, I’ll get around to them in time. If I live long enough.
Joe Bonamassa Dust Bowl or anything else that Joe does, good stuff
B.B. KING / Say No More
S.R.V
The most expressive melodic rapturous guitar to me is Buck Dharma, Don
Roeser, of Blue Oyster Cult. I don’t see how these guys aren’t the gurus of earth. Their music sure is ecstatic, especially live.
Sean Costello – Be sure to give his music a listen
Buddy Guy
BB King
And the usual list of supects
And One more thing check out “The Roadhouse” Podcast.
Ronnie Baker Brookes, Guitar Shorty, Son House, Bukka White…… Joe Bonamassa
Pretty much everything by these guys: Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro, Jimmy Thackery, Michael Burks, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Debbie Davies, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, The Phantom Blues Band, Ana Popovic, Nick Moss, Curtis Salgado, Shane Dwight, The Nighthawks, and of course Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray, and Joe Bonamassa, but that just goes without saying! There’s so many more, but that’ll do for a start!
Hayes Carll’s – Little Rock & KMAG YOYO CDs.
Ray Wylie Hubbards new – The Grifters Hymnal CD
Booker’s Guitar by Eric Bibb, really nice acoustic blues.
Not sure what happened to last post.
Eric Bibb
Booker’s
The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s old school blues
John Lee Hooker
The song where she sleeps with an icepick in her hands
Machine Gun…Hendrix
The Powerful Rock/Blues of the Late Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy) will always be on my Jukebox, in my Guitar Amp on the SD card, and in my car. I have always loved “When Love Comes to Town” featuring BB King. I even like watching the old re-runs of the variety show “In Living Color” and watching and listening to the Character named Calhoun Tubbs…you know the guy who always said…”Wrote a song ’bout it…like to hear it..? hear goes” All his Blues songs lasted no more than 13 seconds and he wrote all of them in the same key and there were at last count over 3000 of them! What a riot….!
Early Savoy Brown, 1960s Best Album “Blues Matter” best track Train to Nowhere.
Clapton with the Bluesbreakers, Delaney and Bonnie and his solo work.
JOE BONAMASSA
Dennis Dulea, (rev.muddy) He plays great Texas blues.
Not my cross to bear – Allman Bros.
So Cold – Tab Benoit
Leopard skin pillbox hat – Bob Dylan
Things I used to do – SRV
Steamroller – Elvis
I was born and raised in Clarksdale, Ms. Think I’ve heard a little blues. Robert Plant there in August for Sunflower Blues festival.
If you need a little laughter listen to Elvin Bishop’s “Sweet Potato” on the Party till the Cows come home album released in 1968. I do have all the words on an attachment if you get in a silly mood and want to tab it out.
Bonnie Raitt, SLIPSTREAM. There’s nobody like Bonnie.
I really enjoy Tab Benoit&Louisiana’s LeRoux……. Night Train to Nashville album is great.Also,Joanne Shaw Taylor – White Sugar.Gregg Allman’s Low Country Blues is sweet,too.Another great artist is Eric Bibb.And one more – Gurf Morlix.Hope everyone enjoys these.I really look forward to more feedback from all ya’ll.
Blessings ,
Nate
I enjoy many blue’s artist’s. But none of you have yet to mention the blue’s from Lynyrd Skynyrd!
Mr. Banker, Ballad of Curtis Lowe, and they have more. They are awesome at everything they put out. Including the Blue’s..
Eric Gales “railroaded”
As a matter fact the whole “Transformation” album smokes.
Definite Hendrix flavor.
Keb`Mo does it for me.He covers the blues from acoustic to slide to electric! Fantastic musician……..
I am listening to Joe Bonamassa’s Royal Albert Hall gig from a couple of years ago. His version of Rod Stewart’s ‘Blues Deluxe’ back when he was with Jeff Beck is a great take. Every track is top notch.
Peter Green has been mentioned a lot and I just watched a documentry about him and the old Fleetwood Mac. It is great to see him with a guitar in his hand after all those dark years.
1. Me and My Guitar by Freddie King – just such a killer groove
2. Griff Hamin Blues guitar …………………
Check out the late Dave Ray – 12 string accoustic finger-style blues and wonderful vocals. Leo Kottke’s first album or two, hard to find, are blues oriented. I love ragtime blues, Mississippi John Hurt, the Reverend Gary Davis.
Anything by Gary Moore! Roy Buchanan. I wouldn’t call him a blues man but, Brian Setzer plays a boogie that’ll blow your boots off.
Still Got The Blues For You by Gary Moore
Robin Trower – Bridge of Sighs
I love slow, heavy minor stuff.
My top 5 songs are:
1. Love, Life & Money – Johnny Winter (1986 “3d Degree”)
2. So Many Roads – Otish Rush
3. I Smell a Rut – Buddy Guy (1980 “Stone Crasy”)
4. I Wonder – Robert Cray (1986 “Strong Persauder”)
5. Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin (1970 “Led Zeppelin III”)
Yes – lots of Freddie King and BB – Hubert Sumlin great solo on Howlin Wolf’s “Shake for Me” – Joe Bonamassa brilliant – seen him live – blew me away. Peter Green had wonderful tone and another of John Mayall’s protiges Mick Taylor plays some great slide.
im mostly listening to sandi thomes Merchents and theives album at the moment, its a great album with a nice mix of tracks on it
JJ Cale / Eric Clapton, Leonard Cohen, SRV to mention a few, today I listened to Led Zep 1 driving to work, hard to pick a favorite so many great artists and with every genre having its own version of the Blues
How about Paul Butterfield’s born in Chicago Mike Bloomfiled on guitar and Butterfield on harp, Albert Kings Filmore West album and for good measure a little Charlie Musselwhite.
Bob
Recently saw Claude Bourbon, mix of blues and classical and some slide guitar, not heard anything like it before. All played on a Gibson acoustic guitar with aperture pick up fitted.
The original Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwan, Mick Fleetwood
and John McVie
Session musicians:-
Christine McVie, Bob Welch Bob Weston Dave Walker Billy Burnette Rick Vito Dave Mason Bekka Bramlett, Bob Brunning.
Some truly brilliant blues playing!!!
Eric Clapton and the Blues Breakers
B.B. King techiques
Albert King
Eric Burdon and the Animals blues songs
Slowhand album
Jimi Hendrix live at the BBC sessions, his tricks
More blues turnarounds so we can get the tune right
Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and Bo Diddley Super Sessions
The David Gilmour solos, they got a lot of blues into it
Carlos Santana first 3 albums…
Dark Was The Night Cold was The Ground by Blind Willie Johnson. Real dark and doomy blues.
Dust My Broom by Elmore James. Brilliant slide playing. ZZ Top do a blistering version of it too.
Tin Pan Alley by SRV. Atmospheric cool blues.
The Last Matador of Bayonne by Joe Bonamassa. Great guitar playing.
Still Got The Blues by Gary Moore. There are so many of his but that’s what I’m listening to at the moment. Just learned to play the intro too.
Henry Qualls passed away however this little known Texas blues meister lays it down like it once
was. Many performers disapoint me as they actually crossover and get out of the slow mournful
sounds of home brewed blues down here in Texas. Watch Henry use the open strings in E major as he adlibs his own vocals and does a little slide with whatever he has in his hands. Get on a slow burn with Henry and friends.
Jerome Kelley
Jimi H.
Stevie Ray V.
Lightining hopkins
One of My latest Favs.Would be Beth Hart and Joe Bonamasa doing Etta James old songs.Those 2 are a great match.
Buddy Guy Cut you loose
One of the Greatest would have to be Buddy Guy. This is someone that Clapton looks up to, as did Hendrix, just to mention a few. And while not just a blues player, Jeff Beck is one of the best around.
All the songs that everyone has listed from SRV are good, but I would have to say that “Mary Had a Little Lamb ” is by far my favorite of his recordings.
I haven’t read all the comments here but of what I did read I haven’t noticed anyone mention one of the great grandfathers of blues…. Huddie William (LeadBelly) Ledbetter. Pretty much anything he did from “The House of the Rising Sun” to “Black Betty” was pure gold and worth listening to by anyone who loves blues.
On 100.6 FM “The River” in Raleigh, NC, on Sundays 9-12am DJ Kitty Kinnin has her “Jazz, Blues, and Everything Eclectic” show (very good, btw,) and recently she played the very first recording of “Ice Cream Man” by (I believe) John Grimm…so I went to YouTube to try to see / hear it again and man did I find some great stuff ! Everyone and their brother has their own rendition of that song (the most famous of course is the Van Halen versions)!
I now have a greater respect for rock ‘n’ roll bands that have taken old blues tunes that most people have never heard before and turned them into super cool rock versions that get heard around the world !! I’m glad I have lived during this period….wish I could go back and re-live the 60’s and 70’s !!
I belive everyone here has listed all my favorites (Jonny Lang, Albert Collins, Joe Bonamassa, Albert King, SRV, and many more, too many to list !! Thank you every one !!
Country/Delta. Bernie Pearl and his mentors.
The arrangement of ‘Give Me One Reason’ by Cray, Bonnamassa and Riteneur.
The Allstar Texas Blues version of ‘Take Me To The River”
Canned Heat version of ‘Rollin and Tumblin’
“Too Many Dishes” by Donnie Miller on Reverbnation.com.
Back Door Slam
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Tab Benoit (ALL)
Duke Levine, Joe Bonamassa
Hendrix – hear my train a comin (electric)
Hendrix – once i had a wowan
cant beat em
1. Kenny Wayne – Born with a broken heart, True Lies, Blue on Black.
2. Joe Bonamassa – Stop, Ballad of John Henry, Woke up Dreaming.
3. Chris Beard – All night Long
4. SRV – Pride and Joy
5. Gary Moore – Still Got the Blues
6. Albert King and SRV – Match box
1. srv in step
2. talk to your daughter
3. paul rogers muddy water blues
4. ian moore ian moore
5. gary moore still got the blues
One more thing,saw Joe Bonamassa live in Portland Maine in May,You just cannot believe his guitar playing..quite a feast for gearheads too
Anything Joe Bonamassa ( Stop,Dustbowl,Slow Gin etc..) Srv,tightrope,voodoo chile, and Govt Mule also Jonny Lang
While my guitar gently weeps.. 2 cd compilation.. some awesome guitar playing : )
Pride and Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Three of my favorite albums:-
Blind Faith, Cream, Royal Albert Hall May 2005, and Otis Rush & Friends Live at Montreux 1986.
Always have enjoyed your teachings. You make it so simple and easy to follow, even though I am not that good, But have managed to learn a little bit. Even though I do not write often to thank you, through this message I thank you for all your wonderful imparting of your technique and knowledge.
Fond Regards,
peter
“Bon Ton Roule’ ” Mason Ruffner
“Statesboro Blues” Taj Mahal
for old style blues.. give me Howlin Wolf and his guitarist Hubert Sumlin
for classic rock/blues.. Alvin Lee and Ten Years After
for current rock/blues.. Bonamassa (probably the best guitarist I’ve ever heard)
the future.. Gary Clark Jr. (Bright Lights EP.. Get It!)
Turtle Blues – Janis Joplin, Boom Boom – John Lee Hooker, Roadhouse Blues – The Doors, My Babe – Willie Dixon, Stormy Monday – Allman Brothers, and an old classic, Goin’ Down the Road (Feelin’ Bad). Unknown artist.
‘Need your love so bad’ by anybody – you can’t do it badly and it’s so-oooo blues.
‘Sweet Home Chicago’ by anybody – but especially EC
Everything Allman Bros. have done
.
Current ‘must listen to’ album at the moment is Paul Rogers (formerly of Free and Bad Company) on his Muddy Water Blues album giving his take on several Muddy Water classics. He uses several guest guitarists including Slash, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Brian May, Gary Moore, Dave Gilmour and Steve Miller. If you have not heard it then give it a go – it’s awesome!
some of the tunes by los lonely boys “cotton fields and crossroads” is one i can thnik of at the moment
there are alot vof great bluesmen that i listen to. but may favorites and biggest enfluences are lightnin hopkins and brownie mcghee
Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Howlin’ Wolf
40 Days – Muddy Waters
Lord, I Wonder – Katie Webster
Porter Boy – Allman Bros.
Nice And Warm – Tab Benoit
Red House – Gary Moore (Strat Pack Live)
Anything by The Allman Brothers Band
Leave My Little Girl Alone – SRV
You Don’t Love Me – Coco Montoya
Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Clapton
My Time After Awhile – Buddy Guy
Lots more…
Anything by Tab Benoit…also a little known slide blues guitarist/song writer also from deep south Louisiana, Michael Juan Nunez. Another Louisiana son, David Egan, and of course, Sonny Landreth. Go Cajun, Bayou Blues!
Rich Robinson & Mark ford & Jeff Cease from the black crowes.
Gary moore , still got the blues or any Gary Moore Blues material. East coast rockin blues folks like George Thorogood and Flamin Harry. Frank Marino is unbelievable. Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, and a kid out of Philly, i think it’ Eric Seickel? Last but not least Robin Trower. Did someone say FOGHAT!?
Corey Harris, Keb’mo, (his earlier cd’s) Tab Beniot, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Buddy Guy, Coco Montoya, Clapton, John Mayall, Melvin Taylor, Neil Young & Crazy Horse,Old Crow Medicine Show, Sam Bush, Walter Trout, Whipping Post, Allman Bros.
Gary moore , still got the blues or any Gary Moore Blues material. East coast rockin blues folks like George Thorogood and Flamin Harry. Frank Marino is unbelievable. Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, and a kid out of Philly, i think it’ Eric Seickel? Last but not least Robin Trower
Allman Bros. Live at Filmore East!
new Beach Boys CD
New Jack White CD
New Joe Walsh CD
Jeff Becks Emotion & Commotion
The London Sessions Howlin Wolf
Social D greatest hits
luther allison
pine top perkins has a guitar player that is great can remember his name right now
erik clapton to be obvious
all the kings lol
i have many best of the blues cds that i pick up in the bargain bins
bonnie rait
I’m addicted to melody. So if it’s really sweet I’ll spend many hours on it,,,Cheers
Since you have alluded to stealing guitar licks, I have become aware that originality is difficult to create. I look for it and have tried to find it. It is a tough road.
Eric Bibb. First learned of him in a CD review in Acoustic Guitar magazine some time back. Recently picked up one of his CDs recorded during a live performance. Absolutely love it. His guitar backings are simple but beautiful.
who can forget roy buchanan….duane allman….frank marino just for the way he attacks the notes…of mahogany rush….kam from cannibis lemons….from the album blues ain t nothing but the sky….
Mick Taylor – A Stones Throw, Albert King – Funky London, Albert King with SRV, Lynyrd Skynyrd – Street Survivor, Steve Miller – Bingo, all seem pretty cool to me, Mick Taylor is so underated please check him out, also on You Tube, reckon if I have to choose, and I don’t, Mick would be my favourite!
hi guys! really in to the blues!! have 11 walter trout cd’s, 11 joe bonnamassa cd’s ( blues deluxe & drivin towards the daylight come to mind). srv(sky is cryin’). tab benoit (best of the bayou blues)!!!! rory gallagher!! can’t forget skynyrd! my only tat!!! songs like (same old blues,cry for the bad man!!) i think all the stuff you,re doing griff is great. the best!!! mike
Many of Eric Bibb’s songs like:
Flood Water,
Too Much Stuff,
Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,
Hope in a Hopless World,
Guru Man Blues,
Circles,
Also a song called “None of Us are Free” by Solomon Burke
And my favourite BB King song “Right Place, Wrong Time”
Blues is Blues Griff .. whatever scratches my back … gets into my head i like … doin’ a gr8 job mate ..
“Le ave My Little Girl Alone” SRV Very hardcore blues.
SRV of course, I would love to see you do a lesson on Little Wing, especially on acoustic.
Whippin Post (from Gregg’s solo album “Searching for Simplicity”)
Jack Pearson plays slide on this song, it is just fantastic….
Griff, Your recent “Slide Blues guitar” video’s reminded me of this arrangement, which is by far my favorite…I seriously hope my wife ordered the acoustic and slide series like I requested…
Also I am lovin; the mini-Barre chord lessons, and yesterday, I decided to figure out the rhythm guitar for this song, (by ear…so I’ll update you in 6 months…lol…I actually found a youtube vid of gregg playing this specific arrangement on a strat, so it will be easier)
Hi Griff came across an old blind willie mc tell vinyl. Absolutety amazing, the track i trying to learn is statesbourogh blues, so many variations on the web, perhaps you could incorporate this song and give us a lesson , what do you say? Gus UK.
Peter Green anything. I also like Blues for Greeny CD by Gary Moore.
Boz Scaggs Come on Home is a much overlooked album and never disapoints
Mississippi Fred McDowell
Joe Bonnamassa
Johnny Winter
SRV and big brother Jimmy Vaughn
Going to the the 25th anniversary of Oregon Food Bank’s renowned Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, July 4 to 8 th in Portland, Ore. I might have some more favorites real soon.
150 acts includes: Steve Miller Band, Elvin Bishop Band with James Cotton, Bettye LaVette, Booker T, Bobby Rush, Charlie Musselwhite, Toots and the Maytals, Curtis Salgado, Galactic, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Mannish Boys, Roy Rogers, Lionel Young, James Hunter, and Otis Taylor
Hey Griff,
There sure is a world full of fine blues out there. I’m a huge fan of the late and truly great Rory Gallagher. One cool track was his mind blowing solo on Albert Kings “As the years go passing by” on the Blues from the Road disc. Rory blistered the first solo and Albert was understandably more than a little impressed. Both of those guitar giants are greatly missed.
Hey Griff,
Thanks for the chance to say a little about a artist. Being a 58 year old player, lately I have been listening to Joe Bonamassa. What a awesome guitarist the guy is. No matter what type of music (check out his Live in New York DVD) he does everything from acoustic blues to Rocking with the great Paul Rogers. I can’t seem to get enough and now Black Country Communion has a new disk in the making. His work is truly going to be legendary now and for years to come.
Thanks for listening
William
It’s been Bonomassa, but recently discovered Davide Pannozzo, who plays clean, deep, and heart felt blues. He’s now my new Favorite!
Have listened a lot to “Colin James” and a song called Cadillac Baby very nice solo on this song,
a little big band blues or whatever you call it. Very great track.
He has a very nice sound on the guitar on this song, and it was what struck me most when I heard the song for the first time.
Hi Griff
I’ve ben listening to
Hubert Sumlin, Brian Kinght, Frank Goldwasser & Roger Hurricane Wilson jus to name a few.
Thanks Griff keep up the good work
“Nobody knows you when your down and out” done by many artists but E.C. belts it out good but maybe even better is Janis Joplin’s rendition. E.C does real well with “Driftin'” and “Waling Blues”. And I would really like some pointers on how he uses a slide on “Walking Blues” I like the way E.C takes any Blues song and makes it different even though they would just be blues like any other, that is, he always puts something unique on it. “Walking Blues” and “Driftin’ ” are two good examples of this.
Ken
Robben Ford: Talk to your daughter. The lyrics! And the playing.
Eric Clapton: Key to the highway. Numerous variations on the lyrics and fun to play!
mw jlh mis jh tbw hw ms ettea j soney boy w well that just a few little wallters joetheshakerRBL
Mississippi John Hurt…
Oh yeah I recognise quite a few of those but a few of my favs r
SRV Caught in the Crossfie / Sky is Cryin
Lucinda Williams CD2 of Car wheels on a gravel road trax 8 onward but Hot Blood *****
Janis Ian Bright Lights and Promises Blus version as she performed it on songwriters
circle BBC series – stunning should go on release
Mojo – TP & the heartbreakers. Mike Campbell is brilliant.
Tupelo – John Lee Hooker
and, of course Griff’s lessons!
Saw Gov’t Mule last week. Warren has a way of playing laid back blues with twists that are not necessarily what the ear expects – which makes it totally interesting.
Reading Iron Man – Tony Iommi – good story
Rory Gallagher (Moonchild) and anything!- Joe Bonamassa Blues Deluxe and everything (Check out Mountain Time / Bridge to Better Days) – Peter Green – Steve Winwood, Led Zeppelin (Since I,ve Been Lovin You (LZ III) Come back Jimmy!!. Early Clapton / Bluesbreakers, Walter Trout and Leslie West (Mountain and beyond)
Each to his own but these are superb. I hope you agree
Take care
Hi, We just lost a blues great. I had the good fortune to meet him and his band members several times. Michael (Iron Man) Burks. He passed away several weeks ago while returning from London.
Check him out on Youtube.
thanks, Jim
Lately it has been 2010 Crossroads, Joe Bonamassa, and Gov’t Mule.
Peter Green O Well and listen to CBC/music stream
mark knopfler the master of guitar
how about mark knopflers “millionaire blues”?
Oh yeah, forgot……..Rory Gallagher…’ Bullfrog Blues’
Listening to anything and everything ‘ coz I’ve been lucky enough to get a job singing in aThai band as well as learning to play!
So I’m playing and singing ‘Get a haircut ‘, (George Thoroughgood) and hey, he’s no slouch with the blues, is he? Also, ‘Walking by myself ‘ (Gary Moore) Neither are classic blues tracks but they help the confidence massively when singing or playing stuff like ‘ Before you accuse me ‘. ‘Crossroads’, ‘ Rock me baby’ and ‘The thrill is gone’.
My point is that you’ve got a voice….use it as an aid to playing. I’m no great singer, but the confidence grows and the playing with it…..particularly where the musicians, who are technically great, don’ t have the Western feel for R & B that we tend to. Last comment on a good song to play and sing……’ Dead Flowers’….Rolling Stones……that solo in the middle….
I jump around a little but currently listening to Robert Cray, Joe Bonamassa, Albert Collins, Kenny wayne Shepard and of course I’m always up for Stevie Ray Vaughan.
How can we not mention Johnny Winter?
Currently listening to Definitive Leadbelly, Joe bonamassa Driving towards daylight, Eric Clapton Crossroads. all great stuff, the old, the new kid on the block, and the Master.
Rory Gallagher, Robert Cray, Coco Montoya plus all the guys you all have mentioned. Check out Max Russell on Reverbnation. Max is a local bluesman, we live in the Muscle Shoals, Alabama area. There is a butt load of talent around here. Going to hear Kelvin Holley, tonight. Kelvin tours with Little Richard. Google Gip’s Place in Alabama you guys will love it. Giff is an awesome picker and teacher, thanks for all you do for the blues.
one of my favorites is working mans blues, but a I like the version done by Diamond Rio, Leroy Parnell, and Steve Wariner If you haven’t seen the video on you tube, you don’t know what your missing. I also like the stumble done by Jeff Beck. There are a million more, you can’t take Eric, BB out of the picture.
Matt “Guitar” Murphy and “Buck’s Boogie” from the “Way Down South” album.
Have always been fan of Jorma Kaukonen ( J. A. , Hot Tuna ) and David Bromberg, then found out both were students of Rev. Gary Davis. Also huge fan of Siegel Schwall band , a local favorite Bar band from Chatown. See if you can find their reunion disc. Really great if you could break down something off Hot Tuna first Thanks Mike
some of u like tommy emmanuel…let me tell you that he is a great guy….met up with him some years ago…very likeable and decent bloke….if you can get to listen to his brother playing he is as good….wish they would get together for a jam session !!!!
Gary Moore, R.I.P.,, RED House love the Whiskey in the Jar(o) song and the Parisian Walkway cant get better blues guitar work
I listen and follow James Clem
you can find him on you tube. Also the great Mary Flowers
John Fogerty is a number fan of his
As well as John Fahey, I have always loved Rev, Gary Davis, Miss. John Hurt, Son House and all the old masters. It”s where everything came from. I also like the acoustic stuff Jerry Garcia did with David Grisman
John Fahey. been listening to him sinse 68.
I agree, I could listen to Robben Fords and Texas Food over and over
I am listening to Robert Cray at the moment. Just finished w/ new Taj Mahal CD. I am a blues -rock guy so Exile on Main Street is never very far away. Their version of “breaking down” is awesome. I am just learning to play and I find some of the Stones stuff the most interesting. Except for the lead parts, I got “love in vain” down.
Greatest album of all time is Layla. I do like Robben Ford a lot!
Old Lovin’ Spoonful cover of “Sportin’ Life” Great changes….
E E7 A Am E B#7 B7 or 9ths of course ( intro)
E E7 A Am oBfl7B7 oF7F#7 ABflB 9th stepdown segue
There are two guys out there now that I have been listening to lately. One is Joe Bonamassa. I saw Joe mentioned by many others. The other is Richie Kotzen. Check out his album “Bi-polar Blues”. Besides being a great guitarist you will be blown away by the guys voice. I was trying to listen to the guitar work when I first heard him and found myself saying, “Who the hell is the guy singing?” I was shocked when I found out it was him also. One of his best songs is “Doin what the devil says to do”. So many great ones to list. “Payin dues” or “Your Entertainer” frome the album “Peace Sign” are good also.
Hey Griff love your work man. Any thing SRV for me. Best guitarist ever would have to be Tommy Emmanuel, check out this video http://youtu.be/qQhECkexmSI, then pick your jaw up off the ground.
Keep up the good work.
hey griffo,
Joe Bonamassa is a HUGE fav of mine , any album
Ronnie Earl
The Buddaheads (ha ,had plenty of that in the 80s)
Eric Gales Band
Eric Johnson
Jullian Sas
KW Shepherd
Robin Trower
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Walter Trout
hope this helps u out mate
regards Grahame Ross from Downunder 🙂
Sonny Moorman Band out of cincinnati, oh. this guy was part of warren zevon’s touring band and is a great player. he covers Harlem Nocturne, Chitlins Con Carne, and alot of others and also has alot of original music.
Kid Ramos-Two Hands One Heart
Hollywood Fats Band-Rock This House
ZZTop-One Foot In The Blues
One of my all time favorites Sweet Home Chicago Buddy Guy or Claptons Verizion !Allman Brothers One Way Out Statesboro Blues Stormy Monday Blues among others.Doc Watson Deep River Blues one of the all time greatists. God rest his soul just passed away A month back.
Not to forget Stevie Ray Vaughn.I try to imagine the kind of things he would be doing if he was still with us.Rest In Peace.I Loved Life By The Drop Tightrope Crossfire Texas Flood The Sky Is Crying Mary Had A Little Lamb the list goes on !
Eagles , Beatles , James Taylor , Gorden lightfoot ,and all the 60,70,80s singer songwriters . They all have a few blues songs ( J T Steam roller blues ) etc .
I like Red House by Hendrix and Statesboro Blues by Pat Travers, but I don’t know how anyone could top this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYGl4RCtw0Y&feature=related
This week it’s Gary Moore
I love the blues of Peter Green with the original Fleetwood Mac.I need your love so bad is a great tune.
David Bromberg. Still trying to master his slow blues on acoustic. His arrangements of Dehlia, Sugaree and Statesboro Blues are all fantastic.
Here in the UK we have a weekly radio program called the Paul Jones R and B show. (Yes, you’re right. He’s the front man of the Blues Band as well as a radio broadcaster.) On the evening of Monday 18th June he had in the studio a band called Eddie Thomas with Paddy Milner and the Big Sounds. They did a live version of a song called ‘Daylight’. All I can say is, absolutely fantastic. If you get the chance check it out.
Blind Willie McTell – Lord Send Me An Angel
Magic Sam – album
Mississippi John Hurt – Richland Women’s Blues and Pallet On Your Floor
Who inspired Gary Moore was Roy Buchanon now he is an old blues player. What I like about Roy is that alot of his music was instrumental stuff. Which lets you concentrate on the playing. Takes your attention off the singing part of a song. Plus his playing is more laid back and not so aggressive
Roy makes the blues sound so effortless. If you’ve never heard any Roy Buchanon he has made 100’s of albums. Give him a listen, and you won’t regret it. Who knows , it just may inspire you to have a little different outlook on the Blues. It also may turn you on to a whole new aspect of the blues too. Try it you’ll like it.
Not much on blogs either but appreciate this forum! Just found Cash Box Kings album; Holler and Stomp(2010). It’s a great blend of old style Chicago blues with modern vibe! I thank you all for your input and will have a fiew new players to find off your list.
“Still got the blues for you” Gary Moore, still hits the spot for me, great playing, greater passion.
Colin
If i tune the guitar to E and use a slide I can get a pretty good rendtion to Rollin and Tumblin, endless verses to it by all kinds, EC, Dylan, Muddy
Hi. Griff. Each time I open one of your emails I get a notice that there is a problem with your security certificate being out of date.and not to open the site. I open it anyway . Are you aware of this……Cheers…………….Ron
Not strictly blues, but certainly blues-influenced:
1. Don’t fear the Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
2. Whisky in the Jar – Thin Lizzy
3. Presence of the Lord – Clapton
Blues:
Judgement Day Blues – Caroline Wonderland
Blind Willie McTell (this one is crying out for a killer solo not in the original) – Dylan
Robin Trower-In City Dreams, Bridge of Sighs, Long Misty Days. All of Stevie Ray, Live version of Thrill is Gone-BB King With Gary Moore. Gary Moore-Still Got the Blues, The Messiah Will Come Again (both live versions are awesome!!). I Need You- Lynyrd Skynyrd (love this tune). Rik Emmett-Rocky Mountain Way, Out of the Blue (tribute to Stevie Ray). Don’t know if this counts but Nutbush City Limits-Tina Turner. Kenny Wayne Shepard-DeJa Voodoo, Black on Blue. Guess I’ll stop here cause I could go on & on.
Mike Blumefield and Elvin Bishop playing with the Paul Butterfield blues band. They took it to another level, especially amazing seen in person if anyone remembers.
John Hammond….the best acoustic bluesman alive.
Kelly Joe phelps lap style blues guitar……very moving.
All the regulars; Stevie Ray, Hendrix, Clapton, BB,……………………..and ooooooooooooon mind blowing. Lights to major cables,WOW.
In electric blues : All the Kings (BB, Freddie & Albert), King Biscuit Boy; Hooker & Heat, Eugine Hideway Bridges
Acoustic Blues are my favourite: Mississipi John Hurt, Ry Cooder, David Bromberg, John Hiatt, Bob Dylan, Sonny & Brownie, Taj Mahal, Roy Rogers, Keb Mo…
Never been to the USA but I would visit just for the music, with New Orleans top of the agenda.
listening to Eric Clapton , Beano . Albert King , Born Under a Bad Sign , Jimi Hendrix , Concerts .
Muddy Waters ,The Best of Muddy Waters . Rolling Stones , Love You Live . ZZ Top, Fandango. Buddy Guy , Slippin In . Eric Clapton , From The Cradle
1. I need you- Lynard Skynard- one of the first I learned
2. Might be your man- Alman Brothers Band- alwats a good mixture of slide and licks
3. The thrill is gone- B.B. King a great song to play
4. Stormy Monday- Alman Brothers- like a guy said before me, no explanation needed
Gary Moore version of as the years go passin by
Blind faith
ERIC CLAPTON PRESENTENCE OF THE LORD
Gary Carter When I found theLord I lost the blues …Must chk it on U tube he hsa many others as well
Most versions of little RedRooster
Stormy monday Allman bros Fillmore east …no xplnation required …
Gary moore Still got the blues 4 U
Humpty blues by The Guess Who
Hollin Wolf … add an SRV OR Freddy King texas swing or nitty gritty dirty blues grind
all the ones listed below and a lot more, jazz country blue grass all contibute to the blues in some way. I love all kinds of music,blues is just a big part of it.
A lot of great names are mentioned already, a few others worth checking out:
Black Joe Louis & the Honeybears
Vintage Trouble
Kelly Joe Phelps
Lance Lopez
Hillstomp
Indigenous
The Black Keys remake of Junior Kimbrough album – Chulahoma
One of my favorite blues songs is a song that not too many artist cover except Gregg Alman, and I’m not sure if he wrote it or not, but it’s” Ain’t My Cross to Bear”. The lead guitar that comes in after their fast moving instrumental sends chills up and down my spine. I also usually have not to much of a problem picking out chords ,but that song I have not been able to . Another song I can’t pick out the chords is Sam Cooks “A Change is Gonna Come”. And i know their not that hard I guess I’m so impatient and I think well I know all this stuff I don’t need to know everything ,but I do !
Check out Otis Rush, As The Years Go Passing By, this is real chicago blues, when he plays the lead, close your eyes and listen to every small nuance in his string bending. What a master!
All the people mentioned are great but the style I love is played by guys like Barney Kessel and Kenny Burrell.I know! that’s not blues,it’s jazz.That’s my scene.
Matt.
Mississippi John Hurt. Can’t get enough. Saw him in Newport and in Providence back in the day. Have made a life-long labor of love of learning all of his repertoire. Love the blues, but love the old-time country blues the best.
Also Paul Geremia… last of the real country-blues-men. An amazing talent I got to know in Newport in the 70’s. If you don’t know his music you are missing out on something truly grand.
Joe Bonamassa-Just got Paid
Anything by Larry Carlton
Gary Moore – Still got the Blues for you
Ya know….I liked the way Roger Miller wrote guitar parts for The Blues and other styles. Very Talented Man.
Top of the list for me must include: Johnny Winter, Alvin Lee, Jimmy Page, Richie Blackmore, Guys like that.
I am a huge fan of Lightning Hopkins and a local band called Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin Bastards.
Joe Bonamassa!
Johnny winter, Rory Gallager, Robert Cray, Walter trout, Jonny Lang, John Hiatt, Papa Chubby.
A Million Miles Away( Irish Tour ’74 album)-by Rory Gallagher. Cypress Grove- by Tony Furtado. Edged in Blue-by Rory Gallagher. A bit over-produced but still incredible. The Bluest Blues-by Alvin Lee from Pure Blues (a bad title for the album but a killer song. George Harrison plays an awesome blues slide solo.)
Hi Griff, and hello fellow blues fans and aspiring guitar players,
Everybody is mentioning a lot of good names and I agree with almost all of them, I have been listening to the blues since my 20s (I’m 60 now) so I’ve heard a Lot of good players.
Here’s a shout out to Tony who lives in L.A. (my home town) and listens to 88.1 KLON, great blues and Jazz station (I wonder if Bernie Pearl still does the ‘Nothin but the Blues’ show) I listened to that station when I first started hearing the blues.
I haven’t heard Anders Osborne mentioned (He’s a guy who moved from Sweden to New Orleans) and is a really good player.
I really like Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Lightnin’ Hopkins, J.J. Cale, Muddy Waters, oh Hell I could go on and on there are just so many good musicians out there.
I should also mention Canned Heat, they did a lot to keep Blues alive, although some of them had trouble staying alive. They are still playing, and I’ve met a couple of them.
Thanks, Griff, for everything YOU do to help us.
Jim
Oh…as far as players go…all the ones mentioned are super! Let’s not forget Joe Bonamassa…
I only check once and awhile on ya’ just to make sure you’re still the best! Other than that…all your stuff is great! Keep it up, man! My teacher Al Casey would be proud of ya’!
Billy D and the Hoodoos album, especially Somethin’s Wrong
Senor Blues by Taj Mahal. every song a treat.
John Lee Hooker – Don’t Look Back A cool album from an elder statesman.
Lucky Peterson – I’m Ready ( A great blues voice)
Mystic Mile from Robben Ford is another terrific Cd from this cat.
I will willingly steal from any player. Clapton during the Cream era is a great source, (and later but I like Cream right now). Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, Django, Albert King, BB (does it not go without saying that anyone interested in learning to perform blues [as opposed to playing blues] must return to the source of modern blues, BB King?), and I am still inclined to try and emulate singers like Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrae and someone who surprised me with her handle on blues, Nancy Wilson. If your are going to stretch as a musician, as opposed to a blues player, try not to confine your interest to ONLY guitar players. Musicality, context, phrasing are items that ALL musicians must come to grips with and few do it better than a seasoned vocalist. Instrumentalists can only hope to approximate the dynamic range and the sweet touch of phrase that good vocalists achieve with relative ease.
Hello! Griff has many favorites, and you teach very well, have learned a lot thanks to you
SRV, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Moore, ZZ Top, Bonnie Raitt,
Johnny Winter, Rory Gallager, Pat Travers, Mike Morgan and the Crawl, Eric Bibb
Tab Benoit, Jimmy Thackery – Nice & Warm live
Joe Bonamassa – Blues Deluxe (album)
Albert Cummings – Lonely Bed & Feel So Good album
Ana Popovic – U Complete Me (blues Version)
Keb ‘ Mo’ – Am I Wrong
Eric Clapton – Someday After Awhile
Got to say Clapton doing ‘ I’m Tore Down’ and The Allman Bros. version of ‘Done Somebody Wrong’ are my two all time favorites-Got a local boy up in these parts name of Albert Cummings that’s done some CD’s with Stevie Ray’s band and has some great chops-but anything that gets muh finguhs tappin’ and muh feet shufflin’ is aalright by me…
joe listening to DION .JOHN MAYER. KENT DUCHAINE.AND DOUG MACLEOD. a great talented group of guitarists oh and if you havent heard mississippi JOHN HURT try to have a listen to KINGS OF THE BLUES great stuff
Ronnie Baker Brooks, Michael Burkes, Eric Steckel -I’ve seen these guys @ Jax Blues Festival and they are all killer blues guitarists !
Kim Simmonds, Savoy Brown, Raw Sienna album, 1969.
Alberts Shuffle Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield.
Listening to a lot of early Smokie (because I can sing along. Sing did I say sing? I would say the cat had a better voice than me :))
got a 4cd pack that is called simply blues and has BB King and most of the old, old, old blues stuff before recording studios by sound of some of them..
” Just got back from baby’s “, I found this ZZ Top CD called ” One Foot In The Blues ” with a ton of great Blues in it. I was looking to hear A Fool For Your Stockings. And stumbled on to Just Got Back From Baby’s , ol Rev Willy never sounded better !!!
I’m listening to Little Dreamer, Peter Green’s follow-up to In The Skies, which I’m listening to too!
Like Statesboro Blues by the Allman Bros..
Every blues fan will enjoy Otis Rush performing “I Can’t Quit You Baby” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy2tEP3I3DM.
Jimmy Page took many a cue from this guy.
Notice how he plays lefty, but plays a right handed guitar, which means his chords are inverted. It gives him that trebly attack on the downstroke. Albert King and Dick Dale play(ed) the same way. Dale invented surf guitar with that descending arpeggio that sounds “wet.”
This video is rather vintage but still has great clarity. Notice that audience of hepcats at the end! Ha!
I never get tired of this great clip. Still one of my favorites.
TG
Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, Kenny Neal, Gary Moore, Michael Burks, Howard Tate, Big Momma Thornton, The Kinsey Report, Lucky Peterson, The Nimmo Brothers, and Steven Seagal (really).
SRV, The three kings of blues, John Mayer Trio, and Hendrix…
Hi listening to Joe Bonamassa, some Gary Moore, Gov’ Mule Leslie West,
I have been an Allman Brothers Blues Band fan since 1969, in all of their various manifestations/
configurations.
I will listen to any legitimate and accomplished Blues Musician who’s out there, including most of the ones you noted.
I listen to a radio program out of Long Beach here in California on 88.1 FM that is called “Nothing but the Blues”, and, oh my, it is what I look forward to every week end, and I hear great stuff I’ve never heard before.
Thanks for asking,
Tony…{=hear=}
Anything by Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal or lighting
Hi Grif. It’s my first time on the blog, I’m not really a big blog guy. Anyway, Ilike to listen to any blues that come along. Joe Bonamasso is sounding good and I have a cd of Mississippi Blues with people like Luther Allison, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, Memphis Minnie and a bunch more. Great cd on Putumayo World Music.
The lessons are great and I’ve learned a few tricks from them. Keep it up.
Brian from Boston
Hi Grif, you do an excellent job on your videos! I like Freddy King also ” in the palace of the king” ” goin’ Down. Also like ” high water everywhere ” by Joe Bonnamassa.
Best Regards, Dan
Have You Ever Loved a Woman – Freddie King — his guitar is so expressive it just wails emotion.
The Plearsue is All Mine – Jimmie Vaughan. Jimmie’s lean, playing is right from the heart with no frills. He records live, with no overdubs and is REAL. As Buddy told me last year when we were doing a gig, “Gator, I think Jimmie’s playing the best pure blues out there right now.” People who don’t get Jimmie, don’t get the blues.
Tab Benoit’s last 2 CDs—all top-knoth in every way. Check out Nothing Takes the Place of You.
Albert Collins – Dirty Dishes. Powerful, piercing, dynamic and totally unique. Damn I miss Albert.
Otis Rush — Anything he did. If you want soulful blues, look no further. Otis never cared about pyro-technics–he didn’t need them to rip open your heart.
Slim Harpo, Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy,
I just went to a Joey Bonamossa concert with a friend. Totally awesome. I don’t know the names of the songs, but what a craftsman.
Another favorite is Derrick Trucks with the Allman Brothers playing Statesboro Blues
Recently found a video on youtube of John Scofield responding to a request to play a traditional blues piece, in an appearance at a music store. Nice illustration of your advice to shift from major to minor with the chord changes. Tasty licks as well! Search John Scofield blues on Youtube.
My dream would to be able to mimic Michael Bloomfield’s 1968 Super Session guitar licks… Michael seems to be one of the MOST under-rated blues guitarist in the world today…
Here is the album (legally posted in it’s entirety)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_X0MR6mSqyA
Uploaded by guitargods2009 on Jan 29, 2012
The classic 1968 Columbia jam album in it’s entirety. One of my all-time favorite LP’s. Michael Bloomfield just tearing it up on that ’59 Burst.
Track listing:
(tracks 1-5 feat. Michael Bloomfield)
1. Albert’s Shuffle – 0:00
2. Stop – 6:52
3. Man’s Temptation – 11:09
zz top -my head in mississippi
eloy
john mayer’s Gravity hits the spot for me…
I like to listen to Leslie West,
the CD is called Blue Me.
His guitar licks cut right through your skin.
New Joe Bonamassa album ( Driving towards the daylight ) Joe always puts his spin on Blues coming up with some great minor Blues that do not follow the typical run. Listen to ” A place in my heart & Too much ain’t enough love.” The whole album is great with inspiring riffs!
Enjoy!!
My latest album is Revalator, Tedeschi Trucks Band, really good. I am also revisiting Layla and other Assorted Love Songs, with freshly trained ears it is really good.
SRV – everything. Clapton – Me & Mr. Johnson. George Thorogood. Johnny Winters. Muddy Waters. Keb Mo. everyone who plays or listens.
First song I ever heard by ZZ TOP, Billy Gibbons playing Blue Jean Blues. Soulful, tasteful masterpiece. Great idea for us to find more music to keep the learning excitement high. Thanks!
There is a magic on Gary Moore work beside his unique playing talent . His music move all Inside you… So intense that I feel what is Bethoven for the classics is moore for the Blue… Thanks God for that gift…
An absolutely incredible guitar master, Gary Moore. His song “Still Got The Blues” is a rediscovery of what blues and rock combination can produce. His discography as a whole has a lot of lessons to be learned, if you perk your ears up a bit and listen. He’s sorely missed, even though it was after his passing that I really discovered what talent he possessed.
eric clapton….”double trouble” off just one night
eric c “further on up the road”,,,live album just one night
big bill broonzy”where the blues began”
buddy guy”too soon”
muddy waters”hoochie coochie man:”
any delta blues …slide…finger picking…awesome
Chris Cain!!! Check out his YouTube “Chris Cain with Tommy Castro. A couple of very good players.
Picked up Country Blues by Lightnin Hopkins this weekend. Listening to it had me reaching for the acoustic.
Electrically it is Jazzy-Bluesy RANDY BACHMAN !
I gravitate towards the original acoustic guys where it was just one guy and a guitar. Robert Johnson, Bill Broonzy, Brownie McGhee and Lightnin Hopkins but also lesser known guys like Baby Tate and Son Ford Thomas.
Also am seeing Sonny Landreth on July 5 here in Toronto! Very excited
Sonny Boy Williamson!!!!!!!!Those notes ……and his phrasing is so dead on.Emulate that harmonica and you come up with some real tasty blues licks on guitar.
Currently having an RL Burnside phase. Both electric and acoustic. The man sure could play.
Muddy Waters – I’m a King Bee
Anything by Tab Benoit.
acoustic blues is my favorite.
i watch and listen to all the big names , try to go to concerts.
there are some local people that are very good.
blues and southern rock music , thats me!
Always love to hear “Have You Ever Loved A Woman” from Derek and the Dominos Live.
The guitar drips with passion and Clapton shows how dramatic and moving changing from major to minor can sound.
Or some Bukka White.
Red House-Jimi H. and others by Jimi.
Led Zep
Allman Bros.old and new
Derek Trucks stuff
Warren Haynes Band
Clapton
North Miss.Allstars
Delta Moon
Mayhall
All of it old and new
BB King, Jimmie Hendrix, Derick Trucks, T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Jeff Healey, John Lee Hooker, Junior Brown, Junior Wells, James Harman,Kenny Neal,Mike Reilly Band, North Mississippi Allstars,Ronnie Earl, Tab Benoit,Tommy Castro, and so many others.
Forgot to point out a Davy Knowles song to check out..
Gotta Leave.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2fFwQ_A4DY
So happy to hear Bonnie Raitt return!
Mississippi Fred Mcdowell Highway 61, simple and brilliant
ANYTHING Eric Gales… |-)
I like to listen to all kinds of blues, from classic early stuff to SRV and those who came along right after him like Chris Duarte and Kenny Wayne..
Lately, I’ve been listening to much Robert Cray.. He’s kinda blues, kinda soul.. I like all his stuff, but an easy to play ‘catchy’ song would be Phone Booth.
There’s also a young guy I like to listen to who is very much in the style of Rory Gallagher and the like.. heavily influenced by that time period of blues/rock.. His name is Davy Knowles and his band is Back Door Slam (named after a Robert Cray song actually)
He’s young but has a powerful voice and chops for days.. worth a look. He’s opened for the Who, toured with Warrent Haynes and Paul Reed Smith thinks enough of him to have given him a 1 off 20K guitar as a gift~
Eric Clapton- From the Cradle, Crossroads Festival videos!
SRV – Texas Flood, The complete SRV
Joe walsh – Crossroads Guitar Festival And awesome duo with James Taylor doing Steamroller.
John Mayer & Robert Cray Something’s wrong with my baby- youtube
John Hiatt- w/ Robert Cray Somethings wrong with my baby- youtube
John Hiatt- My Baby
Bluestime with J. Geils & Magic Dick
Coco Montoya- Dirty Deal
Jonny Lang
Kenny Wayne Sheppard
John Mayall
I could go on….
SRV has always been an all time favorite of mine but right now I find my self listening a lot to – hold on to your chair- The Beach Boys . I am fascinated by the harmony and their actual recording band known as the Wrecking Crew. They were the best studio sidemen, many who had phenomenal jazz and blue careers of their own.
Better Days – Susan Tedeshi
The Last Song – Tinsley Ellis
Still Got the Blues for You – Gary Moore
None of the above is I-IV-V and all are learnable by an advanced beginner I think.
Great musicians and tunes picked by all, but here’s a couple extras: Roy Buchanan’s version of Sweet Dreams, and Tom Principato’s One Night in Hindustan.
THE BLACK CROWES, LIVE AT THE GREEK.
Oh, and Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band in St Lucia.
Wes Montgomery – ’round midnight
Yes, to Freddie King (try live version of First Time I Met the Blues), Buddy Guy (Miss Ida B), Joe Bonamassa, BB King (try Sweet Sixteen) etc.
But how about a few less obvious suggestions:
Some fine blues vocals with brilliant blues guitar playing from unlikely quarters –
Michelle Shocked – If Love was a Train
Tracy Chapman – Give Me one Reason
Bob Dylan – Til I fell in Love with You ( on Time out of Mind)
James Taylor – Steamroller Blues
Some great women players:
Sue Foley – Two Trains
Bonnie Raitt – Love Me Like a Man, Queen of Sheba
and maybe less well known but worth a visit…..
Seasick Steve ( try Rooster/Free Freight)
Eric Bibb (Kokomo, To Know You)
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Dirty Pool, Texas Flood, Cold Shot, The Things I Used To Do, Couldn’t
Stand The Weather, Tin Pan Alley, Riviera Paradise
Walter Trout – Finally Gotten Over You, Hardtime Blues, Walkin’ In The Rain, Come
Home.
Jimi Hendrix – Red House
Buddy Guy – Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues
Rory Gallagher – Garbage Man
Kenny Wayne
Sheppherd – Deja Voodoo
Jimmy Thackery – Chained To The Blues Line
Smokin’ Joe Kubek – Armadillo Blues
Melvin Taylor – Born Under A Bad Sign
Albert Cummings – Barrel House Blues
Going Down Slow by Johnny Winter from About blues – Just wonderful acoustic guitar and vocals and the version by by Duane Allman from the Dream box set is majestic.
Sonny Landreth and Mark Knopfler -Blue Tarp Blues is remarkable.
Junker’s Blues by Champion Jack Dupree
Katie Mae by Lightnin Hopkins
I could go on …
Joe Bonnamassa live albert hall
Warren Haynes Man in Motion
Johnny Lang Long time coming album or any Johnny Lang
Buddy Guy tho is really my favorite
Robin Trower
i listen to robert cray often . thanks jim
I’m 67 and English, woke up to music 1959 with early Elvis and then to the Brit bands of the 60s, sampling all sorts along the way . Lost my way with Led Zep, Pink Floyd and ACDC returning to blues with ZZ Top ,John Mayall the later years with Coco Montoya playing the lead. Settling into some oldies, Big Momma Thornton, Muddy Waters, to name just two. Lately Joe Bonamassa, Sloe Gin is my drivetime CD and Dirt in my Pocket the favourite track…. and yes I can play those chords 🙂
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s version of Texas Flood inspired me to name my son after him and I Have listened to it more than a 1,000 times.
BB King/Eric Clapton’s version of Three O’Clock Blues which is maybe the best blues tune I have ever heard. Ridin With the King CD.
BB King/Eric Clapton’s version of Help The Poor on Ridin With The King CD is pretty easy to play and one of my favorites.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s version of The Sky is Crying makes the hair on my arms stand up.
Jimi Hendrix’s Red House, awesome.
Muddy Water’s Hoochie Coochie Man, for sure, and too many more to list.
Stormy Monday by any blues artist but especially BB King.
Voodoo Chile, by Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stones
With ya on your #2, SRV is “KING”, Albert, Freddie, BB! Anything by Joe Bonamassa, Corey Stevens-Blue Drops Of Rain, Johnny Lang, Damon Fowler, Dave Gross, to name a few!
I’ve listened all the forementioned and respect them all, but I’d like to add Stephan Grossman, Lidsey Buckingham and Nick Drake to the list of esteemed bluesplayers
Shades of Blue by Kirk Fletcher
Every body and anybody especially Drifting Charles
Mississippi John Hurt. Blind Willie McTell. Blind Lemon Jefferson. Howlin´ Wolf
Peter Green – FIRST TRAIN HOME. Alvin Lee – THE BLUEST BLUES.
All of the aforementioned plus Johnny Winter, Jimmie Vaughan and Joanne Shaw Taylor’s Blackest Day ( off the White Sugar Album) is to die for
Buddy Guy,….is “The” guy.
All these Blues acts were and are and always will be great and top drawer,But their is a new kid on the block that the world is just starting to hear about and as we will All know off and recognize(it’s already in the works,as we speak) and it’s a world class virtuoso living and pickin’ right here in So. Ca.by the name of Craig Banta! You can get a little sample of his awesome and nimble talent on YouTube,and later in the year you’ll experience his explosive and sometimes supersonic approach and take off as he demonstrates an amazing, untiring and utterly advanced personal stamp on this Beautiful Mistress that we call The Blues!!! Check it out and enjoy the ride as he will show us what it means to Ooze the Blues……..
You’re forgetting Harvey Reid for easy listening blues: gets you in the mood for the hard stuff. Blues And Branches a good album to start
Ronnie Earl, AWESOME blues guitar player!!
There have been so many wonderful Blues musicians through the years but for me it can only be Rory Gallagher. A Beautiful person and magical musician.
Jim Brynes….a bluesman his whole life. Plays in the Pacific Northwest mostly (lives in Vancouver, BC) but if you ever get a chance to see him in a small venue, TAKE IT!!!! He’s a real gentleman, a great musician, a walking history book of the blues…and he puts so much of himself into what he plays…you FEEL the pain he sings about…a number of CDs out, pick one – all good…
Others: Clapton, SRV, GT and the Destroyers, Hooker, (Great call Mark on Mott The Hoople!!!)….BB King, ZZ Top, Seger (Bob, not Pete), Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Alana Myles…if it makes me move, if it touches my heart, if there’s a message I feel, then it’s worthwhile art
Hi Greg, I’m really into – and you might enjoy – Ledbelly – Backwater Blues, Big Bill Broonzy – When did you leave Heaven?, and Davy Graham – Mahmoud; Blues for Ruthie Geno plus
Cheers, Peter
Anything by the greatest, Joe Bonamassa but particularly his tributr to Gary Moore, Midnight Blues from his Live at the Beacon perfoprmance.
Has anyone listened to Mott The Hoople’s very first album with Mick Ralphs on lead…worth a try.
Boom Boom Boom Boom…….Johnny Lee Hooker……Always gets me movin
Hy Griff Ive been messing about with an old blues song, this version by Elvis Presley called Baby What You Want Me To Do. I find the song very versatile and you can put bass runs into it and little tweaks and riffs.without changing the tune. I start it off with the intro to Buddy Hollys That’ll Be The Day, a fun way to develop plectrum techniques Regards
really like the mike bloomfield style in the super session (finale-refugee) and mick taylor at Laurel canyon some wonderful licks
1. Robbed Ford – Moonchild Blues
2. Jimmy Thackery – Hobart Blues – there is probably a hundred lessons in this song.
3. SRV – Hide Away
Peter Green – Need your love so bad.
Joe Bonamassa and George Thorogood most regularly. My favourite guitarist – Buddy Guy.
Big Bill Morganfield, son of Muddy Waters, a great Bluesman in his own right.
Aynsley Lyster from the UK and from Florida, Damon Fowler, all worth a listen.
Also to prove Griff’s point I have just been listening to Sonny Landreth for the 1st. time. Thanks for the tip Griff.
I listen to anything by the great B.B. KING, but I was watching tv and liked the opening to a show, looked the song up and I got to say I really like this guys music style: TAB BENOIT – Shelter me.
Dutch Tilders – the man recently died from cancer, but undoubtedly the best blues man Australia ever produced. Check him out on Youtube. His last – “Goin’ on a Journey” was recorded knowing that he was about to leave us. He has been recording fantastic blues stuff since the 1970’s.
Lord have mercy on me – Juniour Kimbrough
I’m in love – Juniour Kimbrough
Pull your clothes off – Juniour Kimbrough
ball and biscuit – the white stripes
anything form Albert King, BB King, Robert Cray, Trucks/Teducci Band
You folks forgot the best of the best, Mike Bloomfield !
God bless his soul
I fell in love with Rory Block years ago and still love her acoustic blues syle. I have not heard much about her lately though.
Eric Clapton’s Crossroad DVDs (three now) a treasure trove of great guitaris from BB, Hubert Sumlin (RIP), to Joe Walsh, Eric Johnson to Vince Gill (no one better). Radio-wise: BB King’s Blues (variety of artists) 24 hours a day on XM radio. Also, up here in Sacramento, every Sunday on Public Radio I listen to “Mick Martin’s Blues Party”b — Blues from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Ditto on Freddie, SRV (Jimmie too), BB, Sonny, and Robben (and the Ford Bros.) Check out The Charles Ford Band for early Ford Bros. recording — really fantastic.
You may not be familiar with my guitar heros, but blues influence all kinds of music. My list includes Merle Travis, Chet Atkinss, Doc Watson and Hank Snow. I have seen BB King and SRV live as well as Clapton, and I appreciate their contributions to the evolution of guitar music.
Cant get enough of Rory Gallagher lately. Cant go wrong with ANY live Allman Brothers.
I think my favorite of all time is Loan me a Dime by Boz Scaggs, I also have been listening to Melvin Taylor.
Try janiva Magnus!
Walter Trout
Joe Bonamassa
Ronnie Earl
Tom Principato (!)
Sonny Landreth
Peter Green
Danny Gatton
SRV
BB King
Albert King
Jam Bands (many)
Early Doctor Feelgood, from Canvey Island Essex England! There 1st two albums are second to none in my mind, Wilko Johnson’s rhythm guitar is awesome, based loosely on Mick Green’s style; of the Pirates fame. Feelgoods 1st album Down by the Jetty was recorded in the 70’s in mono and has recently been remastered in glorious stereo, if you have not heard any Feelgood check this one out!
Keep up the good work Griff.
Ive benn palying rythum for yaers and knew the scales but never knew how to apply them.
me and three other guitarist were jaming the other night palying Hey Jo and I ripped into a solo I never knew let alone the others knew i had in me WHAT A BUZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pink Floyd
Led Zepplin
SRV
Rolling Stones
Joe Bonamassa
Walter Trout
Eric Clapton
Oh ….sorry but I forgot Rory Gallagher….listening to Last of the Independents-this kicks butt
1.Joe Bonamassa-Dust Bowl, this album just slays it.
2.Billy Gibbons-everything
3.anything by Matt Schofield or Robbwen Ford
Clapton CD especially “Run Back to Your Side” & Kenny Wayne Shepherd
anything bonnamasa,b.gibbons,page,walsh,and,dwayne of course ….anything low down and dirty blues -rock. hold the bend,let e’m scream swampy, slow.bump and grind stuff zz top does excellent work turning ” teddy bear “/elvis into just that on “xxx” …way cool! love that kind of stuff!…..dude!……heartbreak hotel!!!!!!—- I get residuals on that one ! as a drummer its grueling to keep that slow groove up to lead the band…….but as a beginning guitar player, i love the room for the guitar to sing…its a good thing!
Alman Brothers- Stateboro Blues
Bonamassa
Smoking Joe Kubek
Albert King
Derek and the dominos.. Live at Fillmore
Robert Cray
Any Clapton
Yo yo gabba gabba rocks too
thank you for the tips going to check them out.
Check out jack white with the white stripes, tears up the slide on catch hell blues and the de stilj album.
Well…with out thinking about it for a second…here are the last three things on shuffle at 4:30 am…
Jesus just left Chicago…ZZ Top
After Hours…Roy Buchanan
Separate Ways…Gary Moore
Goin down slow by The Toler Bros., Doin what we choose by Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze,Make it Go by Sean Chambers,Muddy Water Blues by The Rocky Athas Group,San Catri by Popa Chubby,I-89 by Nobby Reed Project,Kingy’s Swing by The Nimmo Brothers,Troublemaker by Matt Schofield,I’m a Bluesman by Magic SlimLife’s Devil Ride by Julian Sas,Blues for Boo Boo by Kirk Fletchert Let it Slide by Arlin Roth,Lets Start Again by Alex Schultz,Ghosts of Mississippi by Albert Castiglia and Sandy Mack.These are some blues Artists I am currently listening to. Please check these Artists out you won’t be disappointed. Danny B
DANIEL CASTRO BAY AREA GUY .GREAT VERSION OF GOT MY MOJO WORKIN (about 10 min.long) HAS TWO GREAT C.D.s out. ALSO TOMMY CASTRO (no relation). AND of course JOE B.
I like all the King boys and the Wolf that is what I’m listening to right now.
Later
Thanks for the list of names and bands. I knew some of them but not all of them. I always want to expand my listening lists. Let me add three of my favorites: Carolyn Wonderland, Maria Muldaur
and of course Bonnie Raitt.
25 or 6 to 4. playin’ it in jazz band. We all thought it would be great and you know what. it is.
Joe Bonamassa-Live at Albert Hall, Gretchen Menn-Hale Souls, Oz Noy-Twisted Blues and Pete Thorn-Guitar Nerd. Enjoy!
I love a variety of blues and rock bands, including Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Lang, Roy Rogers, Dave Hole, Johnny Winter, Delbert McClinton, and too many more to name. I do want to give special note to Gary Moore, who recently departed us. A very versatile and talented musician.
Ian Siegal – Here’s the Skinny
Yes, I’m into guitar, but love the voice, lyrics and GROOVE on this one – it just oozes “blues”!
kestrou
everything from allman bros. to zz top SERIOUSLY
new listinening includes TOLER BROS. BAND RUSTY WRIGHT BAND NOORA NOOR
Peter Framptons Fingerprints and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Live in Chicago contain some great blues stuff.
Hi guys
what i like and would like too play ,,,since im new too that guitar tings…
bb king, steve ray. roy buchanan, richy king etc most blues…..
rory Gallagher great Irish blues man another great gone too soon
gary moore any and all, amazing technique
albert king , smooth
john lee hooker
hubert sumlin
I’m a big Larry Carlton fan from way back…so anything from him makes me pick up my guitar.
I can’t get enough Boney James…yes i know it’s jazz, but the guitar is all over the place…jazz, blues, even rock modes. His new album contact has a killer guitar solo on the title cut.
Thank’s for the great stuff Griff….i love ya man!
peace
Texas Blues Rangers , It’s a great album , I think……….
“Things I used to do” by Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, BB King, Eric Clapton and Stevie RV
Danny Bryant’s Red-Eyed Band
Bluesville Station
3 Mile Stone
Albert Collins
Amor
Alex Maryol
1. Three o’clock blues by B.B. King and Eric Clapton. You can actually make out who is playing what and the two just complete each other so well…
2. Lonely Bed by Albert Cummings. Just some wonderful guitar playing.
3. Give me one reason by Tracy Chapman and Eric Clapton. Clapton really gives this remake a bluesy sound with some excellent guitar work.
4. Double Trouble by E. Clapton and Steve Winwood. Two awesome guitar players.
Gov’t Mule; Phil Keaggy; Buddy Church; Trucks/Teducci Band; Chris Duarte
Hi Griff,an all the students.right at this time iam listening to main stream Blues,but also having to listening to Orianthi,an Session man Greg koch,to try an mix things up,trying toohere the different way these too are able to put ther own personality into the same song.my main problem is music retension because i dont practice with a live Band it is difficult to maintain an use all iam learning,but i love the lessons an love my guitar so i hope ill be able to play forever…. So its with great apperaction i practice your lessons everyday… Richard Ruh Columbus Ohio
Also, check out a young man from UK (has toured in the US) called Oli Brown. He has been likened to a young Rory Gallagher and has a superb blues voice as well as hot guitar work.
Joe Bonamassa – Live at the Royal Albert Hall. Every track outstanding and reminds me of seeing him live at Plymouth Pavilions UK in October 2011.
CAN’T FIND AN SRV SONG I DON’T LIKE.TOOK A CHANCE ON A $5.00 CD OF KEB MO, I CAN’T STOP PLAYING IT.
Don’t forget Ry Cooder or George Thoroughgood! Bad to the Bone man.
Check out Tim Sparks Mississippi Blues
JJ Cale & Clapton. JJ,s Call me the Breeze.great track. Thanks for all the help Griff
Check out the Curtis Mayfield tune “People Get Ready” when covered by Rod Stewart & Jeff Beck. Jeff’s bends are awesome..Rod’s pretty soulful on this one as well. It’ll make ya holler Halleluuuya!
I love the blues, there is tune for any mood you might be in. Like all the
Delta stuff, SRV, Clapton, Derek trucks, I also listen to other stuff too.
Tin hat trio, Shineyribs, Steve Cropper, John Butler Trio.
Thanks for all your help, we all have a big mountain
To climb to play with these guys.
some classic stuff from skip james 22-20 blues ,devil got my woman and hard time killin floor blues jammin baby
I’m listening to Luther Allison, Bad News Is Coming. I’m also with you on Texas Flood. I listen to a lot of SRV. I also like Eric Clapton, Five Long Years.
ohh–I almost forgot to mention Poppa Chubby. He’s a really nice dude and plays and sings great. Bob
RORY GALLAGHER (live stuff) Rory was probably one of the greatest live performers ever.
Chris Cain
Coco Montoya
Tab Benoit (Cajun tinged blues) “These Blues Are All Mine”
Tommy Castro
This is a great idea. I’m making my list from all your suggestions.
after watching video about Buddy Guy,brought out some buddy/junior “smokin dynamite,drinkin TNT.
Then some Allman brothers/live at Filmore
Finish the set with some johnny winter/live
Gary Moore – Still the Blues
mississippi john hurt’s greatest hits album, could listen to it all day
My fave blues tune right now is B.B. King’s version of “I’ve Got a Good Mind to Give Up Living”, aka ‘The Letter’, aka ‘All Over Now’, off of the Live at the Apollo album. Arguably his best soloing ever. That, and I’m loving the Grateful Dead live on 11/14/73 at the San Diego Sports Arena. that big jam that starts the 2nd set, Truckin’>The Other One>Big River>The Other One>Eyes of the World>The Other One>Wharf Rat is absolutely incendiary! It shows why Jerry is right up there as a guitarist with Clapton, Green, Page, and yes, even Hendrix, though not in a straight blues idiom.
You are 100% right about SRV’s, “Texas Flood”, great album. I love acoustic blues, and Brownie McGhee’s, “The Folkways Years” is excellent as well as Muddy Waters’s, “Folk Singer”, awesome! I also enjoy the Buddy Guy and Junior Wells album, “Alone and Acoustic”.
Walter Trout – Common Ground is one great album. Tommy Castro and Coco Montoya albums are all great too.
John Mayer tunes: “Come When I Call”, and “Don’t Need No Doctor” Wish I could master the main lick of the second one because it’s used throughout the tune in variation…
buddy guy,some doc watson as well,some of my major taste influences
Joe Bonamassa-Dust Bowl- the new kid on the block that rocks your socks off.
Guitar Shorty- anything this man does is awesome.
Savoy Brown-Hellbound Train- a “classic” blues album from back a few years.
Gamma 2- Ronnie Montrose is such a monster on guitar and he can kick out some killer riffs.
Eric Sardinas-this kid can give Sonny landreth and Roy Rogers a run for the money on slide.
Joe Satriani- the Extremist- a killer album from a tone and note master.
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood live at Madison Square garden- just awesome-thats all the words that need to be said!!!
santana
You may not have heard of Larry Miller but he is a brilliant player and is something of a cult hero here in the UK
My time after a while by Buddy Guy, such a fantastic build up by the Master Buddy Guy.
Or, any lowdown, slow, straight forward Lightnin Hopkins song… Something like “glory be”… Man, i’d luv to be able to squeeze that out of my epi masterbilt acc. 😉
“Since I’ve Been loving You” – Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Paige’s best solo – would sure like to learn it ! It’s a little sloppy, but that was his style…..this was on the 3rd album Led Zeppelin III, …..thanks
Kim simmions., srv and santana.
Rick Derringer put out a couple of blues albums in the 90’s that have some real good tunes on them.One song, “The Blue Boogie”, isn’t exactly a blues song but it has some killer licks. It’s real fast. One that is a blues song is “If It’s The Blues”,another is “Unsung Hero Of The Blues”. Damn good!
Anything by Seasick Steve.
Rory Block. Straight up acoustic blues, Robert Johnson style.
Favourite Blues song, Stormy Monday, Best all around guitar work instrumental, In Memory of Elizabeth Reid, both from the Allman Brothers, Live at the Fillmore East album. Check them out. Great new blues guy, Keb Mo,g reat stuff. This is a great idea, i’m always looking for new Blues artists. Joe Bonamassa is also a great artist to check out. Regards, Gerry
Still got the blues,Gary Moore a great player also like his Parisienne Walkways.
Canned Heat… great music I can listen to them all day long.
the biggest thing since colossus by otis span featuring peter green on guitar !..some really tasty licks !!!
pack it up-freddie king
good morning little school girl- johnny winter
how blue can you get- BB king
master charge albert collins
Tightrope from SRV. It’s an adopted anthem as I myself have the alcohol demon. Outside that it has to be Still Got The Blues For You, Gary Moore. Both Lords Of The Strings! RIP
My favorite “All Time” Slow blues tune is “Blue Jean Blues” by ZZ Top. And My favorite use of the wah-wah pedal is J.J. Cale’s “Crazy Mama” Then just for showing all the sounds one can make, Roy Buchannon’s “When A Guitar Plays The Blues”. Or B.B. King making Willie Nelson’s “Night Life” his own. There are just too many great performances to pick a single artist or tune as a favorite, but I keep trying. Freddie King, Albert King, Johnny Winter, SRV, Clapton, Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton……………..
How about “Hideaway”. Either the Freddie King or the SRV version. They are both great! SRV’s version has so much good stuff in it to learn its ridiculous.
how about Since i been loving you .by Led Zep Jimmy Paige plays some killer blues riffs on that song so meaningful, so from the heart.
Detroit’s Bob Seger, Theodore Nugent and the MC5, also Lou Reed and Joe Jackson.
I’ve read all the posted comments and have followed all of these artist since the age of 12 and I’m currently 59. At my age one thing is constant with music it’s all the blues. I saw James Brown at the age of 14. Only one of about 50 white people in a small venue in east Texas. What a gig that was. Saw Hendrix play his last live festival gig in Atlanta/before his death overseas. Saw Leslie West in New Orleans with Mountain same year. Saw Duane,Dickey & Greg perform on a side stage same festival. All playing their version of the blues. Not enough room to name all the others.
Was listening to Hound Dog Taylor, Howlin Wolf, Muddy, Peter Green, Alvin Lee, John Mayall, in addition to all the other great south delta guys before America woke up to what we had right here in the South. Being a Texas boy I was a follower of Stevie but he was as some say a product of the above. Saw ZZ is Dallas my home town in an auditorium that held only 300, all blues licks. Yes very talented. But even Bonamassa with all his talent wouldn’t be where he is without players like Buddy Guy, BB and others that played not for fame or money but for the shear joy of what the blues does for the soul. Thanks for your continued help in all of us learning the blues from different people. Blues is the root and always will be,
Peace & Blues
SRV Couldn’t Stand the Weather
ANY Buddy Guy
ANY Rory Gallagher
Ana Popovic
Jimmy Thackery,
EMPTY ARMS MOTEL blind pig records 1992….”.Thackery built sonic assaults atop wicked blues progressions,turning saturday night inside out and creating a timeless vacume in which we were all but hypnotized”…Houston Chronicle
….”Thackery is one of the best blues guitarists we have ever heard, Ever, as in being able to share a stage with Hendrix, Steve Ray, Buddy Guy, and probably anyone else who has made a room of people gasp with guitar wizardry”….Sun Sentinel
This man is one of the greatest treasures of our time, everything written about him is an UNDERSTATMENT!!! Thackery is well known in the blues community, and, if I were stranded on a desert island with a choice between having food or Jimmy Thackery ….I’d take Jimmy and die ONE HAPPY SON OF A BYTCH….. nuff said
SRV is the pinnacle. but for me the foundation was built by: howlin’ wolf, sonny boy williamson, jimmy reed, muddy waters, lightin’ hopkins, john lee hooker, the 3 kings (albert, freddie, bb), albert collins, slim harpo, robert johnson, little walter then there are the stones, clapton, buddy guy, junior wells, jimmie vaughan (fab. t-birds), ike turner was a great blues guy before he hooked up with tina, this is my short list of artist who represent the blues to me. not technically blues but i also find myself listening to count basie and ray charles a lot! i also listen to old country, reggae, hard/clasic rock, and swing jazz.
I really love listening to ZZ Top and SRV. I also listen to BB King and other blues masters
I also like Texas Flood very much. I’ve been listening mostly to Buddy Guy, and saw him at Clapton’s crossroad festival, and again at the Rialto in Joliet, IL.
I like Robert Cray a lot. His “Cookin in Mobile” is very good. He has “Smokin Gun” down to a science at this point.
Bb king dont make your move too soon
Parisienne Walkways by Gary Moore
Still Got the Blues by Gary Moore
Texas Flood by SRV
Uncle Teddy Nugents Home bound. I have loved this song for over 20yrs. I think its his best
kenny wayne shepherd any album any time of day . hebert sumlin R.I.P will be missed SRV say no more
Steve Cropper:Deadicated
Steve is so underrated as a blues guitar player, he just so suble and all about the songs.
R L Burnside WOW
Peter Green / Fleetwood Mac – “First train home.” Classic blues playing from the master!
Hi Gang
Many years ago I found a copy of a then little know band.
The album is called Penguin and some of it really blow me away.
It was probably the starting point of finding a guitar and starting to fumble through songs.
One of my favourites is called “I slept as a derelict”.
So much better than the commercial stuff they pumped out later.
But that’s my opinion. I still liked them but they were never as new and blue.
Oh the band was called Fleetwood Mac.
I did try sleeping as a derelict but I couldn’t stand the rain.
Another influence of mine was an English band called Jethro Tull.
Then there is a band called Mungo Jerry very down and dirty while sitting by the fire on my arse.
ciao
Bronnie
A few of my favorites are Jimmy Thackery-It’s my own fault,Roy’s blues,and I wouldn’t change a thing.-Doyle Bramhall and Doyle jr.- most anything from them. Jonny Lang- Darker Side,Corey Stevens-Blue drops of rain CD,Susan Tedeschi,Buddy Guy,SRV,B.B.King.There is so many I’d be here for days LOL.These are the one that I am listening to most right now.Not really blues player but I love the song Give me just one more reason.I also love to hear you play Griff. You have a specialmovement of smoothness in your hands that makes your playing sound real good I think.
I’ve been listen to the Albert King live in San Francisco CD, those I could listen to all day!
I’m listening to old school Angus Young. I have a very obscure CD of them in the early days. Angus is playing blues and OMG it’s amazing. He manages to fuse blues and rock together in one amazing lick after another. I see Angus in a whole new light. Not that I didn’t like him before, I love his playing but hearing doing some raunchy blues on his SG is just soul food. I’m hearing little licks that I can take out the songs and make my own. I started to make up a song on my own and I had an epiphany and I was using the major pentatonic. It’s exactly the same as the minor but I don’t know why I made such a big deal about. It’s amazing what you learn when your improvising blues but you really take the time to listen to what you are playing and hearing. I was putting stuff together that sounded so right on the fly and it sounded so good. Little stuff like this motivates to even work harder. Life is good!
Dear Griff,
Your list is very cool, I would recommend lots of Peter Green especially ‘Love that Burns’, for his sensitivity. Jeff Beck for his control of the instrument. Rory Gallagher, B. B. King and Buddy Guy who all show that playing sad music can be great fun. Eric C. because he was determined to be a blues guitarist, giving credit to Robert Johnson et al, even when it wasn’t cool to play blues. Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Joe Bonnamassa and SRV for virtuosity stemming from blues origins. There are many others that I like but this is a start.
I’d also like to point you at Paul Jones (Manfred Mann & The Blues Band) for blues harmonica & vocals, and his brilliant blues knowledge.(You can probably get his BBC radio prog. on line.)
Slainte,
P.S. Thanks very much for the e-mails.
BB King, Buddy Guy, Even Clapton from his depressed days.
Peggy and I have “PANDORA” running most of the time and I’ve selected several Blues “stations.” That way I get a good cross-section of what’s out there. Mo Kep, B B King and Dr. John are my favorites, but I’m open to most anything.
One thing I have noticed, as a beginner still at Lesson 3, is that I now recognized some of what I’ve learned so far when certain tunes are played. I have to laugh as I wonder if they have had the same course. . . LOL!
i would love to learn as the crow flies by tony joe white,but the rory gallagher version.what a great song.
I listen to your #5 on the above above web site you put on this E-Mail. I Korean girl named Su plays almost the same thing using a Dame guitar. Look it up and listen.
I have a file on my iTunes that is nothing but different versions of “Stormy Monday” and I have absolutely no problem playing that from one end to the other on a regular basis and I always hear something new. Tasty interpretations on an old standard.
been going back over some roy buchanan stuff i’ve had for years,what he could get out of a TELECASTER was truly otherworldly.(not strictly a blues number,but check out SNEAKING GODZILLA THROUGH THE ALLEY.just a fun number that outdoes anything JIMI put out,in my opinion,for pure electric bombast!)i really enjoy all the suggestions from you guys to check out.also still enjoying the course GRIFF(at my slow pace!)
Walking By Myself as sung by Debbie Davies (yes it is Ray Davies daughter) is perhaps the tastiest acoustic blues song I have ever heard.
anything by luther allison
Albert Cummings “Working Man”….. Hot title song “Working Man Blues” is a blast!
Change The World – Eric Clapton
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
Parisian Walkways Gary Moore
Trouble – Cold Play
You need to check out the following:
1. Duke Robillard and the Pleasure Kings
2. Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown
3. Gary Moore –
4. Joe Bonamassa
John Lee Hooker – The Healer
have listened to nopfler srv, doctor john,ray charles,buddy guy,albert king,and all the greats for years.jimmy paige is a thief stole all good ideas from a dead man shame shame.robert johnson is the blues.without him we would be listening to chamber music.take a listen if you already havent.you will be blown away realizing that all chord progressions riffs and everything else came from this dude.to play like him i would sell my soul too.sorry all you zep fans butt the truth is the truth.
Kirk Fletcher- “Blues for Boo Boo” which he wrote for his daughter,it’s her nickname. Bad Boy, Club Zanzibar and Hip Hug Her are my other favorites. Kirk Played used to play for Fabulous Thunderbirds. On some of the tunes you can hear Kim Wilson on harp and vocals. Kirk is from Los Angeles and plays locally when he is home. I spoke to him about his amp and pedal board at his gig at Harvelles in Santa Monica. I’m trying to figure out the lead and chords for the chourus after the intro for Blues For Boo Boo. Griff, could you help me with this? It is not strickly a blues tune but has some flavor of jazz.
mark nopfler n tony joe white is my favorite
Ditto Freddy King…Anything particularly, Sugar Sweet.
Rory Gallagher…….Seems to Me.
Jimmy Reed…All of His stuff.
Albert Collins….
Dickie Betts…Southbound
Jimmy Vaughn….Part time Love, Mathilda
Danny Gatton….In My Room
Albert King…Velvet Steamroller
SRV
Keb Mo’…Any
Greg Allman…Dark End of the Street
Jeff Beck….Blow by Blow
John Lee Hooker….I Search the Waterfront
Elmore James…You’re Just Like the Devil
I’ve kind of come full circle I guess. I’ve recently been picking apart the the old Jimmy Page blues licks and learned alot about the intricacies of what brings out the feelings of what the blues mean. He was a master of creating scales where there are none and blending little riffs to make beautiful, completely unique sounds……Aside from trying to blend the styles of many of the fantastic artists listed in this blog, I’ve been learning alot from a couple of top notch local blues men here in Cincinnati, both of which I know personally. One being Sonny Moorman who selflessly gives back a great deal to the blues world by mentoring young blues players and holds weekly open blues jam
sessions at a couple of local night clubs. The other is a young man named Scotty Bratcher. Scotty is in my opinion one of the most talented blues players to come around for quite some time. He has written many great songs and has that unique ability to take a classic and make it his own. I think everyone will hear of Scotty in the years to come. I’ve learned that there are many lessons to be learned from outstanding local blues men just down the road at your local night club! Check out these guys websites. I believe you’ll be impressed!!!!!
I don’t know Griff, I listen to a lot of styles apart from Blues, but as a student,
I think I loved the skills you displayed in the free lessons and I can see how
they could enhance my playing so I bought the BGU course. I listen to Eric Clapton, Joe Bonnamassa, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson to name a few, but I am trying to write and perform my own stuff. I don’t expect to ever reach their standard, I don’t have the time to put in. I am currently trying to apply 12 bar blues to some of my songs, I hope to give them a new life and feel. I want to throw in some call and response, a lick here and there, I get a great audience reaction based on my lyrics, but my playing could be better. As a soloist I look at the things that grab the audience that are within my reach. There’s nobody to hide behind when you make a mistake. I perform gospel mostly (lyrics) but musically the style changes with the song. I don’t think I’ve been very helpful with what I’m listening to but I am glad I found you on the net. I love your work.
James.
I have been listening lately to a lot of the music associated with Canned Heat and the musicians who have played with Canned Heat over the years, such as Harvey Mandel, The old John Mayall stuff with backing by some members of Canned Heat, John Lee Hooker whose career was resurrected mostly by Bob Hite and Al Wilson (RIP both) of Canned Heat and also Tom Waits, partly because he’s just great and he has been playing a lot with Larry Taylor, the Bass player from Canned Heat.
My go-to blues song is always “Crossroads” by Cream….after that, any good blues by Eric, like “Double Trouble” with Stevie Winwood. His olde John Mayall stuff was great, as well. Hugs…..Nymphadora
I listen to BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jeff Beck and wish I could do some of that music. Actually I have been deeply involved in Beginning Blues Guitar and some of your online music. Awesome
HOUND DOG TAYLOR!!!!
buddy guy
elmore james
albert kings
willie dixon
albert collins
robert cray
& maybe old john mayall (the clapton years) if im up for somethin from across the pond
as you can probably tell ima chicagoan going up at rosies, kokos & legends
I happen to live in a very ‘musical’ part of the country, 17 miles from Woodstock, NY. I have a local radio station (that you can sample on the web) WKZE, that plays an incredible variety of blues, blue grass,country, rockabilly and you name it world beat. Love Muddy Waters, John Mayall, Taj Mahal. Tomorrow I;m seeing Scott Sharrard , Greg Allman Band, at a free show. Bruce Katz lives locally and of course Levon Helm is also right in the area. Caught Tedeschi/Trucks band 2 weeks ago. Lucky me!
I mostly listen to blues and Eric Clapton. I like his solos.
The two best LPs I own were both bought in a close out bin and they cost a buck each. Take a chance on someone you’ve never heard of before. You’ll win more than you lose. Those LPs are “Little Milton Sings Big Blues” and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown with Roy Clark “Makin Music”. And for some great quirky stuff out there now, check out a band called “Here Come the Mummies”. They are a tight funk band with a full horn section.
Hi Griff,
I like to listen to Matt Schofield, Aynsley Lister, Luther Allison, Buddy Guy and a Dutch Bluesband called The Twelve Bar Bluesband.
I’ve been listening for a while to John Mayall
And the Bluesbreakers and his 70th live birthday
concert is Killer. Eric Clapton,SRV ,Bryan Lee
Smoking Joe,Albert Cummings, and Walter Trout
are a few of my favorites.
Big favourite just now is Seasick Steve(went to see him two weeks ago and with John Paul Jones playing Bass,Lap Steel and Mandolin with him just now all i can say is awesome)
Cannot stop listening to Kurt Cobains rendition of “where did you sleep last night”
On more traditional blues im listening to just now is Howling wolf,RL Burnside,Robert Johnson some Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker and the list could go on
cheers
Me and my guitar- Ruben V . When I’m dead and gone-lonesome wolf
Redhouse Jimmy Hendrix.Peter Green,Clapton,Joe Bonamasa(hope thats spelt right}Heard him recently for first time.Brilliant.Ex Manfred Mann singer Paul Jones has a radio show on BBC Radio 2.He plays old and new Blues.Its on http://www.Check it out
I wanted to say thank you! you have helped me out a lot! I have been listening Nick 13 new solo album. It’s great old school country!
Hey,
I am a blue guitar unleashed beginner. Thank you all for your feedaback on this thread. I am watchibng to pick out a few songs to get ready for my first jam night!
Thanks again!
Roy Rogers, “Slideways” (not the cowboy, obviously, the very talented guitatist) starts with a guitar being jacked in to an amp and never slows down. bueatifully played original instrumental compositions on slide guitar. Album is from 2002 but if you’ve never heard it, it’s all new, right?!
Need your love so bad by Peter Green,
Parisiene Days – Gary Moore
Blue Blues – Alvin Lee
Just got my first Stratocastor and have been listening and learning some of the classic Jimmi Hendrix. My fav is “Red House” “Vodoo Child” “Hear my train a comin” and “Little wing”
Just picked up “The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions” GREAT!
1: First We Take Manhattan- Jennifer Warnes, Famous Blue Raincoat with SRV on lead
2: Layla, all EC versions
3: Wishing Well- Free
Of traditional stuff, I’ve just discovered Furry Lewis, and everything I have heard is very good. From early, early Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green days), Show Biz Blues is one of the best
just discovered this and really dig it:
Watermelon Slim and Super Chicken: Okiesippi Blues
Jimmy D Lane
“Four O’ Clock in the Morning”
Joe Bonamasa
“Sloe Gin”
Both of these tunes blow me away every time I hear them.
Griff, thanks for getting this started and I appreciate alll the tips and advice. I’ll start with players that don’t get enough credit, but at the same time some of my favorites…
1. Roy Buchanan: my favorite guitar player of all-time; check out John’s Blues from Roy Buchanan, Tribute to Elmore James on Second Album, and the live Roy’s Bluz from Live Stock
2. Mick Taylor: Stray Cat Blues and Love in Vain on Get Your Ya Ya’s Out and his underatted slide playing on Alabaman, Slow Blues, and Giddy Up w/ Lowell George on Mick Taylor
3. Shuggie Otis: Shuggie’s Boogie, Gospel Groove, and Bootie Cooler on Shuggie’s Boogie: Shuggie Otis Plays the Blues
4. Rory Gallagher: I Wonder Who and Too Much Alchohol from Irish Tour 1974 and Garbage Man and Calling Card from the BBC Sessions (Live Disc)
5. Grant Green: mainly a jazzman, but check out his bluesy, jazz, funk playing on Alive!
6. Danny Gatton: Natcha Blues on Hot Rod Guitar Anthology
7. Ry Cooder: check out Boomer’s Story on Boomer’s story and any of his slide wizardry from Ry Cooder, Into the Purple Valley, Paradise & Lunch and Chicken Skin Music
8. Sonny Landreth: Lazy Boy and Country Blues from Prodigal Son: the Collection
9. Johnny Winter: It’s My Own Fault from Johnny Winter And Live
10. Mike Bloomfield: Your Killing My Love from Live at the Fillmore w/ Nick Gravenites
11. Earl Hooker: Hookin’ on Simply the Best, a display of great standard and slide playing intertwined
12. Eddy Shaver: weird in a blues discussion, but check out his killer blues-rock Strat playing from Live at Smith’s Old Bar with his dad, Billy Joe. An underrated and excellent player from a killer live album. Honey Bee and You Asked Me To are awesome
13. Derek & the Dominos: certainly not underrated or unknown, but can’t have a blues guitar discusion without Clapton’s holly grail from Live at the Fillmore, especially the killer blues numbers Key to the Highway, Have You Ever Loved a Woman., and Crossroads
The Thrill Is Gone ~ BB King. Heard BB do this song many times and never fails to blow me away. Also enjoy just about everything SRV or Eric Clapton ever put out. Love Clapton’s “Bad Love” and Layla. There are some YouTube videos that I love to jam to. This one is one where half dozen of the world’s best blues players take turns just swapping lead licks over about a ten-minute span. Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npRh8JassTk
Stevie Ray – personnal fav – If The House is a Rockin’. I don’t think that his mastery of the 9th and 7th works could ever be completely replicated.
Harlem Nocturne by Danny Gatton
BIG TWIST & THE MELLOW FELLOWS
Something’s Wrong by Billy D. And the Hoodoos
ok all you young rousa-bout blues wanna-be’s…heres one you need to
listen and dwell upon as you dream of your blues legends: ‘Official Music
King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar’….Richard Newell wuz the Best harp player
…well…aside from Paul Butterfield…the rest wuz jus dressing. heh
lets see how smart you are . i like to listen to marc bolin . the tune ,lean woman blues . the others are clapton stevie ray vaughn whom i miss dearly his would be contributions to music will be missed. as far as true blue music well bb king comes to mind but dont own any of his recordings johnnie lee hooker and big head todd and the monsters with boom boom boom was a great hit i think personally goodbye.
1 Dark was the night Blind Willie or Ry Cooder.
2 Just wont burn Susan Tedeschi.
3 Death letter Blues Son House
Songs that literally stopped me in my tracks.
Stormy Monday-Eva Cassidy
My self doing Pentatonic patterns, wanting to become a guater player.
Mike Bloomfield live-One way out Hoodoo Man Blues Live-Buddy Guy and Junior Wells Lightning Hopkins-Breakfast Time The Supernatural-Peter Greene Becks Bolero-Jeff Beck Jimi Hendrix live-Who Knows Eric Johnson-Cliffs of Dover George Thorogood-I drink alone I’m a Bluesman-Magic slim and the Teardrops I’m on the outside lookin’ in -Dave Specter You left me in the dark-Jody Whatley The long haul-B.b King with Arthur Adams Favorite Artists-Mike Bloomfield Eric Clapton Jimi Hendrix Santana
All time favorite: Allman Bros version of Stormy Monday (Griff, this would be worth developing a lesson on). Others: James Cotton – Giant, Joanne Shaw Taylor – White Sugar, Guy Davis – Butt Naked Free, and oldie but goodies from Lonnie Johnson.
1-Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush-entire live album
2-Freddie King-Heads Up
3-Charlie Musselwhite-Early in the Morning
4-Hendrix-Jimi Blues
iam sorry i meant to say john lee hooker.
i love tj hooker boom- boom-boom- boom, BB King The thrill is gone ZZ Top – old blue jeans .I just love alot of the mississippi Delta blues, i just love the blues!!!!!!!
The T-Bone Shuffle with Debbie Davis and Albert King.
My favorite artists are SRV, Jonny Winter, Muddy Waters, Roy Bucannon, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, John Hammond, and Canned Heat. Some of my favorite songs by these artists are; Tin Pan Alley, I’ll Drown in My Own Tears, Trouble No More, Hey Joe, Tell Me Darlin, Moanin, Crosscut Saw, and Sandy’s Blues.
Tab Benoit – Nice and Warm – Leaves you felt just like that
Gary Moore – Blues for Greeny – THE WHOLE FREAKIN’ ALBUM
Johnny Winter – Johnny Winter – Awesome before the word became popular
Magic Sam – Can’t pick just one
ZZ Top – Brown Sugar, Just Got Paid
Bonamassa, Tedschi, Howling Wolf, SRV!!!!!!!!, Roy Buchannon, Link Wray, Danny Gatton, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rory Gallagher!!!!, Peter Green!!!!!!!!!!!!
BB King has a great 80th Birthday album with Van Morrison, Billy Gibbons – ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Mark Knopfler – Dire Straights, Glen Frey – Eagles, Roger Daltrey – WHO, and Bobby Bland. Its a treasure and has some great sounds. I’ve already worn it out. You have to pick up a coipy of this!!! It’s killer!!
CWH — Arlington, Texas
My favorites for a while now have been Goin’ Down South by R.L. Burnside and Shake ’em on Down by Fred McDowell. Actually, anything by Fred McDowell tends to be rather well done in my opinion.
Love everything that Bobby Bland & Jimmy Reed record.
Anything by the Blues Rock Titan… Joe Bonamassa. This guy is sooo awesome!!
I’M A BUDDY GUY SRV LISTENER I LIKE HEARING THE BOTH OF THEM MELT DOWN THOSE TUBES.
Everybody left out Mick Jagger and the Stones, “There’s bin good tams’, dares bin bad tams, I’ve had my hard tams, ov’r you…” ….lol!
I guess my Joe Bonamassa listing covered this since he is a member, but for anyone who has not heard them, Black Commerce Communion is absolutely awesome!
Everything by Joe Bonamassa. WOW!!!
LLoyd Jones
Jeff Healey – Angel Eyes, or anything by him.
Joe Cocker – almost anything.
Frank White – Louisiana and most of his stuff.
One of my favorite guitar masters and what an awesome voice!
Peter Green Splinter Group Reaching the Cold 100
John Mayall`s Blues Breakers – Peter Green
– Mick Taylor
Paul Butterfield featuring Alvin Bishop on Drunk Again solo
Albert King
SRV of course
Jeff Beck – Truth
– orange album featuring Bob Tench on vocals
Walter Trout
Angus Young on Ride On solo
Gary Moore
Any Blues licks by Derek Trucks
I don’t think too many people know this, but Gary Moore was a phenomenal blues player. His tone, his phrasing, his chops are just incredible. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year.
Find his song “No reason to cry”, and you’ll hear the most awesome intervals in his solo breaks.
I think he’d been somewhat overlooked because of all the years he spent with Thin Lizzy playing hard rock and metal, but he was truly gifted, and really shines with his blues songs.
Also, there’s a young man named Sol Philcox from the UK; he’s only been playing for 5 years, but he totally smokes! Generally I don’t like to make comparisons, but I think he’s almost as good as SRV. Check him out on UTube.
And ZZ’s first album with “Bedroom Thang” and “Just got back from baby’s” are 2 of my all-time favorites to play; just killer gritty, low-down, nasty grooves!
Just got turned on to EARLY! (Peter Green’s) Fleetwood Mac, WOW!
I listen to Joe Bonnamassa, Guitar Shorty (austin) Tab Benoit, Robben Ford….. I love Claptons Tore Down Blues, I advise everyone who loves old school to seek out Chicago Brothers and Sister Blues Band. May be very hard to find as it is a tragic story. Great, great basic shuffle and groove from the Delta/done in a style of Chicago blues…….
Mike Bloomfield’s Albert’s Shuffle. Still listening to it since the ’70’s. Very melodic with great tone. I saw him play at the Filmore in San Franciso with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and it raised our garage band’s game. I’ve seen a lot greats play, and his performance is still memorable. A great player gone; big loss….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZnPrc55Kwk
I reaally like alot of the stuff that John Lee Hooker did, as well as Skip James. The thing I would like to learn more of is some of the Blues originals by the Stones (I know, not many to choose from, so maybe also some covers) too. I’ve been really into Slim Harpo lately, but to be honest I enjoy any of the classic era country or electric blues artists. I also have nothing but good things to say about the choices Griff makes usually……
Blue Jean Blues/Waitin’ on The Bus-Jesus Just left Chicago—-ZZ Top just awesome
Joe bonamassa-dust bowl,this guy just keeps getting better and better he even sticks a nice country number on the album.
Simon mcbide-since then,the irishman’s second album of pure blues/rock.
Danny bryant’s redeye band-as i am,the english blues/rock guitarist is just a genius,song writing and guitar solos are just amazing you need to check this guy out.
I just got your e-mail Griff and I’d be happy to speak about my favorite blues singer. I would have to say that John Lee Hooker is by far one of the greatest blues-man to ever touch a guitar. His simplicity and boogie tunes really grabbed me one day. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it wasn’t until this past Thanksgiving that I got into the blues. I was alone and just sitting in the living room and I’ve never been one for watching TV (Odd for a 25 year old guy) and I decided to put the tube on the music channels. While flipping through trying to find something good I came across the blues channel and was hooked. I don’t remember who it was that I first heard, but I know that it sparked such an interest that I immediately got online and Googled the best blues songs of all time. I found a list of like 100 and John Lee Hooker was on there about 5-6 times. I love how simple his music is. What really drew me in is the Mississippi Delta Blues sound he had and the way he more or less talked to you rather than sang his emotions. He conveyed his feelings in such a way that really moved me: to dance, to want to cry, to laugh, to play guitar! He was a pioneer, he shaped blues like no other man, I mean, he is the king of plywood stompin’ boogie chillen’ blues!!! His talent is beyond amazing as he had a talent musicians today can’t compare to. The blues today is nowhere near the level it was when John Lee Hooker was around in his prime form. I know I am rambling, but if you are into the blues you HAVE to go out and buy a John Lee Hooker CD, he has dozens upon dozens of them. I have a 10 CD collection with over 150 songs and it doesn’t come close to fulfilling the amount of music this man has made. John Lee Hooker was a genius who composed music with some of the greatest artists of our time, Santana, Canned Heat, Bonnie Raitt, and tons of others. So fellow blues enthusiasts, check out the infamous John Lee Hooker…..and you can start by checking out his live performance of “I’m Bad Like Jesse James” on Youtube, excellent song and an amazing performance by the greatest ever, to me.
Hi, I just read this mail – impossible to check out every single blues source.
There is an excellent internet blues radio station, where I found so much hints to very cool blues musicians:
http://www.bellyup4blues.com – you will love it and surely donate for their efforts 🙂
No no – I’m just a listener, no ads!
Agree wholeheartedly with Mark Girard, SRV is the man, being listing to Warren Haynes lately and am very impressed, listen to the new album “Man in Motion” great grooves and guitar.
Joe Bonamassa – So its Like That, So its Like That
Johnny Winter – Illustrated man
ZZ Top – Just Got Back From Baby
Griff, I love the guitar solo On ZZ Top’s song “The Shiek”. How do they get that sould?
Anything and everything from keb mo. he’s my new addiction
roy buchanan thats what i am here for 1973 great alubum
Blue on Black – KWS
“Texas”/ electric flag (bloomfield)
“red house” Jimi
pride and joy by srv does it for me and a hell of a lot of the led zeppelin catalogue!
Still got the Blues. Gary.Moore
The Bluest Blues Alvin.Lee and Ten Years After
Asking Around For You and Blues Deluxe Joe Bonnamassa
Cottonfields and Cornfields los Lonely Boys
Roadhouse Blues. Jeff Heally
Check these out. Killer tunes
I love some of Peter Greens songs he wrote and played with the original Fleetwood Mac
Rollin’ man
Lookin’ for sombody
Stop messin’ around
Jigsaw puzzle blues – Danny Kerwin ( Feetwood Mac ) Instrumental
Merry Christmas baby, Black cat bone – Johnny Winter?
Still got the blues- Gary Moore
She likes to boogie real low- Frankie Lee Sims
I like a lot of jump, west coast blues.
hard to find anybody that excited me the way stevie did, but warren haynes and gov’t mule play some great blues, warren’s playing and vocals are second to none. thanks griff for all the great lessons. mark.
anything by jonny lang, but if i had to pick one, ”lie to me”
Warren Haynes-Man in Motion
Since I downloaded it in June, I haven’t been interested in anything else. Great album!
A song I have been loving on my IPod at the moment is, Onda Los Lonely Boys.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. (The Supernatural.)
Randy Hansen Band.
Robin Trower (Bridge of Sighs).
Robert Cray
Gary Moore Empty Rooms Live (This brings a tear to my eyes)
Jimi Hendrix Machine Gun Live at Fillmore East. ( This is a Psychedelic Trip par excellence)
I’m really digging a dvd of Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band in St Lucia. Great Sounds.
Then I got to see him play in Melbourne when he was in town about two years ago. Awesome!
Check out the tedeschi Trucks band, very groovy blues.
This one’s probably strictly not blues but check out The Black Crowes with Jimmy Page Live at the Greek. It’s definitely ROCKIN BLUES!
Has to be Rory gallagher, especially his iconic album, ‘ Live In Europe’. His version of Messin With The Kid inspired me to start this whole guitar thing. The annual tour of England by Walter Trout is always eagerly awaited. Can’t get enough of his all out, enjoy it whilst you can style.
Check out Roy Rogers for slide. His DVD ‘ Slide Guitar For rock And Blues’ puts the thing over simply but with great authority. Oh, and some bloke called Griff……
I love Martin Taylor style of playing the Dolphin is a master piece of guitar work and Tuck Andress playing M Jackson’s man in the mirror, Earl Klughs late night guitar to early Robben Ford and the thin blue line, The very underrated Jeff Healy band whos unfortunately left us along with the outstanding Gary Moore, Robin Trower’s Album Bridge of Sighs Stanley Jordan style left me with a doubt especially when he plays bolero using 3 guitars, The great great larry coryell SRV cant miss him playing Tin Pan Allley its just a big never ending line up of guitar greats and what ever you like at the time your music changes rapidly over the year through hundreds of different styles and will always probaly continue to do so as we progress and our playing gets better we need more of a challenge.And a big thanks to the man who keeps the wheels of this site in motion Griff
walter trout band any song great blues
I just lucked into a cd from the thrift store for 2 bucks, and it turned out to be a diamond… Clarence Gatemount Brown “Long way Home” with guests “Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Sonny Landreth, John D. Loudermild, Leon Russel, Bobby Charles, and Maria Muldaur… quite the line up… I will invest more time with Clarence Gatemouth Brown in the near future…
but one of my favorite’s is Tobacco Road Rare Earth off the “Get Ready” album…
Thanks for all the help and take care..,
Mark
I’ve been working on SRV Texas Flood for over a year now and still haven’t got it down yet. There are so many nuances to his phrasing you could spend a lifetime analyzing it and not get it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paBzw2Biq-A
Townes was an old friend from my days in Houston in the late seventies and early eighties.
PS. Super Session- Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, Steve Stills.
Alex
Hey Griff,
As much of a blues fan as I am, I was put on to Little Feat many years ago by Elton (John, apologies for the name drop!) and I think they deserve a big mention. Lowell George wrote some great tunes and played a mean slide guitar oh and taught Bonnie Rait. After that, Johnny Guitar Watson for his funky guitar playing, JJ Cale for his porch style and then the obvious Chicago clan with Kings, Freddie, Albert, BB and Buddy Guy etc. Love anything by Buddy Guy. Still love Hendrix, Clapton and SRV doing pretty much anything and Jimmy Page – Led Zep for pure adrenaline.
Alex
and…..Miles Davis and Ike Quebec……
Jean
Buddy Guy has a great live album called ´´The Real Deal“ .´´ I’ve got news for you“, is a 13 minute slow blues and Buddy showing what the blues is about.Try Kenny Wayne Shepherd live in Chicago
´´Deja Voodoo“.Thanks for the great info Griff.Stephen.
Loving Eric Bibb at the moment……maybe not strictly blues….but Booker’s Guitar and Painting Signs are great…….. also love some of Tony Joe White’s swampy blues….
Jean
Try listening to anything by Danny Bryant’s RedEyedBand- particularly ‘Days Like This’. I’d also recommend ‘Diamonds In The Dirt’ and ‘White Sugar’- a couple of great albums by Joanne Shaw Taylor. Also for anyone into ’70’s style prog rock, Mostly Autumn are well worth a visit- very latter day Pink Floyd influenced- enjoy! BTW thank’s for all the tips and stuff that you send Griff, it IS appreciated. Keith
there are alot of great blues songs but if i had to choose i would have to go with third degree by eric clapton
Chuck Berry ! Learn me Johnny B. Goode-intro, plus a little more than the intro….
Hi Griff,
My favourite is the Gary Moore solo in I Still Got The Blues,
A favourite of mine is the oldie St James Infirmary Blues,you can really let yourself go after each verse
Cheers
Phil
Mistreated. Performed by Black Country Communion, original I believe by Deep Purple. What a song, so powerfull and what talent that play it know. Even Deep Purple sound awesome. Some may question Deep Purple and Black Country Communion as blues but just youtube it and you’ll see where i’m coming from. I just can’t stop listening to it over and over. And I’m no Deep Purple fan. I have so got to see BCC live.
BB, Albert, Johnny&Edger, etc. To name a few of many. I’m 55+ from the old school, and still learning. I play my guitar along with two piano’s for my church quier now while seeking the Lord. I love to play praise songs and old time gospal music. Thanks for your blues scale teaching Griff, it’s all relative to Gods word and helping to build my vocabulary of guitar music…
Best regards,
Jon Howard
henergyinnovations@gmail.com
Used to be Bad – Paul McCartney Flaming Pie { I do believe that’s Steve Miller on guitar solo ].
Shake Your Money Maker – Fleetwood Mac.
Just got back from babies – ZZ top.
I’m a steady rolling man – Peter Green.
Love and hesitation – Otis Taylor.
Just to name a few. Listen and marvel.
Robbie Laws and the Bigger Blues Band.
Check this out on YouTube – Robbie Laws at Waterfront Blues Festival
playing “Hey Mister”. Lots of good T-Bone licks from this player.
Hey Griff, love your work. It would be awesome if you would put a tute together on how to play the old classic “Hold on I’m coming”. Thanks for your generosity. Cheers ………… Jeff
Poppa Dawg and Dog Skin Suit are one of Canada’s finest Blues Bands.
“$10 MISTAKE” is one of my favorites. All three of their CD’s are loaded with the good stuff!
Allman Brothers: “Not my cross to bear”: “Tumbleweed”: Coco Montoya: Robben Ford: “Tribute to Paul Butterfield”: Sonny Landreth: “Zydeco Shuffle”.
Magic Red and the Voodoo Tribe – “The Last Temptation”
The new trdeschi trucks band
Absolutely anything by Joe Bonamassa!!!!
Roy Buchanans’ first two albums. Albert King, I’ll Play the Blues for You. Blind Willie Johnson, best slide in the world. Chris Rea, Texas.
Rory Gallager, Robin Trower, Alvin Lee, Peter Green, The Groundhogs, Claptout, Moore, Jimi, Stevie etc etc Too many great tunes to pick a short list but maybe, Bridge of Sighs, Still Got The Blues, Claptout’s Crossroads, Alvin Lee’s I’m Goin Home
Look at that -the fabulous thunderbirds. Rocket in my pocket- Lou Ann Barton. Rock me right – Susan Tedeschi. Any thing buy Collin James or SRV. The same for Freddie King. There is not to much I don’t listen to , if it’s blues and it’s got guitar it’s all good.
1- The Sky is crying———Freddie King, 2- Ain’t no sunshine——–Freddie King, 3- Another Kind of Love Joe Bonamasa, 4-Dream about the blues—–James Mayhall ( I think) and 5- Texas Flood—-SRV. All have great blues solo’s. They kinda spread the singers emotion out of the speakers.
This week, Louisiana Red, John Lee Hooker and a little bit of Junior Kimbrough. Most of the time, I’m listening to Paul Jones, T Model Ford, Junior, RL Burnside, Rev. KM Williams, Rev John Wilkins, Mavis Staples, Hounddog Taylor and the House Rockers and of course the Black Keys. Them’s my favorites. Also I do a lot of listening to Blind Willie Johnson and occasionaly Rev Gary Davis. Used to like SRV back in the day, but I’ve seen way too many people imitating him in the last few years that it put me off to his music awhile ago. Never was a big fan of Clapton, except for Disraeli Gears, and as much respect as I have for BB as a person and a band leader, his stuff’s a little too polished for me, too jazzy.
There are two elements in great music …it’s got to swing and it has to have the blues in it. PERIOD. I’m a jazz guitarist, who “grew up on” the Allman Brothers …… So here is my list of “must hear” albums(cd’s) and artists and comment’s
LIVE AT FILLMORE EAST-ALLMAN BRO’S- every “real” musician (and fankly, everyone period) I know loves this album. My son is now interested in guitar. I’m going through the songs here with him… nothin’ better than that!
SRV- anything he did.
WES MONTGOMERY-everything he did. Check out the solo’s on ‘dearly beloved’ and ‘the breeze and I” on BOSS GUITAR.-special note-Wes never used a pick, he played with his thumb! Wow.
PAT MARTINO- CONSCIOUSNESS-holy crap! are you kidding me?!
BUDDY GUY-does anyone want to guess who SRV really went to school on?
GEORGE BENSON-Blue Benson-allstar line up that doen’t disapoint! check out Billie’s bounce ( a charlie parker tune) AND I remember WES. IF you can find it also check out BENSON BURNER- you won’t believe it.
MILES DAVIS-Kind of Blue-1959-3’rd best selling jazz album of all time-there’s a good reason-it’s Bill Evans (Wynton Kelly plays on Freddie the freeloader), Jimmy Cobb, Paul Chambers, John Coltrane and Julian “Cannonball” Adderley
BLUE TRANE-John Coltrane-again holy crap! listen to Lee Morgan’s break on Locomotion-leaves you gasping for air on the floor!
CHARLIE PARKER-EVERYTHING HE DID!!!!!!!!!!!!-we’re talking about the greatest improvisor of all time….(no kidding, everything he wrote or did was improvised over the blues, rythym changes or Cherokee)- absolutely steeped in the blues! If you want to learn how to really play-get every recording and the CHARLIE PARKER OMNIBOOK-must know how to read music though.
There really are too many others too name and I’m sure I’m leaving some favorites off this list which I’ll kick myself later for…but it’s a helluva start! Good luck and keep playing music! Remember…music is GOD’s invention (think about it) play for HIM, in JESUS’ name. You’ll sound better, HE guarantee’s it.
Jerry Rafferty “Baker Street” Moody Blues “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” Andy Williams
“One Day Of Your Life” Johnny Rivers “Midnight Special” Tim McGraw “Please Remember Me”
Do yourself a favour and check out Rory Gallagher. Rory was a great Irish player who I feel never quite got the recognition he deserved. Sometimes his playing could be a litte ragged, but he always played with such total commitment, feel and passion. A good place to start is his ‘Live in Europe’ album, or ‘Irish Tour’. You could also check out his live version of ‘Cradle Rock’ on YouTube.
The first proper rock gig I went to was Rory at the the National Stadium in Dublin, an old boxing venue that held about 1200 people, in (I think) 1976. I was 14 and I came out with my ears ringing and every cell in my body buzzing.
RIP Rory.
johnny Winter rockand roll hooochikoo
Jimmy hendrix here my train a coming
Brian setzer
ten years after i’going home
SRV of course Cream is one of my favs and an often overlooked bluesy album led Zep 3. page really showed his old blues roots here in my mind.
SRV DIFENTLY ONE OF MY FAVORITS.ALL HIS MUSIC AND REMAKES. HERES A ARTIST YOU MAY NOT HEARD OF.JEFF PITCHELL OUT OF CT. GREAT VOICE AND GUITAR PLAYER,CHECK HIM OUT ON YOUTUBE. LUTHER ALLISON ANOTHER GREAT BLUES PLAYER.REALLY ALL BLUES PLAYERS ARE GREAT WITH THEIR OWN STYLES AND SOUNDS. I MEANT JOE BONAMASSA. HES A GREAT TALANT AND A DIFFERENT STYLE OF PLAYING, GREAT GUY TO.
Mean Town Blues – Johnny Winter, Sure Got Cold After The Rain Fell – ZZ Top
Fool’s Game – Ty Curtis Band, Tobacco Road – Richie Kotzen,
Cool Guitars – Jimmy Thackery, I told you – Matt Schofield
OK, here’s a few of my faves…
Hendrix Live: Greatist Hits II – Hear My Train A Comin’ – LIVE!
Brian Setzer: Town Without Pity
Gary Moore: Still Got the Blues for You
Johnny Winter: Mojo Boogie
Little Charlie and the Nightcats: I Could Deal With It
Led Zepplin: Since I Been Lovin’ You
Robert Cray: New Blood
When you listen to these solos and grooves try to imagine the rigs and axes used to get these sounds….
All of the Kings, Robben Ford, SRV and Jimmy Vaugn, Roy Buchannan, EC (check out the Robert Johnson releases) that’s all pretty obvious. I like to look for the stuff that’s not played much…. acoustic wise, check John Cephas and Phil Wigggins and those “Uppity Blues Women” Saffire and another fave, Studebaker John and the Hawks. All good stuff…
Walter Trout, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Jimmy Thackery, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Smokin’ Joe Kubek.
Riviera Paradise SRV (rocks!)
Live at the Fillmore – Allman Brothers
Junior Wells & Buddy Guy
Little by Little – Susan Tedeshi
Anything by Eric Clapton
Hebert Sumlin & Howlin’ Wolf
olsd school delta blues. artists such as robert johnson, missisippi jhohn hurt,big bill broonzy, and of course lightnin’ hopkins. man you just can’t beat thaty kind of blues. and lets not forget brownie mcghee and sonny terry..
Tight rope – SRV
Tush ZZ top
Hey Joe Hendrix
Voodo child – Hendrix
Stop – Joe Bonamassa
Cross roads – Clapton & John Mayer
Derek Trucks – Every song he does!
Whipping post- Allman Bros.
I am an amateur Bluegrass Gospel Mandolin picker and a member of an active, current band in North Mississippi – Memphis (Tn) Metro area. We play regularly (two to four times weekly) which is quite a lot. Our band has planned, organized, promoted, produced and paid for SIX ANNUAL Events and Six small venue, local, Bluegrass Concerts, in the past Nine years.
The surrounding area is NOT considered a Bluegrass music community. We are dominated by BLUES, ROCK ‘N ROLL, COUNTRY, PROGRESSIVE ROCK, HEAVY METAL & LIGHT METAL BANDS.
So BLUEGRASS struggles to be recognized and/or celebrated at all by very few pickers and fans. Memphis has a Bluegrass Association – M.A.B.A. with a small membership of around 300 persons…not all are active. At present, we have NO high profile events such as a Bluegrass Festival that enjoys Regional exposure or known-name Bands.
The lack of recognition by local news media of the Bluegrass genre, is an obstacle to its gaining a foothold, a barrier to becoming popular, and detrimental to its growth.
We have the remnants of a once-upon-a-time, successful, vibrant, popular, Bluegrass Band that was very active on the Bluegrass Festival circuit. The TENNESSEE GENTLEMEN founded by TROY CASTLEBERRY who lived in Memphis was at one-time a well-known and in demand, Bluegrass Band.
The Tn Gents are still playing but not as active due to the ill-health of their spectacular Lead Singer/Guitar player, DONNY CATRON. DONNY presently lives in Arkansas. His younger Brother, DOYLE CATRON, BASS PLAYER/VOCALIST, still resides in Memphis, Tn. The other sidemen have changed faces many times over the past ten years. I don’t know who those members are at the moment.
DONNY CATRON enjoyed a brief run singing alongside in harmony with the famous JESSE McREYNOLDS and the VIRGINIA BOYS on the circuit and also several appearances on the GRAND OLE OPRY stage in Nashville, Tn after JIM McREYNOLDS passed away and before his own health became an issue.
Anyway,…I wish we could get some REAL assistance with publicity and promotion in this area for our BLUEGRASS MUSIC and the genre in general. We try very hard to expose the residents of this area to good, quality, wholesome, redeeming, folklore, story-telling, Bluegrass songs even to the point of doing it at our own expense by holding FREE ADMISSION events time after time for the enjoyment of the community citizenry. But, even then, there seems to be very little recognition or appreciation for that effort and certainly not by the local NEWS MEDIA.
They prefer to promote the raunchy, bedraggled, angry, long-haired, petulant, undicisiplined, arrogant, rebellious, musicians and their ludicrous, violent, vulgar, in-coherent, embarrasingly loud noise-making….music??? In my opinion….not music.
THANKS,
Rawley Cain
3170 Getwell Lane
Olive Branch, Ms 38654
Another one I like, “I did what I did before love came to town” I think that’s the title.
Dan
I like “cherry red” by Albert King I think, Freddie King tunes; “livin’ in the palace of the king”,
“goin’ down.”
“farther on up the road “is good,” key to the highway”,” fooled around and fell in love”, “china grove,” Chuck Berry tunes are good, “johnnie b good” etc,”My creole belle.” that’s some I like.
Dan
Roy Buchanan,Eddie Taylor who played guitar in Jimmy Reed’s band.Tab Benoit,Anders Osborne and several others!
The playful heart (2010) – Robin Trower
Trucks and Tedeschi, Early Kim Simmonds, Bob Dylan
Johnny Winter -“I’m yours and I’m Hers” and everything else from the first Columbia album
Junior Wells and Buddy Guy, “Snatch It Back ‘n Hold It” from Hoodoo Man Blues
Arlen Roth, “Burnt Child” from Toolin’ Around Woodstock
Jimmie Vaughan, “The Pleasure’s All Mine” from Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
Robben Ford with Jimmy Witherspoon, “Big Boss Man” and “Going to Chicago” from Live At The Mint
The Unseen Guest, “Listen My Son” from Out There (Dig)
Hubert Sumlin and Howlin’ Wolf, “Killing Floor”
Thelonius Monk, “Blue Monk”
Tab Benoit, “Shining Moon” from Nice and Warm
Hi Griff. We must not forget Garry Moore who died this year. My favourite guitar solo break is Garry playing the guitar solo in Parisian Days. How about showing us how to play this solo. Kindest Regards. Graeme
I came to a good tune by Byther Smith “The Man Wants Me Dead”… Love the way he sings and the solo ain’t that hard. Whatcha think?
Since i started watching Eric clapton’s crossroads dvd’s i have heard some truly amazing blues guitarists. to many to mention, including Derreck trucks, John Mayer singing gravrty.and of coarse not forgeting eric, and so many many more.bye the way thankyou for all the emails and tips cheers
Trucks and Tedeschi, Revelator.
I saw a comment about Albert Lee. He first came on my radar with a band called Head, Hands and Feet. Anyone ever listen to that one?
Favorites from my playlist: Alvin Youngblood hart, Amy Winehouse, Sade singing send me someone to love. The Black Keys, Carey Bell, Charlie Musselwhite, Debra Coleman, anything Howlin Wolf or Lightnin Hopkins, check out J. Geils Bands Serves you right to suffer from the 1st album, James Cottons Jelly Jelly, Jimi Hendrixs’ Once I had a woman, Jimmy Reed, Johnny Taylors’ Raw Blues album, Kim Wilson, The Manish Boys are outstanding, Nora Jones’Cold, Cold Heart, The Peter Malick Group with Nora Jones, R.L. Burnsides’ Its Bad You Know, Ronnie Earl, Seigel-Schwall Band, Soul Of A Man sound track is outstanding, Every Woman’s Blues various artists is great, Willie Dixons’ Poet of the Blues album is great. And of course all the traditional masters that are mentioned in other list are my favorites too.
Hi Griff,
Great idea. Well one of my all-time favs is Alvin Lee..learn scales and play fast, “I’m going Home” just lots of fun to hear and watch him entertain. On the more melodic side and not blusey is Kenny Rankin and “Then I’ll be Tired of You”. His voice is as great an instrument as there ever was. Also listen to ” Haven’t we Met”..incredible. In his own right a fine guitarist.
Could go on and on..but lastly for a searing type of cryin blues..Roy Buckanan.
daja
I need help tabing Allman Brothers Dreams Solo. Cant find the tablature anywhere.
I like all the songs you posted ! Iam a SRV first a formost ! Check out Each and Day http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dennisbryongraff I wrote that ! Hope you like it !!
Forgot one more – Floating Bridge on the album “Low Country Blues” by Gregg Allman. An oldie but a goldy! The whole album is wonderful.
2 recent tracks I recommend for playing along to, esp. for a beginner:
1. Driftin’ Blues, a bonus track on Steve Millers otherwise a bit disappointing album “Let Your Hair Down”. I think it’s just ace.
2. Not really hardcore Blues but with a Blues structure – “Blue Car” on Jeff Bridges’ new album named…wait for it… “Jeff Bridges”! Infectious and easy to strum along to.
Thinking with the wrong head Little Charlie and the Nightcats /Little Charlie Baty guitar
Stormy Monday Blues Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore East Rolling Stone once said this is the album that prooves Duane Allman was a better player than Clapton.
Mean ol world Duane Allman and Eric Clapton done acoustically off Duane Allman Anthology vol 1 All my nasty habits Tommy Castro, Born Under A Bad Sign Koko Taylor Buddy Guy on Guitar so many more anything Peter Green with Fleetwood Mac B B King once said of Peter Green he is the only white man that scares me (referenced to his playing) SRV The sky is crying
Here’s a throwback from the 70’s
Alvin Lee’s “standing at the station ”
I know Griff will want to try this one out http://youtu.be/o2_dc1KQL1M
Check out Eric Claptons version of an old Bob Dylan song. Don’t think twice it’s allright. From the Bob Fest Cd. Absolutely Awesome. Also the new Warren Haynes Cd is excellent. The boy can definately play!
John Mayall which would include all the bluesmen who came up with/through him
LIKE: Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, Don “Sugarcane” Harris, Harvey Mandel, Larry Taylor, Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Jon Hiseman, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Andy Fraser, Johnny Almond, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, and Buddy Whittington.
Man, for pure slide guitar perfection and the interweaving of guitar lines, Elmore James’ “Blues Before Sunrise” is my favorite in that style.
Freddie King’s “Hideaway” still gives me chills and it hugely influenced so many guitarists. Heck, it inspired Nugent to change a couple of notes in the core riff and record it as “Hey, Baby”. (Think I’m wrong? Compare the two. Pretty blatant.)
Finally, the classic “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”, covered by Derek & The Dominos. Knowing the Patty Boyd backstory helps make this song even more heartbreaking and you can FEEL Clapton’s anguish in every note as he goads and pushes the legendary Duane Allman to one new level after another for over six minutes of some truly incendiary blues.
ALL of the choices being made here are excellent and it makes me proud to know that so many young guys still know and love this music as I do.
Heartbreak Train, Gonna Have a Party, Blues in Technicolor by Anthony Gomes Run, from the “Real” CD or anything off the “Howling at The Moon” CD by BB Chung King & The Buddaheads. Two Time Boogie by Studebaker John & The Hawks. Ride Till I’m Satisfied, Through The Eyes of Love, & Marie’s Mood by Walter Trout, to name just a few.
Freddy King Is The Blues Guitar God.
I’ll play the blues for you..albert King
C-‘boy’s blues….fabulous thunderbirds
6 strings down….jimmy vaughan
Pride and Joy. SRV
Another off the wall, Seasick Steve & his 3 string blues. Not bad for a homeless guy!
Allman Brothers Jessica. Yeah I know it is a piano solo but… it really rolls.
Oh, and a dude that goes by the name Super Chikin– Chikadelic
Oh, I almost forgot. Derek Trucks and his sweet wife Susan.
1 – Albert Lee Albert Lee -1970 Black Claw & Country Fever. What a great example of hybrid picking. Undoubtedly the best country picker and one of the overall greats as well. He came to my attention while he was the guitar picker for Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds (my God, that was a million years ago).
2 – Roy Buchanan – Sad Dreams. I think Roy is one of the best pickers you never heard of. I am speaking for the vast uneducated masses that think Beck & Clapton are the only ones that ever picked up a guitar. Those in the know can really appreciate how talented Roy was. (RIP)
Peter Green’s early work with Fleetwoodmac. his touch,timing and phrasing is amazing during this period.
Robben Ford -Lateral Climb
Paul Butterfield Blues band. One of the greatest Chicago blues bands of the 60’s and 70’s
New Speedway Boogie – Grateful Dead
Stevie Vaughan-Empty Arms
Jimi Hendrix Earth Blues
Johnny Winter – Bladie May and Dallas
Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads” – the live version – still a favorite of mine.
Gary Moore…so underrated and hardly mentioned…his guitar could sound like a violin or a cannon…and everything in between. He’s gone way too soon
While there are many many excellent blues players around these days, I have been focusing on the works of David Gilmore. Some say his leads are rock, but they definitely have a blues ancestry.
Listening to CDs by Jp soars (back of my mind, more bees with honey). Jp won the 2009 Intl Blues Challenge in Memphis as best guitarist and best band. Worth a listen.
1. walkin the back streets and crying – albert king this is the personification of the blues. can’t get enough of it.
2. need your love so bad – fleetwood mac
3. you don’t know me – ray charles
4. mean world – clapton/allman from the layla out takes, what a jam !
5. dangling conversations – simon and garfunkle – so much ache in 2 mins !
Rory Block – Shake ’em On Down – Showing that Blues is not just for males. One of the foremost blues guitarists on the continent.
Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues – Keeping up the family story telling tradition.
ZZ Top – Anything and everything. Never tire of ’em.
Pat Travers, Savoy Brown, Johnny Winters, Ry Cooder – Still like to touch base with the past.
Clapton and SRV – Goes without saying.
wind crys mary
just heard guy davis do bob dylan sweetheart like you .. nice picker he is.
Gotta say Eric Clapton Down and Out
and always liked johnny winter … most everything
gotta mention Keith Richards .. his unique tunings and splendid use of double stops are worthy of consideration
Super slow blues is what makes me want to play guitar. Gary Moore’s I Still got the Blues for You; Alvin Lee’s Lost in Love and Bluest Blues; Albert King’s I’ll Play the Blues for You; Robben Ford’s Moonchild Blues;SRV’s Little Wing; Debbie Davies’ Sonoma Sunset; Rocky Athas’ That Magic. I just love hearing a guitar cry.
1. Live Stock – Roy Buchanan – Great Stuff
2. Anything & everything Tab Beniot does is some awesome stuff – I listen to it all……
3. Showdown! With Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Johnny Copeland – some Great, Great Guitar stuff……….
4. I have to tell you, Popa Chubby lays down some Great Stuff – another I listen to all the time……….
5. Something off the hook – a musician I saw playing on the streets in San Francisco, bought his CD, Sidwalk Boogie by Dave Earl – this guy is a Great Bluesman!
Elmore James’ original take of “the sky is crying”
lighnin’ hopkins
getting into jimmy reed
heard early release of johnny winters’ new album “bright lights, big city” cut sounds great!
Eric Clapton/ Bluesbreakers- Beano Album (pretty much all of)
Joanne Shaw Taylor- White Sugar (fantastic first album esp the title track- the second was a disappointment)
Cray, Collins, Copeland- Showdown (No holds barred blues guitar gunslinging)
SRV (of course); Texas flood and the Live at the El Mocamo DVD
Howling Wolf London Sessions (with EC et al)
Anything by Frank Zappa in bluesy mode (Watermelon in Easter Hay)
Jimi- Red House etc.
etc.
etc.
George Thorogood. How sweet it is!!!!!!
Griff, I cant get away from Clapton in hid twilight yrears – he has matured like a good wine ansd his autobiography explains why and how. Other than than that, I’m listening to you on your free courses. My pension wont run to buying them al but I love to play your free blues lessons over and over again.By doing this limited listening,I am actually learning to Feel the music to. And that is a great feeling. Thanks Griff. I’ll be in touch with my bucks when the lottery comes up.
Sena Ehrhardt Band is somebody you need to pay attention to. Been following her and her band for some time and they recently recorded a CD and signed with Blind Pig Records. “My Bad” is a favorite from the CD. Also, her father plays lead guitar and can really tear it up.
Sena has a beautiful voice, is beautiful herself, and has complete control of the stage when she is performing.
Saw her live twice in the last week, at a bluesfest and a small local event. My only regret is that she is about to go national and it will be difficult to find her locally any more.
If you have a chance check out her music, and if you are real lucky, check out one of her shows.
You’re going to be hearing a lot from this lady.
I”ll play the blues for you
Phone booth in Chicago
Blue jean blues
Jesus just left Chicago
There are so many it is hard to choose. I think Gary Moore is one of my favorites with his Hendrix rendition of “Red House” and he has so many more. It to bad he had to leave us so soon.
another favorite is Robert Johnson and Joe Bonamassa.
Too many to list, but a good start is at Grooveyard Radio! http://www.grooveyardradio.com/
Hi Griff, here goes,
1 Texas flood SRV
2 Just got paid Joe Bonamassa
3 Still got the blues Garry Moore
4 Sunshine of your’e love Eric Clapton
5 Dust my broom Elmore james
Joe Bonamassa Sloe Gin, If Heartaches were nickels, are some of my favorites of his
Gary Moore and Buddy Guy.
I’ve been listening to a lot of older stuff lately, and have really latched onto B. B. playing “Three O’Clock Blues.” It just defines that great BB King sound. Freddie King’s “Woman Across the Water” is high on my playlist, as well. Other CD’s currently in my rotation are Otis Rush and T-Bone Walker (The Complete Imperial Recordings.” Old stuff….but really great music.
“Somebody loan me a dime” by Boz Skaggs with Duane Allman – an all-time classic that puts Skaggs’ later work to shame.
jimmy thackery and the drivers, dont know much about this guy but its hot guitar and a screaming blues voice
There is a great album call super session with Michael Bloomfield, Al Kooper and Stephen Stills that is definitely worth a listen. Bloomfield and Stills never actually play together on the album (I believe Stills was brought in to finish the album when Bloomfield went MIA). But it is a great improv album that showcases the skill set of each musician. Enjoy the Gary Moore references that were posted previously too.
just into tedechi trucks new album revelator, especially midnight in harlem
Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King all the way!!
This is a recent fav or mine…
http://youtu.be/05ZJBG_Rlw0
i listen to alot of joe bonamassa one of my best tunes are sloe gin among others.
I tunes have been listening to some different Joe Bonamassa tunes for some really whaling licks
SRV(duh) John Mayer trio, the three kings of blues
Gary Moore – Don’t Believe a Word (slow version) Dublin Phil Lynott tribute concert.
SRV – Mary Had a Little Lamb
Peter Green – Need Your Love So Bad
Rory Gallacher – Off The Handle 1980 France (utube)The man must have had six left hand fingers
Fenton Robinson- You don’t know know what love is.
Black Keys – Brothers, Joe Bonamassa – Dust Bowl, Lightnin Hopkins – Blues in My Bottle, Foo Fighters – Wasting Light, Black Crowes – Before the Frost, Bobby Blue Bland – The Anthology.
My absolute favorite album is Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughn but I will check these other guy out.
ZZ Top- Blue Jean Blues
Joe Bonamassa, Gary Moore, Arny Kay seems like what I’ve been listening to lately (sprinkle in BB, Eric and Buddy Guy, of course)
albert king(no such thing as too much albert) an album bb king and john lee put out in the sixties,jphn hiatt,SRV as always,gregg allman’s newest as well as buddy guys newest and on that note,i caught buddy this summer at an outdoor festival up here in CANADA.he ripped it of course but also he had a 12 yr. old guitarist by the name of quinn sullivan with him.check him out on youtube.you’ll be astounded what this kid can do.his name will be on the marquee before long,i guarantee
Hendrix Red House, good cover on youtube Vai, Johnson, Satriani
Griff, some of my favorites:
Bobby Blue Bland-Further on up the Road (great guitar work, who was his guitarist?)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers w/Clapton-Bernard Jenkins
John Mayall with Peter Green- Someday After Awhile
Otis Rush-All Your Love (I Miss Loving), The Devil’s Calling Me Back Home
Jeff Beck with Imogene Heap-Rollin’ and Tumblin’
Jonny Lang-Good Morning Little School Girl
Just a few, obviously there’s many more…
SRV, Hollywood Fats, Rusty Zinn, Howl’n Wolf”s Sun label sides,Kid Ramos, T-Bone Walker, Ronnie Earl,Muddy Waters,and Junior Watson to name a few.
Steve Lukather (Toto) is my fav lead guitarist. His solos on “Pamela”–Live in Paris and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”–25th Anniversary Amsterdam Live are outstanding. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” makes me want to! Sure would be great to have you learn the leads to both those, Griff! By the way, I’m a partner with Mike Koenigs on a couple of projects and your Internet Marketing and follow-up are outstanding!
Best,
Greg Jones
I like Roy Buchanan, Sea Level or Randall Bramblett Band with Davis Causey, Geoff Achison from Australia is amazing. SRV, Trower, but the most amazing guitar lately is an mostly instrumental CD titled ‘Play” by Brad Paisley. An old Album by Alvin Lee and Myron LeFevre titled “On the road to freedom” Frank Marino and Mahogony Rush. Captain Beyond “Dancing madly backwards”. Steven Stills, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Page etc. etc.
Poppa Chubby, Keb Mo, Kelly Jo Phelps, Paul Lamb and the King Snakes, Mance Lipscomb, Jim Bruce, Chris James, Lonnie Johnson, Matt Anderson, Matt Schoefield, Roy Rogers to name a few. It’s good to hear other peoples likes and dislikes and try out stuff we’re not familiar with. I love finger picked blues and slide stuff and of course then there’s the master BBB. C u on the porch guys.
Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, Hendrix, SRV, (all RIP) and now the living Nuno Bettencourt (sweet player), Andy Timmons, Clapton, Tommy Emmanuel, Steve Vai (sometimes), Eagles (timeless), the list goes on and on
Hey a few of my favorites or of course B.B. King, Albert, Hawling Wolf, and John T. Hooker these type of styles i concentrate on most.
1 SRV Texas Flood
2 SRV Lenny
3 Eric Clapton Wonderful Tonight
4 Allman Brothers One Way Out
On the way work, I put on B.B. King , sweet little angel ,or lucille.
Buddy Guy- Dam right, I’ve got the Bluse, or Fivee long years
Luther Allison—Cherry Red Wine, or Bad Love
John Lee Hooker Jr.—-Suspicious, ans Check Yourself, Blues ain’t nothin But a Pimp.
thank you for asking Griff.
Mostly Norwegian Death Metal, but also some Barrry Manilow.
Carolyn Wonderland, flat out badass guitar and ooohhh that voice
Me, Jimmy Reed, Robert Johnson, Clapton, Willie Brown, Paul Butterfield(blows a mean harp), Michael Bloomfield, Stevie Ray & Jimmy Vaughn, Smokestack Lightning(I went to high school with Kelly Green), Slim Harpo, B. B. King, Canned Heat, Muddy Waters
Joe Bonamassa, Son House, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Walter Trout, Gary Moore, SRV, Peter Green, Luther Allison, Debbie Davies, Billy Hector, Otis Rush, Leadbelly, Albert King, BB King, Robben Ford.
Anything Joe Bonamassa and SRV. Walter Trout, Papa Chubby, Gary Moore and John Mahall.
Just got a Boz Skaggs blues cd, has a great “Sonny Boy” Williamson song on it-Early In The Morning.
I have been listening lately to Elmore James and Muddy Waters. I like Clapton, SRV, BB, John Lee Hooker, George Thorogood, etc… Too many great ones to list.
i like to listen to Delbert McClinton & Bonnie Raitt
I really like Gary Clark Jr. right now – saw Bright Lights from Crossroads 2010 and got hooked. I’ve always loved Cream and Hendrix and Led Zep’s bluesy stuff. Ry Codder’s “Feelin’ Bad Blues” kills me. I agree with Griff about Texas Flood.
robin trower, savoy brown
joe bonamass (just git paid today killer song done by zz top)
elvin lee (probably the fasest alternate picker i’ve seen)
thanks
I like any of the blues music of Odetta. Her voice and soul are unmatched (my opinion).
First heard this band playing the Crossroads gig last year. Tedeschi Trucks Band. Lots of good material but a grerat song for the band is Midnight in Harlem.
Been listening to Joe Bonnamassa alot lately. He just amazes me with the speed and control of his licks If I could just get 1/4th of that I d be happy. Also Garry Moore playing Red House. What a talent he was. GREAT
My all time favorite blues improvisation is Goin’ Down Slow as performed by Duane Allman on The Anthology Album
Sue Foley is also very good. Try her “Walk in the Sun” CD. She writes most of her own music.
I saw Sonny Landreth perform on Mountain Stage in Charleston, WV. What a fantastic–and humble–performer. I bought two of his CDs there.
some really good blues guitar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9FZKSuFiC4&playnext=1&list=PL797E1E632BCFFFF5
real early fleetwood mac b4 Lindsey an Stevie best blues ever please give a listen u wont b disappointed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZpOYpCEcZ8 if u like this u can listen 2 the blues beakers 2
You have to hear “Girl with Guitars” and besides being very good looking, they can play. My favorite song on the CD is the old Rolling Stones song “Bitch.” Check them out oh Youtube and if you don’t fall in love with Samanths Fish the blonde, I would be surprised.
Going back a ways. Fleetwood Mac before they turned Pop. Paul Butterfeild Blues Band…especially “East Meets West”
B.B. King – The Thrill Is Gone
Robert Cray – Smokin’ Gun
mic Taylor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqqnRYzlzaE&playnext=1&list=PL85B2DC3E19A1CFF1
Lucinda Williams – Live at the Fillmore…….raw and powerful. You feel the emotion in her songs. Must listen tracks are Joy and Essence.
Early Stones pre Mick Taylor for great short bursts of streching strings like Walkin the Dog & all of the old Blues covers they used to do back then. Johnny Winters Stilll Alive & Well albumn, & all of Mick Taylors riffs from ’69 to 75. Dead Flowers, Time Waits for No One, Can’tcha Hear Me Knockin, Love in Vain, Moonlight Mile to name a few & every other song he played on.
I’ve been listening a lot to John Mayall’s 70th Birthday album. Love everything about it!
Some favorites:
Eric Clapton:
Crossroads – great beat – fantastic solos – different blues rythhm
Layla – wild chord progression – Dm Bb C F# B E A Am – great solos – I’m trying to learn it now!
BB King:
How Blue Can You Get – Just fantastic!!! Blues the way I like it.
Lucille – His Gutar’s name – Incredible
Muddy Waters:
Mississippi Delta Blues – Great licks
All are on YouTube.
You emails are terrific. Keep it up………..Bill
@ Jim Lewis
Re Delta Moon – Consider me hooked; no refund required….
1.Continental Op – Rory Gallagher
Probably my favourite track of Rory’s but you can pick any of the tracks from ‘A sad day for the blues’ album and it’d be a great track
2.Chains and things – BB King
This is on ‘His Definitive Greatest Hits Disc 1′ and it’s just sublime.
3 Sloe Gin – Joe Bonnmassa
Just recently got into Joe and he’s fantastic, the live version is good but the studio track is better imo.
4.Briidge of Sighs – Robin Trower
Just been introduced to RT by a guitar playing pal of mine and I’m really enjoying his stuff.
5 Tore Down – Freddie King
This must be good! – Griff uses it in the BGU course, and I’ve been playing it for years ever since Clapton did it on “From the Cradle’
1. Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Derek and the Dominos Live In Concert. EC has recorded this a zillion times, but in my opinion, this is the best. The solo just keeps evolving until you think there’s nothing more he can do, then he takes it to another level all together.
2. Freddie King – Ain’t Nobody’s Business from Freddie King 1932-1976. This entire album is amazing. Freddie jams with Clapton on some songs. This one, however, is all Freddie and the sensitivity of his vibrato and his sense of dynamics and phrasing make for some beautiful moments. Also, this is not a conventional I-IV-V progression, so improvising involves some different techniques & scales than most blues.
3. B.B. King – Sweet Sixteen Live in Africa. I don’t know if this is on an album or not, but it’s on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRRNBBNnvc B.B. sets the bar really high on this one in terms of subtlety, emotion, dynamics, and note selection. There are some jazzy runs that come from who knows where! Worth listening to and worth learning!
4. Derek and the Dominos – Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out from Layla and Other Love Songs. Eric plays an absolutely staggeringly intense solo and Duane Allman responds with beautiful slide guitar fills. Lots of awesome material to study!
My favorite blues are:
I got the key to the highway by John Lee Hooker
Dust my broom.
I,m your Ice Cream Man.
Peter Green -Need your love so bad. Nice easy solo to play
B.B King and Eric Clapton: Riding with the King
Alabama Greatest Hits 3
Anything Etta James
Anything Bonnie Raitt
Credencd Clearwater Revival
ZZ Top
Bob Seager
Dalla Holms
Erick Clapton
60’s and 70’s Music
Delber McClinton
Sorry if my list doesn’t conform. I listen to just about anything that suits my mood.
Ronnie Baker Brooks
Vasti Jackson
Brian Setzer
In Grand Rapids Michigan there is a Free Blues Series all Summer, we get to hear National Blues acts every Wednesday night for FREE!!!!
Griff you have never mentioned Phil Keaggy, in particular his song Watt Ever. Outstanding blues solos. Please check it out and comment.
Griff, I have been doing Joe Bonamassa, You up set me baby,KWS True lies,SRV Cross fire KWS also Blue on Black….really enjoy playing them and are not to lengthy to play. Keeps me interested and gets folks up and going…..I keep working on things as time permits….but I always learn something from the effort and your teaching style has made things understandable to go forward with…thank you for the help and support….!
Ready for some bad ass delta funk? Go to YouTube and check out the band Delta Moon; start with the song Stuck in Carolina, then get you some Electric Chair. If your not hooked I’ll give your money back.
Keb’ Mo’ – Just Like You – one of my favorite finger picking blues albums
Adele – Yeah you could call her pop, but “Rumor Has It” and “Rolling in the Deep” are good rocking blues tunes
Hot Tuna Accoustic is like a blues technique bible. And good music also.
I can’t get enough of the song “Aberdeen” by Kenny Wayne Shepherd lately……Some great resonator and slide.
Lots of Joe Bonamassa lately as well….
I’m listening to Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers – He is a master of many styles and never fails to amaze me with his licks.
Also, Rochester, NY guitarist Chris Beard – a 2nd generation blues artist (son of Joe Beard) with great tone, but his vocals are only so/so.
The Smokin’Joe Kubek Band featuring Bnois King – hailing from Texas both Joe and Bnois are wonderful and inventive guitarists that play off each others licks.
I also enjoy Dave Gross from NJ – amazing chops from a young artist.
Derek Trucks has the tastiest slide playing ever.
These are in addition to the established greats such as Buddy Guy, Warren Haynes,Eric Clapton, Luther Allison, Son House, Albert Collins and many more.
warren hayes soulshine, dereck trucks and susan tedenski, anything by clapton. gary moore, buddy guy, robert cray and jj cale. other not so bluesy guitarists are jimmy page and david gilmour.
I recently found Joe Bonamassa and can’t get enough. I also have been listening to:
Derek Trucks
Susan tedeschi
Back Door Slam
Everyday I find myself putting on my blues hero Buddy Guy and the immortal SVR
Best song ever: SVR – Tin Pan Alley
Jeff Healey version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Stevie’s Blues -Tommy Emmanuel
Trouble No More- Allman Bros.
You Wreck Me-Tom Petty & the HB
Travis Walk – SRV
King of the World – Steely Dan
Tip of the hat to Mel who previously mentioned Vince Gill- who I feel is a seriously underated picker
Sorry for the iPhone typo re: Deborah Coleman’s “if you love me like you say.”
Also forgot to list a great country picker, Vince Gill. My ear tends to bend more to the major side of the scales.
I discovered some great female blues guitarists and singers. Deborah Coleman, for one, I can’t listen to too much. Just accomplished all around. I really like her version of “if yosmolts me like you say. ” Tab Benoit is another fine bluesman from Louisiana. I love just about everything he does.
Jonny lang- cherry red wine , jimi’s red house, SRV& johnny COPELAND- tin pan alley , allman bros- need your love & streetsboro blues (great slide) , ramblin jack Elliott- falling down blues, JOHNNY WINTER ( all great) Joe Louis walker, muddy, buddy, Hooker, BB F.KING, A.KING , Luther Allison……..
I have been listening to (and learning) Beast of Burden – Rolling Stones. Very cool guitar part!
Griff – I’m glad you mentioned Sonny Landreth, he is an incredible player. He really shines on the 2007 Crossroads DVD.
I like most of what has already been listed. In addition, I like anything by Matt Schofield, I have Duke Robillard’s latest CD in the car, anything by Ronnie Earl, and I always enjoy Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King. I’m currently working on a Rusty Zinn blues tune as well.
It’s obvious by these postings there are a lot of great players out there.
At the moment I’m listening to ;
1. Ritchie Blackmore
2. Ritchie Blackmore
3. Ritchie Blackmore
…I could go on but i think you get the idea 🙂
Walter Trout-go the distance, life in the jungle, Jeff Healey-evil and here to stay, as the years go passing by anything by SRV. Walter Trout is just a killer player and I would love to play some of his tunes
All BB King songs.Mark Knopfler,Hooker,Santana and”Highway No 5″ by Ripoff Rasklolnikov.
Fade to black, Knopfler.
Listenig to alot of Bluesville on sattelite radio, and picked up the Guitar Shorty cd “Watch Your Back” for a track called “Old School”. Nice SRV Tone and shuffle feel. Found out from the liner notes GS married Jimi Hendrix’s step sister when Jimi was learning the guitar. You can hear his influence in some of Jimi’s stuff.
My all time favorite is SRV’s version of Texas Flood.
Some other notables that may not be really well known.
Otis Rush, All My Lovin (I Miss Loving)
Damon Fowler, Pocket Full Of Blues. (Off his first CD)
Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac, Black Magic Woman
I could add more but I’ll keep it short.
Favourite blues tracks i’m currently listening to are:
a)Scars by Phil Sayce – superb blues guitarist, certainly up and coming.
b)Belly of Blues by Sandi Thom . Saw her in my local pub with a skeleton band of 3 last year warming up for a tour and her voice is stunning.
c)What’s It All About by Aynsley Lister. One of my favourite solos of all time, just keep playing this over and over on the car CD. Would love this in tab?
d)Hey Operator by Aldo Nova. A stunning guitarist from the ’80’s who is now producing for Celine Dion. Is it blues you question or 80’s hair rock, don’t care – lifts me when I have the blues. Aldo if you are reading this please make one more come back tour to the UK……Another artist who needs someone to tab his lifes work. Can only find 3 tracks on the internet – would love more.
e)Hell to Pay by the late, great Jeff Healey. Was a privileged to meet him after a gig a few years ago. What a lovely man with an awesome talent. We miss you Jeff.
f)Dues For The Blues by Kent DuChaine. Living the dream touring the world playing his old faithful Leadbessie, a beat-up National Steel Guitar. Another artist who comes out to meet the fans after the gig. I love that. Thank you Kent.
Bobby Rush “I’m As Good As Gone”
Marcia Ball ‘”The Right Tool For The Job”
Eric Sardinas “Down In The Bottom”
Buton Gaar “That’s All She Wrote”
J P Soars “Hot LIttle Woman”
Fabulous T-Birds “Wait On Time”
Allman Brothers “The High Cost Of Low Livin'”
James Kinds “Love You From The Top”
Always willing to hear all-time favorites like 1. Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Child (NOT “Slight Return), 2. Albert King – As The Years Go Passing By, 3. Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood (and others), 4. Eric Clapton (anything he plays that is blues), 5. Otis Rush – Double Trouble, All Your Love (love that opening riff), and MANY others, 6. Kaiser & Mansfield – (acoustic) Every song on both CDs, 7. Robin Trower – any blues he plays, 8. Rory Gallagher – most of his blues output, 9. Bobby Mack – Red Hot And Humid (best kept secret out there), & 10. Allman Bros. – All the original band stuff with Duane.
Hey Griff,
Although Gary Moore recently passed, it’s difficult to list a favorite. I’ve seen in concert Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Robin Trower, Coco Montoya, Studerbaker John, Jimmy Thackery, Debbie Davies, Albert Cummings, Lucky Peterson, Tommy Castro, Room Full of Blues, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Trampled Under Foot, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Jonny Lang and Rod Pizza to give you some idea of my “blues” interests.
My music library consists such artists as Albert King, Freddie King, BB King, Little Milton, Luther and Bernard Allisson, Stevie Ray Vaughan and brother Jimmy, Koko Taylor, Jonnie Taylor, Melvin Taylor Rory Block, Butterfield Blues Band, Debrah Coleman, Clapton, Beck, Landreth, Albert Brooks, Jimmy Dawkins, etc …over 600 CD’s in all.
All great artists, and have influenced millions of listeners the world over. The task to list a single favorite would prove to be near impossible at least for me, which is why I listed just some of my listening pleasures.
Brian of Lockport
Hi guys
my favourite guitarist of late has got to be the brilliantly talented Joe Bonamassa.
Since discovering him four years ago I have purchased every album in his catalogue and
when he came over here to england a couple of years ago I made sure to catch his live show.
Simply superb technique with a rocky feel to his blues playing.—- any track he platys is ok with me!
I am also a big fan of Buddy Whittington, the former long time lead guitarist with John Mayalls Bluesbreakers. He is another player with fantastic technique without possibly quite the fire of Bonamassa, but once again well worth listening to. Not so big a fan of Eric Clapton to be honest,
I think he lost his inovative edge some years ago.
regards
Mel
Mark Knopfler has a sweet blend of blues and rock that speaks to me. Clapton, Sonny Landreth, Tab Benoit…more. I like the delta blues.
Anything Clapton does….Further Down the Road, Have you ever loved a woman, River of Tears.
Gary Moore got me into the blues. “Still Got the Blues” is my favorite song of his, with his version of “Oh Pretty Woman” being a close second. Albert Collins “A Good Fool is Hard to Find” has been spending a lot of time coming out of my Ipod lately, though I’m not quite sure why. Albert King – His version of “Oh Pretty Woman” (Think I’m going to be learning that song sometimes soon). SRV Pride and Joy and a bunch of others. Bit all over the place, I guess.
Stevie Ray, Pride and Joy
Robert Johnston ( not Johnson )
Bobbie Rush
BB King
Sam Carr
Coco Montoya
DELBERT McCLINTON ( anything )
Tab Benoit
Roy rogers
Albert King
Albert Collins
Norton Buffalo ( harp )
Howlin’ Wolf
Muddy Waters
Little Walter
any down home Delta blues,,
just a few,,
Stevie Ray, Pride and Joy
Robert Johnston ( not Johnson )
Bobbie Rush
BB King
Sam Carr
Coco Montoya
DELBERT McCLINTON ( anything )
Tab Benoit
Roy rogers
Albert King
Albert Collins
Norton Buffalo ( harp )
just a few,,
there will never be another recording like MACHINE GUN live at Fillmore east BAND OF GYPSIES now that was mind blowing!!!
Danny Gatton – Cruisin’ Dueces
Joe Bonamassa – Sloe Gin
Tommy Castro – Can’t keep a good man down
eric claptin-drifting blues,johnny lee hooker tunes
Ain’t gonna give up on love..clapton’s version
Anything song that was performed by. Muddy Water.s or John Lee Hooker.A their music is great classic
My favorite at the moment is The Road to Escondido by JJ Cale and Eric Claption. I was knocked out by Sporting Life Blues so much so that I got a tab for this song and am working my way through it.
Still Got the Blues – Gary Moore, I swear there are tears under his guitar when he played this song. Bad Love – Luther Allison, this is off his “Live in Chicago” CD. You can hear his guitar talk to him. Stormy Monday – Allman Brothers version. Off the 1973 CD “Live at Fillmore East”. Great Blues CD. I’m in the Mood – John Lee Hooker & Bonnie Raitt. Want to get your wife in the mood. This is it. Hot!! Been Down So Long – The Doors – Griff if you could make a lesson of this one I would appreciate it. Hard to find any tabs to.
blind lemon jeffferson (match box blues 4446)
all of srv music bb king the doors
Hey Griff, Here are some of my favorites. Check em out. Fantastic songs and artists.
John Fogerty – Tombstone Shadow and Born On the Bayou,
Taj Mahal – Going Up the Country Paint My Mailbox Blue and Ain’t Nobody Gonna Steal My Jellyroll
Grand Funk Railroad – Time Machine
Mike Morgan and the Crawl – I Like the Way You Work It
Tab Benoit – Fever For the Bayou
Jimmy Thackery
How can you possibly pick only a couple? Not possible.
Yesterday I picked up a cd at the local Library: “The Best Blues Album In The World…EVER” released by Virgin Records America Inc.
A pretty bold claim you would think, but there are 36 tracks of “must have” blues including:
Muddy Waters – Mannish Boy, Howlin’ Wolf – Little Red Rooster, Chuck Berry – Reelin’ & Rockin, John Lee Hooker – Boom Boom & Chill Out, Freddie King – Me & My Guitar, Johnny Winter – Illustrated Man & Shame Shame Shame, B.B. King – Three O’Clock Blues, JJ Cale – Low Down, Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues, Buddy Guy, Ben Harper, Little Walter, Koko Taylor, Albert King…….
Try to listen to as many different blues players as possible. You would be amazed at how often a song like Going Down by Freddie King can be interpreted in so many different ways by other artists (see SRV, Keith Richards, etc on YouTube) or how a lick in one song turns up in another in a slightly modified form.
For example, I had been struggling with one short line in Bring It on Home by a small blues quartet from Great Britain called Led Zeppelin. A couple of days ago just for fun I learned to play Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution by AC/DC. Turns out the opening 3 chords in the song were exactly the same as the same as the line in Bring it on Home but played in the opposite sequence. Now it’s a piece of cake.
Lately I’ve been digging this local guy from STL. His name is Jeremiah Johnson.
Check it out…
http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/6983806
Love this guy – BB Chung King from down your way in CA somewhere. His guitar playing (to me) is exceptional. I have his CD.
Ten Thumbs (from your forum)
SRV Texas flood Great Music I finally had to quit playing it and I also like all of Stevies Music.
Erik Clapton Duane Allman Great bluesmen.Rev Gary Davis is Awsome and so are the many bluesmen of the past Mance Lipscomp Mississippi John Hurt Big Bill Brunsy to name a few
There is a young gal in Kansas city that sings great and plays some Great Blues guitar-
Samantha Fish watch for her
I watch Samantha Fish a lot on youtube. Her signature guitars are made by Delany.
I see many people below mentiones still got the blues by Gary Moore. I like a LOT of stuff by Gary Moore, he was awesome. Rest in peace Gary, you were a great one. FYI, he has KILLER version of Red House on You Tube. Rippin guitar player.
Just found & listened to Joe Bonamossa (sp?) great stuff. Anything by Stevie Ray. Keb Mo, love the delta blues stuff. Working on some Beatles songs, acoustic finger style stuff; Blackbird, In my Life, Norwegian Wood, Yesterday. Stuff I’ve loved since a kid & now at 56 just learning to play. It’s exciting.
Texas Flood by SRV is also one of my all time favorites. Although some think it’s a “country” song, I love Willie Nelson’s “Night Life”. Look up Clapton and Willie doing this tune on “YouTube” and you’ll understand why. Also, BB King’s “I Gotta Move…(out of my neighborhood)” is one of my favorites.
Hi Griff,
I really like the video below where Clapton plays with BB King and others “Rock me Baby”. Hope you like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4OXrmxDp44
Saludos de Honduras!
Carlos Solís
t-bone shufle by Boz Scaggs
Great fan of the Irish, Bullforg Blues by Rory Gallagher and Stiil got the Blues by Gary Moore. Also, Redhouse Hendrix, Need your love so bad Peter Green and since re-starting the Blues playing have got into Bonamassa big time. But to be honest, anyone who plays with feeling and great technique go down well with me.
Hey Griff, here is some to consider…BB King..The thrill has gone, SunHouse..Dead letter blues, Cocaine blues..Keith Richards..and anything by my favourite icon…
Aussie guitarist Ian Moss ..especially his ‘live performance of a cover of ‘Georgia’ and another Aussie.. Jeff Lang ..To Easy to Kill..from his awesome album, Ceder Grove
There are so many great blues guitarists out there but my favorite is Gary Moore.He attacks a guitar with so much aggression and confidence in his playing.I think it’s impossible for anyone to say who is the very best of all time.But he is definitely my favorite.Also I think Rod Price is far too highly underated.He can hold his own with the best of them but alot of people don’t even know who he is.Their loss.Don’t take my word for it.Just check him out.But I think all of them are great.
It’s not my cross to bear-Allman Bros
Still got the blues-Gary Moore
Jesus just left Chicago-ZZtop
I have been working on some BB King (Thrill is gone)
Also some Albert King (laundromat blues) (Matchbox blues)
Eric Clapton (Crosscut saw)
Clapton & BB.King (Ridin with the King)
My band is working on an old classic Mustang Sally. We are looking to improve the lead guitar work on it.
Ya gotta get a bucketfull of Blazing Bokor of “The Ozobs” fame
I’m an avid EC fan and one of my favorite songs of his is ”I’m tore Down”, totally amazing guitar riffs. Anyone else who’s in to Clapton should check it out on YouTube.
I LISTERNED TO KENNY SANDERSON PLYING HIS GUTTER STREET BLUES AND ALTHOUGH HE IS 80YRS OLD IT IS UNFORGETTABLE FANTASTIC FEELING AND HE ONLY PLAYES WITH THREE FINGERS DUE TO INJURY HE HAS NOT GONE PUBLIC WHAT A SHAME HE IS FANTASTIC
Lately I’ve been listening to “Riding With The King”, the collaboration CD between B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Some great playing throughout, but for me the standouts are the 3 or so songs where both B.B. and Eric are playing acoustic guitars. I wish that B.B. had done more of this throughout his career.
This led me to bring out two of my old King LPs – First, “Live At Cook County Jail”, which is “must hear” from start to finish, if for no other reason than the prisoners booing the introduction of various Cook County judges and the county sheriff!. Then “Live At the Apollo”, which contains the fairly funky “Why I Sing The Blues”
This last isn’t blues, but more in the rockabilly/country vein. Albert Lee (no, not Albert King, nor even Alvin Lee…) is an amazing guitarist. I first became aware of him from the amazing guest soloing he did on a Dave Edmunds song, “Sweet Little Lisa” from Edmunds “Repeat When Necessary” album. He’s released a ton of solo albums, but is also known from his work in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band.
Great blues lessons. ZZtop! Billy Gibbons is tha man. Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers!!!! Rock on Griff!
Any song with Johnny Winter playing guitar.
Hi Griff,
I think it is wonderful, all the inspirational lessons you’ve provided us, thank you.
As a teenager I was inspired by James Cotton, Sonny Boy Williamson and Hot Tuna’s first album recorded live at Berkley. The guitar playing in Hot Tuna’s album acccompanied by the bass and harmonica is really great stuff! I must admit it I had to acquire a taste for the old blues style of Sonny Boy Williamson but to hear the guitar styles and the melody done with very basic recording technology is truly amazing! All done with the fingers and heart.
Zupe & nichols, speechless, 2007, album in total
Buddy Guy is my favorite Eric Clapton BB King stevie ray vaughn Tom keifer Carlos Santana Robin Trower albert collins freddie king REV.BILLY GIBBONS Dicky Betts duane allman just to name a few. There are so many that are really good !
So many greats to name. Personally my favorites are Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler/Dire Straights, Especially the Communique album and Paul Weller. Especcially his solo stuff. He deserves so much more respect for his talent as a guitarist.
Just so many great guitarists, but too many seem to die young – SRV, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore Paul Kossoff to name but a few. For simple originaility it has to be Paul Kossoff, for me. Of the living, I love David Gilmour, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jeff Beck, Alvin Lee, Eric Clapton, but for a truly versatile and personable blues man you’d have to go a long way to beat Buddy Whittington, who I try to see every time he visits the UK.
Baby, what you want me to do………………..Jimmy Reed
Tin Pan alley by SRV. Chris Botti , So what Larry Carton, Stormy
Monday Allman Bros.
Just found great guitarist named yngwie malmsteen. Especially liked arpeggios from hell.
Trey Anastasio from Phish…not classical blues, I know…but there is some mixed in with the funk and everything else.
Jimi Hendrix, Red house and, Voodo Chile. I could listen to both of these songs over Android over.
Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown !!!!!!!! ( Nobody here but us chickens), and of course Clapton (Everyday I Have The Blues )
S.R.V. is one of my all time favorites..I have seen BB King play and Joe Bonamassa is pretty good also.
I have to be honest , I haven’t been listening lately, just local band, Kick’n the Mule, been watching the lead guitar player. I like B B King, Keb Mo, Grayson Capps a lot, I have an old album of B B’s Indianola Mississppi Seed but no CD. That’s about thanks for keeping in touch.
sonny landreth went to school with my brother in estes park colo.And im just learning about him
Hey Griff. The first thing I said when I started reading your e-mail is how cool is that. I love to hear new music and can hardly wait to do just that.
Just purchased my first ever electric guitar yesterday and have already spent 4+ hours on it. It seems a lot different than an acoustic.
Thanks for making this endeavor so much fun.
Hi Griff.
I listen mostly to BB King, Freddie King, and Eric Clapton. There are others but these are the main ones.
I like the entertainment factor that these guys have. Really like Freddie King’s performance.
Johnny Lang – He seems to young to do the blues the way he does, incredible!!
Hey Griff, here is someone I have not seen mentioned. Melvin Taylor, the guy is a monster on guitar. Absolutely phenomenal guitarist.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard any blues I didn’t like. It’s all so good, but some standouts to me are The Black Crowes(Jealous again, Sister Luck, whole Shake Your Money Maker album really), Stevie Ray Vaughn(Empty Arms, Scuttle Buttin, Wall of Denial), Eric Clapton(Have You Ever Loved A Woman, Early In The Morning, Floating Bridge, just to name a very few), and B. B. King( Thrill is Gone(of course), Need Your Love So Bad).
I listen to it all, Howling Wolf, Buddy Guy, Bobby “Blue” bland, Bo Diddly, George Thorogood, Lead Belly, John Lee Hooker, etc., etc,…I love the Blues!
I love to listen to older ZZ Top records, Billy Gibbons can play the rhythm and blues. Suzie Q from CCR. Mark Knopfler on Brothers in Arms. David Gilmour on the Wish you were here album. Clapton’s Old Love and Layla. Keith Richards weaving guitars on Gimme Shelter. Jimmy Page on Since I’ve been loving you. Man, lots of great stuff!
Hello Griff, i have received your free lessons for quite some time now and much i can tell is you have great method in lighting your subscriber to let them get the easy and fast way to learn music and unique style which is blues, keep up the good work, waiting to hear more of your lessons. best regards, joseph
Roy Buchannan, Albert King and Jerry Garcia
Hi Griff. I am sitting on pins and needels waiting for the cds. After reading all the great comments it can’t come soon enough. I notice you play a lot of solid body guitars. I have a gretch bigsby semy hollow. Do you have anything played on a same type guitar you could post. Don.
Thank god a few of you realize what the world has come to miss without Rory Gallagher around. Started listening to Robben Ford the last couple of years, and he’s good. Still don’t understand how it is that Pat Travers still to this day doesn’t get the respect he deserves. First album I heard of his was Go For What You Know, when I was in high school. Not necessarily the blues…but, his albums through much of the ninetys and beyond have demonstrated hands down his abilities as a proficient bluesman. Maybe I’m spewing my opinion. If you haven’t heard him, or not in a long time, I guarantee you that you are missing out. RIP Rory. “When the blues comes callin’ with it’s Calling Card!”
BB King and I am a big Clapton fan. The odd Hendricks.
The late Eva Cassidy’s “Live at Blues Alley.” Actually not listening to it right now as I’ve just worn out my second copy. LOVE her singing and playing Stormy Monday.
Hi Griff hi all, i’m loving Keb Mo and Eric Bibb atm 🙂 plus a really great slide blues man George Kamikawa is well worth a listen if you love slide blues, also i just want to thank everyone else for giving me some new blues to look forward to 🙂 that’s my 2 cents worth lol happy blues playing y’all if i could say that 🙂 .. sandi X
There is so many great blues bands over a long period time for me to list. My moods decide who i listen to at any given time but i have been listening to Captain Beefheart’s Safe as Milk with Ry Cooter great slide work. If you go through Beefheart’s albums there is some good slide guitar and guitar work, and some good blues songs….a little different than your average blues.
Hi Griff/everyone ,
Of course I listen to all the greats, Walter trout played a tiny theatre just a couple of miles from me in Sevenoaks Kent in the uk.fantastic. check out some up & coming british blues guys Oli Brown/Larry Miller/& just last friday Nicky Moores blues corparation a blues voice All time favorite Peter Green in my school days.. Eric as derek on layla keys to the highway .Paul kossof had such a feel with Free .Just got tickets for Joe Bonamassa at the albert Hall in June along with Deep purple
To me any live blues (real music) is great.
I enjoy anything by Johnny Winter and would like for you to touch on his playing if you have a chance, my favorites are Blackjack Man, Sweet Papa John, Johnny Guitar. Also enjoy Buddy Guy and Elmore James. Griff Hamlin isn’t to shabby either.
Mark McLeod
New Brunswick, Canada
Hi All
Check out Hollywood Fats. I was turned on to him a few months back and cant stop listening. He’s considered a West Coast Blues man. He passed at a young age unfortunately. Cut only 1 studio album: Hollywood Fats Band. He plays a swing type of Blues ..lots of triplets but he can also get down on the slow stuff.
I’ve also been listening to Kid Ramos ( another West Coast Blues Man)….”West Coast House Party” and “Kid Ramos”…worth a listen.. James Harman..Mo Napkins and Extra Napkins ( Fats and Kid Ramos play on these). James plays some great harmonica and has a great voice with great grooves on both.
For the Texas type of Swing..Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets. I highly recommend..his first record..Talk to You By Hand.
Also been listening to Duke Robillard..”Blue Mood” and “Stompin the Blues”..some great T Bone Walker stuff and Swing Blues. I’ve been getting into the Swing Blues..and have really enjoyed working the swing type solos in BGU..thanks Griff
And of course, my all time favorite Blues Guitarist..Peter Green from very early Fleetwood Mac. He is not a flashy player but very soulful.Some notes he hits just cut right through you. He replaced Clapton with John Mayall..check out Hard Road as well as early Fleetwood Mac when they were known as Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac.There is a great tune called “The SuperNatural” on Hard Road..its in Dm..unbelievable sustain . When you listen to his phrasing, you will know one of Santana’s influences. Santana covered Peter’s Black Magic Woman. Also check out his Jumpin at Shadows . For an instrumental, not really Blues but very haunting..check out “Albatross” by Fleetwood Mac. Gary Moore does a great tribute album to Peter called “Blues for Greeney” worth a listen for great phrasing.
I have also been listing to very early Clapton with John Mayall and the Blues Breakers, Layla record with Derek and the Dominoes and his Cream recordings. His Vibrato is so subtle and precise. On the BGU solos, I have really been listening to Griff’s use of vibrato and lingering on notes..really gives a polished sound..prompted me to listen to early Clapton again.
Thats It
Johnn B
blues i listen to is fleetwood mac , the official blues band, S.R.V , Clapton, ZZtop, Sony Terry and Brownie Magee, Peter Green, Aussie band- Chain ,Bondi Cigars, Dave Hole. Since i was 13 years of age good mates and myself have been blues fans ,there is something about bluse that stay’s with you for life,my kids now and thier friends listen to all this new stuff , throw on some good old blues rock and even they are impressed. thanks Griff for the lessons they help a lot, i wish i started playing when i was young but only started 2 years ago , is there any way to get speed back to my fingers .
I’ll have to admit that I’m a bit of a sucker for meaningful lyrics
So I like “Too Much Stuff” and “Guru Man Blues” by Eric Bibb
And “None of Us Are Free” by Solomon Burke
But also “Wrong Place, Right Time” By BB King
Since I aways enjoy Griff’s usage of every day life anecdotes as metaphors for pointing out the best way to go about learning guitar (Race driver concetrating attention at the destination point for example) I’d like to share one of mine that relates to current topic of favourite songs. When I was in my teens I lived for about five years in a French speaking country in West Africa. Learning the language was challenging at first but one of the strongest motivation to learn it was my desire to participate in my friends enjoyment of comic books. In a similar fashion I find that one my personal strongest motivations to practice and learn Guitar is my desire to be able to play well and in my own way the songs that I enjoy listening to so much. So my suggestion to Griff as a future step in helping us along the learning process is to consider making the detailed tabs & DVDs of favourite songs/pieces of music availabele to us for purchase.
B.B.KING PRETTY MUCH RULES ,SRV ONE IN 10,000 ,JOHNNY LANG
HAS A FEW I LIKE AND ROBERT CRAY HOLDS HIS OWN. AND JOE BONO UP AND COMING HARD.
Well, historically I started in with the Blues listening and learning to play Blues harp. Only lately have I concentrated on guitar. Started Blues harp with Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, Carey Bell, Muddy’s band, Paul Butterfield, etc. Guitar wise, Clapton, Albert King, Robben Ford, and anybody else that can play down home Blues. Griff’s site has helped lots on the best way to learn guitar. Does anybody have a site for some good slow Blues tracks to play with? By the way, Thank You Griff.
Griff,
Not been trying to play blues or even listen to blues music for very long, 12 months only. Recently I have been listening to Walter Trout, John Mayer, B.B. King, Peter Green, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray, S.R.V. Tony Joe White, Gary Moore (R.I.P). I also think Frampton is amazing. I will certainly have a listen to some of the suggestions, very helpful forum.
Regards,
Gary.
Sometimes its not the big names. I am currently obsessed (yes) with a track by a little known Welsh blues band, sadly now defunct called “Snatch It Back” The track is “Sam’s Boogie” based on an original tune by Magic Sam
This is awsome awsome awsome, I am not normally free with praise.
I am trying to work it out but struggling, any help would be welcome!!!
Griff if you could ‘lesson’ this you would be a god!!
I to am an allman brothers fan long before warren haynes joined up with them, I grew up around warren and his brothers. my two favorite songs by them are—In Memorey Of Elizabeth Reed, and Stormy Monday, two classics. keep up the good work Griff
I like the Allman Brothers “At Filmore East”. Very good music. My personal opinion Duane Allman was the best.
Jeff Beck ,leslie West, Walter Ttrout,Roy Buchanan!, Chris Duarte, Dave Hole, Johnny Winter Just to name a few,
Can’t get enough of The Doors version of “Been Down So Long” and “The Cars Hiss by My Window”, also The Stones’ I Got the Blues and Pink Floyd’s “Mother”.
I must admit my absolute favorite is FEELING BAD BLUES Ry Cooder from the crossroads album also ACROSS THE BORDER LINE the version where Ry Cooder is older. Going back a bit MAN OF THE WORLD Peter Green is or should be up there with Clapton.
I like a song by (McKinley Mitchell) called The end of the rainbow.I would love to learn this song if you have not listened to this song give it a ear
I enjoy Joe Bonamassa, and a guy I found on youtube by the name of Gregor Hilden.
Gregor is German no less.
Yes lynyrd skynyrd, , l really like call me the breeze , that smell. All listed here are great artist , n songs .
l like the Allmann bros band especially the D betts & W haynes lineup , and the early live duane & betts duo. l like the heavy backing sound of a big loud band . l enjoy the dual leads on tunes such as blue sky , many others, combined with the heavier sounds of the humbucking tones . Also l listen to jimi on tunes like fire & redhouse , all really, E/C of course especially the heavier rock tunes of cream , n later, like pretending , & badlove etc, SRV all, BB K, CCR have some good blues tunes too. Canned heat, Beatles, Santana. l really listen to all blues , but l prefere a rhythm oriented sound better than slow winey blues. Anyway l will listen to some of these shared here as l am sure l’ll like them also.
clapton,joe bonnamassa,srv,bernard allison,luther allison,gary morre,and lately a guy i saw at the north atlantic blues fest anthony gnomes
It really surprises me how Lonnie Mack’s “Strike Like Lightening” has been released since 1985, and still isn’t real well-known. It was co-produced and co-performed by SRV. His lively hands can be well-recognized in this recording with its “Oreo Cookie Blues” and “If You Have to Know”. Bold and bad-ass blues!!
Thanks for the emails. I had no other choice, but let ’em stack. My friend in the wheelchair passed in late December, Griff. I was his full time care-giver. It took me a couple of months for me and my guitar to land safely elsewhere. Now that I have my computer set up, I’ll try to use my old yahoo email address until I get the att.net set up.
I can’t believe Gary Moore is not being mentioned much. Gary was the greatest until his death a couple of weeks ago. Check out Red House and tell me wasn’t the best of the best. Why do all the best have to die. Do you think God is forming a super group. Can you imagine Gary Moore with Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimmie Hendrix. God I love you but you’re a selfish bugger. Rest in peace Gary.
l listen to a lot of brilliant guitarists,see a lot as well.big wheels like jeff beck
didnt impress me too much,but tommy emmanuel was amazing.Also love to play and watch Albert Lee,and country guitar licks are my favourite all time sounds
wish l could play like that.Griff Hamlin is pretty hot too!!Don Henley,Chet Atkins,
so many great players.Dave Gilmore is cool Hank Marvin nice instrumentals,the
list is endless.
Along with many of those already mentioned, I lean more towards Jazz and Light Jazz. Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb, Peter White, Jeff Lorber, Nils, Paul Hardcastle, etc. But of course Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Carlos Santana, and many others fit my bill as well
jimi is great, david gilmore is great,and as others have said TEN YEARS AFTER is a great blues band, it is a shame they disbanded.
Griff thank you for the lessons they have been fantastic and so helpful. I hope you carry them on. One day I will have saved enough to buy your course. the blogs are good so here goes – please try Free, on Tons of Sobs and the rest of their albums Paul Kossoff was absolutely amazing and Paul Rodgers tribute to Muddy Waters is a fantastic album with many greats like Jeff Beck , Slash, Gary Moore, Dave Gilmour and Brian May to name a few guesting to , however Lynyrd Skynyrd especially the early tunes like Tuesdays Gone , Mr Banker, Simple man and their covers of Call me the Breeze and T for Texas are sensational.
I like many Claptons tunes i.e. Old Love, Hard Times, Badge etc.. I also like Gary Moore’s ..Still got the Blues & Midnight Blues. Hendrix’s Red House has some really coll licks in it too. It would be nice if Griff found time to put out the tab with the video format he does with his lessons. I would be willing to buy a few off them. It would be nice to have a song of the month club song, but I’m sure Griff stays pretty busy. But I’m sure he could make some decent money too since he has a good following. Learning songs while also going through his lessons would make things fit in better. But again I’m sure this is a very time consuming process.
I Listen to Jimi Hendix my fav is Red house. It has it all. Dave Gilmuor’s comfortably numb solo is forever
First, thanks for the great lessons and tips. I love Rory Gallagher. One of the first albums I bought was Live In Europe. Texas Flood by SRV is great as is Couldn’t Stand The Weather (Tin Pan Alley is so atmospheric). Got to include some slide, Elmore James’ Dust my Broom, Robert Johnson. Also I’ve been revisiting Gary Moore’s blues albums since his recent tragic passing. Brilliant playing.
Griff, I truly have become a better Blues guitarist since I have been in contact with you please there are so many Blues tunes and artists that it would take along time to list them all what you have up on the board is wonderfully spoken and I pray you will continue to help me get better…..I’m alive now that you have been my key to grow so much….long live the king
The cover version of Robert Johnson`s :Love in Vain: by Walter Trout must have one of the coolest riffs that really delivers the full bhuna.
Lately I can’t seem to get enough of this Clapton vid on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-twOjwBORwg
Being a recoving “metal-head”, I heard SRV long before listening to Albert Collins. Easy to tell who SRV got a lot of his chops from.
Hello all, I was looking for some material to learn recently and I ran across Country Blues by Muddy Waters and how similar it is to Clapton’s Walkin’ Blues. Interesting to listen to the two versions and to the similarities….also got me wondering what “riding the blinds” meant and did some research on that.
Take care!
Funny, I’ve been listening Texas Flood too.Never get tired of hearing it, or trying to play it better. Also, Deep into Albert King and “Born under a Bad sign”, and Buddy Guy’s “Skin Deep”.
Andy Timmons (not really blues) But check out Candy Apple Red Jam and Southwest Jam.
Paul Warren guy blows me away listen to rod stewarts song sailing Just incredable
All time favourite is Big Bill Broonzy’s Glory of Love. I can just about play the verse and part of the bridge but largely the rest is a mystery. Great rhythm and a good song. Not classic blues perhaps but a marvellous sound.
Some of my favorites not already mentioned are JJ Cale, Artificial Paradise; Steve Earle, South Nashville Blues; Mark Knopfler, Coyote;Cowboy Junkies, Towne’s Blues.
i like walter trout a lot. joe bonnamassa.kenny wayne shepard,stevie ray, leslie west, to name a few!!!!!!!!!!! griff, i realy like your style orf teaching. thanks for all the tips, there’re great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really like a few guys that ran the same circles. Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Huey Sumlin, Howlin’ Wolf, and Magic Sam. Grif, please take a look at the youtube. Can you work some tabs up that are pretty close to Magic Sam. I’ve been working on this as a goal that I would like to attain. Let me know if you you would be interested in working up some tab on this one. I really like the artists that made the Delta to Chicago migration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S5DGqCfk8o&playnext=1&list=PL0C081D85ED35BD7F
Listening to the talking blues master John lee ATM. Clapton is always a treat, did enjoy one more car with Bb as well. Loving the good reverend Gary Davis at the moment, and some soulful Otis redding.. Peace to u all fellow guitarists
Jeff Beck, B.B. King; Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Sonny Landreth, Sue Foley, Freddie King, Mike Bloomfield…so many good ones…depends on the day, the mood, the I am in. or want ways to play
my favorite blues guitarist is Alvin Lee of TEN YEARS AFTER. Lots of people don’t know of him but he is one of the BEST blues players in the WORLD! Up therre with Jimi Hendricks. Listen on youtube and decide for yourself. Listen to “slow blues in C”,” Help Me”, “the bluest Blues”, or “I can’t keep from cryin” and you’ll see what I’m talkin’ about!
Albert Collins, Albert King, Tab Benoit, Otis Rush, Rory Gallagher who is probably the most talented of all the above. All are great though. I also really like to listen to Mark Knopfler either solo or with Dire Straits. All fingers and no pick.
BB, SRV, Collins, Hendrix, Hooker, Clapton, Muddy…. all are great, but for me its gotta some Buddy Guy.
i’m not gonna say or mention anyone that has not been mentioned. there are so many kick-ass blues guitarist. i’ll go ahead an put my 2 cents in. srv- texas flood that’s probably my favorite also,griff. jimi hendrix on acoustic, fantastic. also his version of red house is a killer groove. clapton, nuff said. johnny winter great blues slide.david gilmore plays 12 bar blues like he was born with an axe in his hands. b.b.king what that man can do to blues, brings a tear. i almost forgot john lee hooker. i got bluesman swimmin in my head.
Anything by Eric Gales – especially the new CD Relentless – BUY IT!!
There are quite a lot of great blues players…I had the pleasure of playing guitar on the road with Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown for a while…He was truly an original. I’d have to say (aside from all the great players mentioned above) Vocally – I listen to DELBERT McCLINTON (and his son Clay.) My other hero (for simplicity and cleanness) is J.J.CALE. Don’t ever stop playin’ boyz! =R=
Griff,
Being an oldie myself, there are so many fantastic guitarists whom I could listen to forever. But there will always be a place in my heart for Mike Bloomfield. I’ve been listening to” Albert’s Shuffle” for forty-three years! I just love it. So, I agree with RichS. Mike is also my blues hero. Thanks.
my current favourites are:
Allman Brothers Band- At Fillmore East (iam yet to hear a band outperform their Mountain Jam, my favorite part is where Jaimoe and Butch Trucks do their thing with the drums OOOOHHHHHH MANNNNNNNNNN), and The Beginnings (which is basically their 1st 2 albums made into one cd)
BB King-Live At The Regal (this is one is just wow, the intensity of the band, and the way the audience the roars and screams with delight adds a more live feel to it.)
The Very Best of Albert King
Buddy Guy and Junior Wells Play the Blues (one of the best blues album of all time its laid back and powerful at the same time)
Buddy Guy’s Living Proof (this album really shows that Buddy Guy is indeed a living proof, amazing lyrics and amazing guitar play! love his duet with BB King and Santana, and the single Thank Me Someday is pretty inspiring for people thats learning the guitar, in this single Buddy tells about how he learned the guitar)
Robert Johnson (his guitar techniques haunts me)
The Very Best of Cream
Jimi Hendrix Experience
Band Of Gypsys (Machine Gun anyone?)
SRV- hard to imagine a blues lover not give this guy a fair play. he held me at Rude Mood.
Hi,
I am listening to a lot of guitarists. Here is my absolut favorites:
Mike Bloomfield (Super Session), Jimi Hendrix (Al along the watchtower is the favorit), Jeff Beck, Richard Rolf, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Les Paul, Django Reinhart and Eric Clapton.
When i wrote this i found that are a lot other guys that i also like but these are the first line.
Hey Griff, first off thanks for all the free lessons, and I do promise once I get my feet back on the ground I will purchase your lessons,(cause what I have learned thus far is awesome). Ive been busted up for 4+ years.
Up here in Canada, I am a big fan of David Wilcox, and a Canadian blues legend from Winnipeg named Big Dave McLean, he is awesome you should check him out, he has helped out Sue Folley and Collin James.
Gregg
Kelowna BC
Lets not leave out Gary Moore with still got the blues, now that boy can play, but griff is starting to become a hero on the blues .
john
new jersey
There are so many great, obscure blues singers and groups from the past that I can’t begin to list all my favourites. But I can do a few for instances. Recently I discovered Earl King doing Those Lonely Lonely Nights- great stuff. And who did Dust My Broom? More great stuff. Clyde Mcphatter and Joe Turner are other favourites of mine. I’d also like to know who did a blues number called Let’s Get Together. There were several songs by that name but it could be by a guy called Willie Clayton. I haven’t heard his version, though.
Doo-Wop music is often R & B and when I can hear songs like one called Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild by The Penguins, I can’t get enough of that stuff.
It’s a great shame to me that such good music is now so seldom heard.
Man DO you lot make me feeeeeeeelll old. Lightning Hopkins was my 1st blues man, but I would say ” not many have heard him ” never mind aye. Keep the music rollin. Keep Smiling. Stay Happy. Jock
I have always enjoyed listening to Jonny Lang. Songs like “Lie To Me” and “Still Rain’en” are great songs that just don’t get enough recognition.
Since I’ve been loving you…Paige/Plant I’m gonn-a crawl…P/P Have you ever loved a woman…Nobody knows you when your down & out…Derrick & the Dominoes/Clapton/Allman..
Miss You…Clapton…It gets us all in the end…Jeff Beck
I pattern myself after Holywood Fats, man he is the greatest. Nick Moss in Chicago is the only one doing this kind of stuff now that I know of. Jimmy Vaughan, Colin James , and Jeff Beck doing the Les Paul show..
Any kind of music with guitar I enjoy, but Blues is special.
I’ve been listening to the latest Gregg Allman album, Low Country Blues.. over and over again.
Matt Andersen and Mike Stevens on the harmonica do some really amazing work on Devil’s Bride and a number of other songs.
For a while I was trying to find everything I could by Roy Buchanan. Sometimes it seems like he makes his guitar talk.
I recognize many of the atrists listed in the previous messages, but have written down a few that I don’t know and will look them up.
Thanks for allowing us to share
Hey Griff, after looking for I don’t know how long I found three cds by Alan Haynes. An outstanding Texas guitarist who to my ear falls stylistically between Johnny Winter and SRV with a nod to Johnny Winter. Add to that his own sound. Definitely worth a listen. I hope anyone interested has an easier time finding his material than I did.
I can’t, & won’t disagree with any of the Bluesmen mentioned in these comments,they’re all great!! & Griff, I’m Playing my way Through The Blues as we speak, and so far I have to say, BRAVO, what you need, no hype, not to techie, just straight forward, BLUES, BLUES, & more BLUES TYVM!!!
SRV still chills my spine!! BB & Albert too!!
hey griff, i like clapton,seveie ray, allman brothers and ZZtop.but they all rock.
Someone who does not get the recognition he richly deserves is Chris Duarte. Check him out in both the Chris Duarte Group and with Bluestone.
Griff,I wrote down a few of the names that people left in the comments,and I plan to listen to them. One name not mentioned,is Canned Heat. I had the pleasure July 3,4, and 5th in 1970 to be at the Atlanta Pop festival. On the bill was Canned Heat,along with Janis Joplin, Santana, the Allman Brothers,Jimi Hendrix,and many more. There is a live performance on CD of the Allman Brothers at that concert. By the way,it was bigger than Woodstock,and the last concert of it’s kind.
Forgot to add: http://www.tonyfazio.com
Enjoy!
The local Blues scene around my town, Annapolis MD, is hot.
I’ve been hooked on the music from local blues player Tony Fazio.
He plays with numerous bands and is getting ready to tour The South again.
Check out his band ELECTROFIED and their recent CD, Bad Case of the Blues.
Tony is my son’s guitar teacher, (& Griff Hamlin’s mine!).
Tony also is a regular at the Blues Jams at The Whiskey bar in Annapolis, http://www.thewhiskeyannapolis.com/
I’m also friends with Wolf Criscenze who has a great website http://wolfsmusicweekly.com/ that helps promote many Blues Jams with the DC Blues Society. Wolf plays bass with Lisa Lim and Over the Limit (LLOL), his band Hot Rods and Old Gas, and Big Boy Little Band and many others.
There’s another Blues Jam over at Old Bowie Town Grille where harpist Charley Sales often plays, but Charley is on an Asian tour at the moment. Check out Charley and Tony from a gig in Paris http://youtu.be/pnscaFamq60
My goal is to surprise Tony at a local Blues Jam sometime later this year with me and my son doing a blues song. (don’t tell Tony…)
Linwood Taylor and Dean Rosenthal are two other great local bluesmen.
It doesn’t hurt that PRS Guitars and Knaggs Guitars are also built locally…
Just found Chantel MacGregor and Theresa Russell on youtube..wow you should hear them play Red House!!!!MOve over Jimi and let them takeover!!
How about Sammy Mayfield’s Blues by the Bushel. It has a real cool version of Happy Birthday. I only know of this one album by him, its great. I believe he is still a local in Denver, Co.
Just listened to Claptons CROSS ROADS benifit CD last night for the 100th time! What great players we have around use. Never get tiered of them. Only wish the ones who have passed were still around.
Clapton’s “Driftin’ Blues” off the EC Was Here album, could listen to it forever man (no pun intended)! Albert Collins, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, BB, Dolye Bramhall Sr. and II, John Mayall, Paul Buttterfield etc… list goes on forever; Joe Bonamass kicks ……, Boz Scaggs: not really known for the blues so much, but one of my favorites is “Loan Me A Dime” (course he had one of the greatest on guitar; Duane Allman). How about Tab Benoit outa Baton Rouge, & don’t forget Jonny Lang. If had to pick my top 2 all time favorites it would be Clapton & Stevie Ray in that order.
Hi Griff
One of the best albums , has got to be JOURNEYMAN by Clapton. The best ever is the track I have for by ringtone Still got the blues by Gary Moore.
I only started playing last year , age 57. Not yet started the beginners course due to xmas break , but a quick review tells me its gonna be good . Lets hope I make it BG Unleased
Been Listening to Jeff Healey another one that left us way too soon. I have alway been amazed at his abilities, he could play the hell out of the blues. RIP Jeff we will miss you.
Hey Griff, I just started the Beginning Blues Guitar package. Great so far. My favorites are Eric Clapton’s River of Tears…powerful tune, and The Shape You’re In. Allman Brothers with Derek Traucks and Warren Haynes… Desdamona, as well as most all other tunes by this timeless band. Gary Moore’s Texas Strut, and Still Got The Blues For You. Colin James’s Atlanta Moan and, another Canadian band, Blues Rodeo, After The Rain and Rain Down On Me…easy chords with a lot of changes in tempo. I’m five years into playing, at 53 years old the old fingers aren’t as nimble but I’m working at it and trying to make up for lost time. Keep up the great work you’re doing Griff, it’s greatly appreciated. Jim
Check out Ray Bonneville (so long blues) simple but addictive cool harp
This might be a little too commercial for some, but I have been enjoying the Black Crowes Acoustic album. I really like the version of Sister Luck. The guitar licks sound great.
Johnny Winter: Progressive Blues Experiment
(I’ve just about worn the vinyl out. Gotta find it on CD!)
Hey Griff
Great idea. I have been listening to Keb Mo as of late. Espicially like Remain Silent off his Suitcase album.
Like anything by Clapton but for a slow one I like River of Tears.
Susan Tedischi and Dereck Trucks.
Warren Haynes.
Jerrod Niemann did an ole blues song Lover’ Lover and did it well, would love to know the rhythm part to that song.
I still listen to Clapton but my favorite period for him was his days in Cream. I have a Cream songbook which has 10 songs but each solo can be carved up into dozens of riffs for practice. I also love the original Fleetwood Mac when they were a 3 guitar attack with Peter Green,Jeremy Spenser and Danny Kirwan. The 3 cd set Live at the Boston Tea Party is classic stuff. Listen to the original version of Black Magic Woman. Stop messin Round is still one of my favorite songs, full of great licks.
I have been trying to emulate john lee hooker’s ” mama you got a daughter” from the city of angels sound track, and just can not seem to get the turn around at the beginning of the song, it is by far the coolest every heard.
I dunno but I think that you should buy as many Ry Cooder albums as you can. Ali Farka Touré, Taj Mahal. I always keep a blues CD in rotation as well as a jazz one. Can’t list ’em all…Try playing guitar/keeping up with the horns…
As for locating the music, I find that there is usually a decent vinyl record store in most major city centres with some real gems in both vinyl and CD format. You just have to be willing to do the digging.
Nice start to the list though.
Attack of the Killer V – Lonnie Mack
No surprises on any of these selections. Fine Bluesmen, all.
I submit, for your listening pleasure, Peter Green. BB King said that listening to Green gave him the chills. High praise, indeed.
Ry Cooder, slideman extraordinaire~!
Big Bill Broonzy, singing “Hey, Hey, Baby, Hey”.
Blind Lemon Jefferson.
Want some deep Blues? Charley Patton.
Elmore James. Everything he does, period.
Chester Arthur Burnett, better known as, Howlin’ Wolf~!
Jimmy Reed.
John Mayall.
Mississippi Fred McDowell, Mississippi John Hurt.
McKinley Morganfield, aka, Muddy Waters~!
Robert Johnson got me started lovin’ dem Blues~!
Skip James – singing “Devil Got My Woman”.
Alvin Lee and TenYears After.
Last, but not least, Billy F. Gibbons…
Griff, I’m a PTTB customer, thanks for the chance to lend my voice here.
Jim J.
1/2/2011
Listened to this a hundred times.
B B king and Gary Moore,
truly awesome…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqAuuIDU2sw&feature=related
The Thrill hasn’t gone, its here !!!
This young guy from Melbourne blew me away the first time I heard him play. Shaun plays solo on the resonator slide guitar and percussion. http://www.myspace.com/shaunkirkmusic/music
I also like a Hobart local – Mangus – in the style of Tom Waits.
Ronnie Earl is a real treasure here on the east coast, got to see him live in a small venue, outstanding. Joe Bonamassa is another one I really enjoy. Luther Guitar Johnson played in a friend of mine backyard this summer with Tom O’neil and at 75 he still has the silky voice and smooth moves on the guitar
You have to include Derrick Trucks. My dream show would be to see Robbin Ford and Derrick jam together!
These are all great blues guitarest. Let’s not forget the fatman Leslie west
i listen to & try to play all different kinds of blues on acoustic & electric one artist i think is under rated is rory gallagher this guy is an amazing guitarist check out bullfrog blues on you tube simply amazing just my opinion i like a lot of other guitarists as well to many to list keep on playing to whatever you like rock on!!!!
hey, Rich S, i’M in N.J. This is the 3rd time i told ya. Lets grt together Im in NJ 732 996 6847. gRIFF,tHERE IS NO ONE I ASPIRE TO MORE THAN rOY buchanan. Brett Mason,Jim Campiongo, Danny Gatton cooks too.AND Duke Robilard. How about it. I’m surprised that you choseSonny Landreth since he is predominatley a slide guy. i dont hear much slide from ys.
twinsoul2@msn.com
http://www.neptunebluesguitar.com http://www.reverbnation.com/davidblanche
Two of my favorates
Strong Perssuader- Robert Cray
Folk Singer- Muddy Waters
b.b. king and ilike buddy holly ritchy valens waylon jennings,but i like a lot of music,like the old blues,they use ti play on there back,in new orleans. thanks
Walter Trout!!!!
“Stormy Monday, it never fails.””
Listening to Hendrix- Red House, All along the watchtower and Gary Moore-Still got the blues for you
Wow , i was a super sessions/Mike Bloomfield supporter back then too !!
Lot of great Band personnel back in the late 60/early 70’s
Paul Butterfield , East West great Chicago blues .
Today… Love Bonamassa !!! This gut is amazing !
I would love to learn the song “I got the keys to the highway” by John Lee Hooker.
I am still woring on the lead part for “Louie Louie”. I know what scale is used but with the fingering to keep up with the timing. These are my favorites.
By the way, are there any BGU students in New Jersey?
I would have to say, and I’m surprised nobody mentioned my blues guitar hero, the late, great, MIKE BLOOMFIELD. I have been a Super Session fan since the late sixties when that LP (yes, I’m an “older” player at 57) came out with Al Kooper playing his B3, Steve Stills (pre CSNY), and session bassist Harvey Brooks. Stills didn’t play on the Bloomfield sessions (Just went down to the “dungeon” to look for the LP’s…..didn’t find them but they’re down there somewhere…found my mint copy of Pink Floyd “Ummagumma”) The guys did a double live LP at the Fillmore West. Years later Kooper released the lost tapes from the Fillmore East. That one I found on the newer fangled CD release in the budget bin in a supermarket. That performance featured an unknown Blues guitarist from Texas in his New York debut named, (you might have heard of him), Johnny Winter. Mike Bloomfield had great blues chops. His phrasing was superb, classic and progressive at the same time. I don’t know where you can get any of this today but I have my precious recordings and haven’t gotten tired of them in forty years, GREAT BLUES IS TIMELESS.
I was born and raised in Ireland so my Blues and Rock guitar hero has always been the late great Rory Gallagher! His ‘Irish Tour ’74’ live album is still so great to this day!
My favourite track on it is ‘I Wonder Who?’ Do yourself a favour and check it out!
Robben Ford is my favorite blues guitarist!! Amazing talent.
Muddy & The Wolf. Awesome live album, with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield.
“Long Distance Call” by Muddy is unreal.
http://www.amazon.com/Muddy-Wolf-Waters/dp/B000002O8O
Blues music can be a lot of fun. TOO bad the IDEAS & Lyrics can be so redundant
For 2 surprising blues numbers try “UNLOVED CHILDREN” &”Number 1 Lowest
Common Denominator” By TODD RUNDGREN. Chops, to be sure, but played around elevated thoughts. I am waiting for the release of his Robert Johnson
covers disc “TODD RUNDGREN’S JOHNSON”. See you can’t ignore a clever mind’s approach. T.R.’s career has always included blues since NAZZ in 68.
Hey Griff, I loved the blues stuffs you’re sending –they’re really a big help to us fledgeling guitarists. Talking ’bout the blues players mentioned above I guess everyone has his place under the sun but I want to particularly endorse the first album by Led Zeppelin’s where “Baby I’m Gonna Leave You” is featured, oh boy I think it’s one of the most powerful blues songs ever recorded. Also check out Eric Clapton’s “Double Trouble” recorded live in Budokan, Japan in the ’70’s wherein he had his Japanese audience screamed for more.
Griff ,
Thank you for sending out the lessons , Keeping The Blues Alive Bro !
I’ll have to admit ; that once we had the privilege and the rare opportunity to meet Mr. Buddy Guy and his band , after a gig in Charlotte , N.C. many moons ago , I ‘ve been listening to all his stuff since . Besides his mind-blowin’ singing he is an incredible guitar player and on-top of everything a very kind , cool mother-fucker ! And recently have been listening to Tommy Castros’ new album Hard Believer which is kinda’ soulful type California Bluey-stuff , check-it-out..
Listening lately to Charlie Patton – Poor Boy Blues,
My taste runs to acoustic thirties blues like Leroy Carr
Blues After Sunrise
Midnight Hour Blues
Sloppy Drunk Blues
Tampa Red – No Matter How She Does It
Sam Chatmon – That’s All Right
Yank Rachell – Shout Sister Shout, Gravel Road
Also Fred Neil – Blues on the Ceiling
Memphis Slim – Mother Earth
Electric – The great T-Bone Walker – Stoemy Monday Blues
Magic Sam – Mamma Talk to Your Daughter
Just discovered Tarheel Slim – Number Nine
That’s about it for now
Greg Allman,Dicky Betts,Robin Trower some of the older guys but man could they play. Hell I admire anybody who can play.
1. Willie Clayton — Do What I Gotta Do and I Can’t Stand The Rain
2. Bobby “Blue” Bland — This Time I’m Gone For Good
3. Albert King — I’ll Play The Blues For You and Born Under A Bad Sign
4. B. B. King — A Better World Somewhere
I am working hard trying to master the lessons on “The Beginner’s DVDs.”
The lessons and your instructional style are Great.
Gary Moore, SRV, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Bonamassa, JJ Cale, Freddy King, John Mayall, original Allman Bros., Johnny Winters, Buddy Guy, Howlin Wolf, and of course all Clapton, maybe his best work-Just Like a Prisoner screams emotion
Ronnie Earl does it for me. One of my favorites is “Blues for Otis (Rush)”. I’m crazy bout BB because of the elegant simplicity of much of his work.
What a tasteful group of BGU brethren! I love it. Thought I’d add the young-only-in-age Johnny Lang to the posts. I watched Clapton’s Crossroads 2010 in the theater and Lang absolutely stole the show from an entire stage of titans. He busted out a ripping solo that had me smiling ear-to-ear the entire time. I need to grab the DVD tonight now that I think of it! Also, while not classic blues, hit up youtube for Prince’s epic solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps with Tom Petty at the R&R Hall of Fame, too. Prince is one of the least talked about and most talented guitarists of all time. Put him on stage with a living legend and then let him destroy (I mean that in a good way!) the solo on a song with a larger than life history and you’ve got a winner in my book. Not to ramble too much, but John Mayer is an incredible guitar player, John. I understand his studio work is a little, well, soft/poppy, but the dude has chops. The guy has to, he has an SRV tatt on his forearm! Gutsy. Before writing him off you might check him out with Buddy Guy on youtube, and his CMT Crossroads session with Keith Urban is incredible. Urban can jam, too, as most country guitarists who got their break doing session work can. Thanks to all for your posts! -J
Between the buried and me, there songs breathe oin breathe out, medicine wheel, there metal but with outstanding blues playing mixiNg
Junior Kimbrough is one of my all-time favorites . . . very trance like blues, listen to the live stuff. Meet me in the City is a great track to start with.
On my list, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Moore are compulsory. I have also heard Griff mention Robin Trower and Peter Frampton, maybe not hardcore blues but great guitarists. And nobody leaves out Clapton and Page. Right now I happen to be listening to Mark Farner playing whilst with Grand Funk Railroad, some great passages of play.
Griff i don’t know weather this guy is blues or not his name is Joe Brown and the Brovers he has been playing and singing all his life i think he started in the years of sciffle he playes guitar banjo mandolin and god knows what else his most famus was avanagiler i saw him do that one in the 60s on tv it was realy good and then there is John denver there are too many to mention over almost 50 years of trying to play and still playing but at 66 i forget my words these days but still percyvear.keep sending the leasons they’r great for us dummys.yours brian,
Here is some Great stuff – “The Black Keys Brothers”; “10 Cent Pistol” and many more .
Listening to kenny Burrell, jazz guitarist. I believe he has a jazz
music dept. ar UCLA.
Been around awhile. Listen to some jazz blues from wayback.
Kenny Burrell,1968, Soulful Brothers. Little bit of everything.
Really like the way he plays chords as well as solos. Comes on,
Blues; The common ground,Verve V6-8746. Seconds Griffs point.
Don’t have to play alot.
Jimmy Reed’s “Ain’t that Lovin’ You Baby” and “Bright Lights, Big City”. And all the others mentioned above.
anything by The Kentucky HeadHunters, especially there “Soul” cd.
Here are a few guys I enjoy listening to:
http://www.albertcummings.com/
http://www.albertcastiglia.com/
http://jamiemcleanband.com/
robert cray , paul cossof , oh yeah and peter green , srv , the 3 kings need i say more
Freddy King and Carlos Santana and outside of the the Blues genre, Barney Kessel and Charlie Byrd. I can’t resist Carlos “Devil Woman”
I was introduced to Freddy about 5o years ago and still play his stuff weekly at he least. Barney Kessel could get extremely funky as well as melodic Find “The Good Little Man” and Charlie Byrd’s “Nuages” in his classical style will grab you and drag you right in to it.
With ALL these comments, no-one seems to mention Chris Duarte, I wonder why? Too modern or commercial (oh dear)? Nah, listen to ‘.32 Blues’ it takes me back to JJ Cale’s brilliant years. Or try ‘Big-legged Woman’ or ‘People Say’. Otherwise I listen to and drool over far too much to mention. I must mention something tho’ that I just can’t get enough of. It’s Eric Clapton, from the Martin Scorsese film Nothin’ But the Blues – the whole film is brilliant but it has simply the best version of ‘Crossroads’ ever and also listen to ‘Motherless Child’, simple but just look at how much Clapton enjoys playing it!
Hey Griff… love your stuff! Keep sending those basic lessons? Hey…and check out Jimmy Thackeray’s recordings w/ The Night Hawks and his other band “The Asassain’s”. I actually watched BB King once lay Lucille down at his his feet and offered him to play her….and he did. His licks almost equal or sometimes even surpass SRV’s
Gary Moore …He can make his guitar sound like a cannon or a violin ! A super, underrated player to say the least. Arlen Roth is probably one of the most versatile players and excellent teachers.
Ry Cooder’s “Feelin’ bad blues”. Beautiful slide work!
walter trout excellent together with coco montoya and John Mayall.E clapton, Buddy Guy, peter green,john mayer,hendrix,johnny winters,jeff beck to many of them to mention.All excellent artists in there own right
thanks for the lessons .keep up the good work
Been diggin’ deep for some Skip James, whose unusual tunings provide some of the most mysterious blues, tied in with his singing style. ‘I’m so glad’ is such a contrast to Cream’s version; both are great but different. Freakin’ same song but whole ‘nother levels…
HEY GRIFF ! LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO , HOPE TO GET THE FUNDS SOON TO BUY SOME OF YOU TOOLS.. AGAIN THANKS… IM A HUGE FAN OF SRV TO BAD ALOT OF THE GREATS LEAVE US TO SOON . STEVIES LIFE BY THE DROP IS A GREAT TUNE , BUT ONE OF MY FAV’S IS THE ONE HE DID AFTER HE GOT CLEAN LIFE WITHOUT YOU , I THINK ITS COOL WHEN HE STOPS MID SONG AND WANTS TO TALK , HE STARTS BY THANKING GOD HES ALIVE AND WELL ENUF TO BE WITH YOU TONIGHT… AND TELLS EVERYONE TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS , THANKS STEVIE CANT WAIT TO HEAR YOU PLAYIN IN HEAVEN…. ANOTHER ONE I ALWAYS LIKED IS JONNY LANG , ROCK ON , GREG
Hi,
Brother Yusef, “A long way from home”; Davy Knowles, a young British artist, making his way in the US, “Tear Down the Walls”; and not so much guitar orientated, but a real driving vibe, R.L.Burnside – it’s bad you know. A beginner at guitar and love blues dancing, hence the last track. Great thread to check out.
I’m listening to a wide variety recently: Ana Popovich, Blues for M; Aynsley Lister, Got It Bad and All Along The Watch Tower; Joe Bonamassa, Blues Deluxe; Coco Montoya, Back In A Cadillac; and Los Blancos, Shakin’ That Thing.
It took forty years of “searching for the lost chord” to discover the resonance of the blues is really where it’s at. Some favorite artists now in my collection are:
Everything I can find by Warren Haynes/Gov’t Mule/Allman Brothers
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi
Harry Manx (can’t wait for his September shows)
Eric Clapton (again…everything!)
Joe Bonamassa
Kenny Wayne Shepherd (10 Days Out)
Bob Brozman
Ronnie Earl
Duke Robillard
Tony Joe White (full of great grooves and fills)
Buddy Guy
Paul Rodgers & Free (the best white blues voice?)
Chris Whitley
Diesel and Time Gaze – a couple of Aussie boys who know their way around a fretboard.
SRV – (anybody got a copy of a live acoustic version of Dirty Pool?)
and of course working back through the Kings, Lightning, Mississippi John Hurt, Leadbelly, Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone, Robert J, etc. So much music to uncover but only two ears and so little time…
J.J. Cale- The River Runs Deep.
I’ve been listening to Joe Bonamassa,Walter Trout,Gary Moore and my latest discovery,Frank Latore and the Killer Bees.They are a local band from Long Island I saw at a blues music festival and they were great!
Muddy Waters………….”Deep Down in Florida”. Need I say more?
T- out
Thanks, Griff for everything.
Yeah I’m a life member of the 3 Kings, Clapton, SRV fanclub. Check out the Oli Brown Band, a British trio that played at the GTaranaki festival the weekend just gone. The guitarist solos like SRV.
I like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Albert King doing Stormy Monday (Fantastic)
I also like Stevie Ray Vaughn playing Pride and Joe
a local Detroit Michigan blues band that is up and coming called The Broken Arrow Blues Band…LOVE GARY MOORE and of course Joe Bonamassa is AWESOME! slide blues of Dave Hole, Walter Trout is also a fav…Davy Knowles, Joanne Shaw Taylor is Amazing!,
Led Zeppelin’s ‘Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You’ has always been one of my favorite blues numbers, Griff… even if it’s blues with the ‘Brit-grit’ flavor! I know it’s not exactly ‘traditional’, but you can see where its roots are; and who can deny the power of Plant’s vocals and Page’s incredible guitar solos…
By the time you teach me how to play this guitar solo, Griff, I reckon I might be able to call myself a decent guitarist! (Of course, if this number isn’t part of your course, I’m pretty sure that, one way or another, you’ll teach me how to work it out for myself anyway!)
I’m gonna try to download a few more blues guitarists though… the three ‘Kings’ look like a good place to start… time to start annoying the neighbours!
😉
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s White sugar. Awesome guitarist from England with a maturity way beyond her 20-odd years. Clapton (though not much of his dissapointing recent studio output), SRV, Hendrix, Freddy King, Buddy Guy. One guitarist whoI can’t understand the fuss about is John Mayer- far too sanitised for my liking.
Hard Time Killing Floor- Thomas King
Eric Clapton and Freddy King \"have you ever loved a woman\". Other than that, I like the Robert Johnson stuff (I don\’t use a finger style, I kind of make up my own flatpicking style for the blues)…I\’d like to see more of that.
Eric Clapton and Freddy King "have you ever loved a woman". Other than that, I like the Robert Johnson stuff (I don’t use a finger style, I kind of make up my own flatpicking style for the blues)…I’d like to see more of that.
Eric Clapton and Freddy King “have you ever loved a woman”. Other than that, I like the Robert Johnson stuff (I don’t use a finger style, I kind of make up my own flatpicking style for the blues)…I’d like to see more of that.
oh yes, I listen to the live version of texas flood loads of times, the one on youtube (long version).
Also the allman brothers band these days live with derek trucks has some of the best solos ever.
I love Johnny Winter- Be Careful With a Fool, Savoy Brown- Tell Mama, Ring in His Nose, And Train to Nowhere. I also love listening to the music of Joe Louis Walker, it’s kind of a gospel blues, but the guitar is outstanding. Lately, I’ve been trying to learn “Mary Had A Little Lamb” for my two daughters, the SRV version, of course. It’s slow going. Love all the lessons Griff. If I had the money to spare I would buy your videos. I like your teaching style.
I have a 2 CD Album called ‘ All Electric Blues ‘ which includes the likes of John Lee Hooker, Lightnin Hopkins, Sonny Boy Williamson, T Bone Walker, Howlin’ Wolf and many more. If you want inspiration baby, look no further. Great names, great music.
robin trower bidge of sighs awesome music” fool in me””little bit of sympathy””too rolling stoned” burn this cd so I could play it in my car as loud as i want and not tick off the neighbors lol.lately i’ve gone back to the dead never was a real dead head but their music from the 70’s early stuff i listen to live dead on xm in car “deal.ramble on rose, big boss man, us blues,sugaree” i also search for original performers i like to see where it all started .I think my favorite song of all time is “nobody knows you when your down and out” it was 1st recorded in 1924 !!! I think by Betsy smith. in a world of tech this is how I still feel connected
Jimi Hendrix “Red House” a real masterpiece.
I love all of the great blues tunes, but lately I’m working on stuff from Robin Trowers Bridge of Sigh’s.
Stevie Ray Vaughn @ BB King doing Stormy Monday
Stevie Ray Vaughn doing Pride and Joy
I love Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter & Jimi Hendrix Playing blues !
I love listen Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter & Jimi Hendrix playing blues !
…Robben Ford / Tiger Walk – Talk To Your Daughter …Enough said!
Some of my favorites are Johnny Winter, Rory Gallagher,SRV been also listening to newer groups like the Black Keys, The Fumes and Blackwater Fever.
One of my all time favorite guitarists is Barry Bailey of The Atlanta Rythem Section.
You youngsters would definately benefit by listening to him. He has the tastiest licks out there.
My second favorite is Warren Haynes of Govt. Mule/ Allman Brothers. The guy can just flat out play his ass off.
I love BB King! I can also listen to ZZ Topp’s Blue Jean Blues over and over again. I know this doesn’t fall into the blues category, but Gangsta Grass-“Lightning on the Strings(and Thunder on the Mic)” has a bluesy at times almost desolate sound on the blue grass music bein’ played,and some of the lyrics are almost bluesy too. Also like their song from another album Long Hard Times to Come.
My all time favourite Boz Scaggs with Duane Allman’s lead guitar on Loan Me a Dime
David Bromberg – My Own House / You Should See The Rest Of The Band !!!!!!!! Oh Sharon!
I can’t believe no one has mentioned:
1) Robert Johnson
2)Elmore James
3)T-bone Walker (you gotta listen to his stuff)
These guys came before and influenced MOST of the players mentioned. I saw a Clappton interview (decades ago) where he mentions Robert Johnson. I read where Hendrix talked about how he got interested in the guitar by listeneing to T-bone. I will add to the list the already mentioned Freddy King and you most hear jazz/blues player Herb Ellis.
I saw Albert Cummings mentioned here. He is great. I bought a used amp he owned. A ’64 Vibroverb reissue. He really beat on it. It doesn’t like most stock tubes. Need chinese tubes for one of the 12ax7 slots. Electro-Harmonix and Groove Tubes won’t work. Amp sounds great, broken in.
Barbacoa Blues- Randy Garibay & Cats don’t sleep. He’s the Chican Bluesman and besides being a fantastic guitarist he was an equally amazing vocalist/showman.
Barbacoa Blues- Randy Garibay & Cats don’t sleep. He’s the Chican Bluesman and besides being a fantastic guitarist he was an equally amazing vocalist/showman.
Johnny and Edgar Winter live on the 1976 album "Together" has the most blistering blues song I have ever heard. Their rendition of "Baby Whatcha Want Me To DO" is simply the best! I know everyone has their favorite but if you love the blues there is no way you cannot love this one ! It is a shame that of all the posts I’ve read on here I did not see Johnny Winter mentioned once
Johnny and Edgar Winter live on the 1976 album “Together” has the most blistering blues song I have ever heard. Their rendition of “Baby Whatcha Want Me To DO” is simply the best! I know everyone has their favorite but if you love the blues there is no way you cannot love this one ! It is a shame that of all the posts I’ve read on here I did not see Johnny Winter mentioned once
I agree that Sonny Landreth is probably overlooked by most folks….have listened to his great tone, composition and interpretation for a while…was great to see him on the Crossroads album with EC…Has been in the car lately full-time….looking to find some other CD’s…hard to find….
Man, it’s hard to know where to start, but here a few that I’ve listened to over the years (and still do): Santana, Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, ZZ Top, SRV, Colin James, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and many more.
Right now I’m listening to Mike Bloomfield’s “If You Love These Blues, Play ‘Em As You Please”. People overlook “Bloomers”, and he gets covered up by flashier players. But, he was a master of blues and if you do yourself a favor and listen to this, you WON’T be let down.
R.I.P. Mike
griff love the lessons and addvice,you give recently bought my squire fender strat at southpaws guitars,and amcurrently learning to play it.checked out some video of you liked what i heard.my favorite stuff ,robin trower( bridge of sighs,victimsof the fury)gary moore(the loner)stevie ray vaughn(little wing,pride and joy)rory gallagher(souped up ford)roy buchanan(sweet dreams)tab benoit( hot tamale baby) santana(evil ways,black magic woman)just a few of my favorites and as a lefty you leesons are still very helpful rich m formally of van nuys,currently mondovi wi
Funny you should mention those two. About 5 years ago, I had the idea to start a non profit org called The Gospel Blues Society in order to make it a real genre. Some call it Christian Blues etc, all bouncing around the fact that it is Gospel Blues. So, I did all the paperwork paid the fee, and here it sits, as I have no idea what to do next. If anyone has a desire to pursue this as a member of the board of directors, let’s talk. I have a web site that is desperately in need of an update, but I can’t seem to take the next step, or even know what it is.
Here’s a couple of New England blues players you might want to check out:
Johhny A — http://www.johnnya.com/ Great tone, lots of vibrato, a bit of rockabilly, and he does a mean Jimi!
Ronnie Earl — http://www.ronnieearl.com/home.html The jazzy side of the blues. Can be understated, but he can also wail!
Darrell Mansfield and Glenn Kaiser…together or solo…there’s a lot of good Christian Blues (oxymoron?) I hear on Live 365 web radio. I love all the old greats, Luther Allison is a biggy in my book. Freddy, Albert, & BB King…Otis Spann…Ray Charles…of course, Muddy and the Wolf…as far as SRV… my favs : ‘Ain’t Gonna Give Up On Love’ and ‘Texas Flood’. Could probably go on all night. ABB-Duane Allman, Warren Haynes and then Derek Trucks, 3 killer guitars slingers.
I’m loving all the new ones I hadn’t been turned on to till this blog. Good idea. I just turned 61 and just got the beginners course. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time to devote to it yet. Work just gets in the way of so much I want to do in my old age. Shoulda been smarter when I was young and socked some dough away…but I was young and dumb and….. db
Most of you already listen to same artist I do. Heres some harp players; Charlie Musselwhite, Big Walter Horton, Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee; Junoir Wells; James Cotton; Carey Bell; Sugar Blue; William Clarke. just too many to list all. I also like Robert Cray Z Z Top, Allman Bros, Bonnie Raitt, Gary Moore, and the list goes on
My favorite playlist……..
Now That You Got Me 3:28 Dr John
I Ain’t Lyin’ 3:54 Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Chevrolet 4:19 Robben Ford
Heavy Love 5:40 Buddy Guy
Headline News 4:41 Savoy Brown
Rattlesnake Shake 5:55 The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band
Miss Ann 3:39 Johnny Winter
Cold Shot 4:01 Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
Dixie Chicken 4:26 Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown
Funkafied Blues 4:24 E.C. Scott
Blues 2:51 Little Mike & The Tornadoes
Casting My Spell 3:46 Coco Montoya
Desperate Man 3:35 Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Can’t Stand to See Her Cry 4:04 Son Seals
The Booty Song 3:11 Little Charlie & The Nightcats
The Blue Cafe 4:47 Chris Rea
Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Little Mike and the Tornadoes, Smokin Joe Kubek, Ten Years After, Garry Moore, Son Seals, The Ford Brothers, Keb Mo, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, and all the old dudes!
That’s for starters, prolly listened to em all within the last week. It’s my commute music!!! Oh, I should say I live in LA!
how ’bout Tab Benoit….Night Train or Joe Bonamassa’s -Last Kiss or some Texas flavored Chris Duarte….love your lessons , I can’t thank you enough , Joe
John Mayalls Bluesbreakers with (1) eric clapton – 1966; and (2) peter green – 1967; and (3) some only with Mick Taylor (generally not as good) – Forget the rest – its all the same – ( except possibly Howlin Wolf, and the early 8 bar Blues Nos., and some of SRV and, of course,
Magic Slim and the Teardrops – not forgetting Brett Marvin and the Thunderbolts, if you can get hold of one of their albums (UK blues band).
For some "different" blues tunes and chords, and scales to go with – try working out "In the Heat of the Night", "A’int Got Nothin but the Blues", and "Georgia". Best of Luck!!
John Mayalls Bluesbreakers with (1) eric clapton – 1966; and (2) peter green – 1967; and (3) some only with Mick Taylor (generally not as good) – Forget the rest – its all the same – ( except possibly Howlin Wolf, and the early 8 bar Blues Nos., and some of SRV and, of course,
Magic Slim and the Teardrops – not forgetting Brett Marvin and the Thunderbolts, if you can get hold of one of their albums (UK blues band).
For some “different” blues tunes and chords, and scales to go with – try working out “In the Heat of the Night”, “A’int Got Nothin but the Blues”, and “Georgia”. Best of Luck!!
ditto on Diego’s post………..The Bluest Blues by Alvin Lee, phenomenal tune. If anyone has the tab (other than the intro) or the real sheet music pls email me, ive scoured the web and it just doesn’t exist. Thanks
I’ve been mostly listening to a lot of Hound Dog Talyor, Tampa Red, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee lately. Of course I love and am also influenced many of the greats: Muddy Waters, BB King, Lightning Hopkins, Howlin’ Wolf, John Fahey etc etc
I’ve been mostly listening to a lot of Hound Dog Talyor, Tampa Red, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee lately. Of course I love and am also influenced many of the greats: Muddy Waters, BB King, Lightning Hopkins, Howlin’ Wolf, John Fahey etc etc
Roy Buchanan…Roy’s Blues…Anything Roy did.
Roy Buchanan…Roy’s Blues…Anything Roy did.
Chuck Berry, Canned Heat, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, The Vaughn Bros. Jimmy and Stevie Ray, Mick Taylor, B.B King, Albert King and many others that have had an influence on me to play guitar
I am 61 and just got my beginning Blues Guitar course. I love it. My favorites are : Down in the Alley:Bob Margolin,Trouble in Mind:Cephas &Wiggins,Wee Wee Hours:Chuck Berry, Key To The Highway:Little Johnny Walter,You Shook Me:Muddy Waters, I Can’t Quit You Baby:Otis Rush, ‘Taint nobody’s Business If I Do:The uppity Blues Women, The Sky Is Cryin: Etta James, and Baby What You Want Me To Do: Jimmy Reed, and many more of the oldies Blues.
I’m 70yrs. old, bend some strings, at home. In 1994, I got a cd featuring a 14yr. old kid from Australia by the name of Nathen Cavaleri. This kid had something to say, and say it, indeed he did. Hope he didn’t spoil what he had, through these years. Buddy Guy’s still my main man.
Atlanta Blues, by Little Brother Blues. Johnny Lang..nuff said
Going to see Jonny Lang tonight, saw Jimmie Vaughn 2 weeks ago.
The bluest blues – Ten Years After…
Ian Moore Band- Me and my guitar
Jimmy Thackery- Roy’s Blues
Jimmie Vaughan’s new release "Plays blues, ballads & favorites " has a great retro 50’s feel to it. I was impressed by the sound he’s achieved on this new album.
Jimmie Vaughan’s new release “Plays blues, ballads & favorites ” has a great retro 50’s feel to it. I was impressed by the sound he’s achieved on this new album.
what about playing like Mike Bloomfield or Mick Taylor?
Super Session and Laurel canyon albums
736267…JOE BONNAMASSA…(NEW DAY YESTERDAY)….ERIC LYNDELL BAND…MICHAEL BURKES…WARREN HAYNES…JEFF HEALY…JIMI HENDRIX
JOE BONNAMASSA…(NEW DAY YESTERDAY)….ERIC LYNDELL BAND…MICHAEL BURKES…WARREN HAYNES…JEFF HEALY…JIMI HENDRIX
Check out Curtis Salgado’s album “Wiggle Outta This”.
Living in the Portland Oregon area, I have been privileged to listen to some great local talent, If you have never heard Terry Robb, or Ty Curtis band, you are really missing out. Then there is the original “Blues Brother” himself, and the reason John Belushi started the band, Curtis Salgado! He is one of the best blues harp players, and the most amazing blues vocalist.
I like to listen to INTO THE BLUES by Joan Armatrading. she is an excellent guitarist and has that deep southern raspy voice that rings out the blues. Also not to many female blues guitar players that I know of!!
I really lived & love all music in general & thank God especially for the blues. I wonder if every musician really has a bit of blues in them. That would be some list, each Guitarist from all genres with their best or favorite Blues #1 hit.
My favorite concert was back in the 70s; Muddy Waters with Eric Clapton (Standing Around Crying). That decade I was also introduced to another favorite, the Grateful dead (Big Railroad Blues).
OK, my favorites today…You…Griff Hamlin!!! Then there’s Joe Bonamassa. Man he’s amazing. Great list you started here Griff!!!
Here are some more favorites:
The Yardbirds with Eric Clapton – I’m A Man
Eric Clapton & Jimmy Page – Freight loader
Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) – Judgement Day Blues
Alvin Lee – The Bluest Blues
Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Chile Blues
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Couldn’t Stand The Weather
Jimmie Vaughan (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) – Tuff Enuff
The Good Rats – Tasty (This is a NY Rock (& Some blues) band I enjoyed in the 70s.)
I keep coming back to Ry Cooder (Paradise for Lunch and Into the Purple Valley CD’s), Little Charlie & the Nightcats, now Rick Estrin et al (That’s Big, but just about any of their others), James Harman Blues Band w/ Kid Ramos on lead , Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, John Mooney, and Tab Benoit. Out of all those, for pure guitar work, it would have to be Ronnie Earl. Too bad he doesn’t have a voice to go with it.
Most recent;
Steve Marriott/ Humble Pie- what ya gonna do about it & fool for you
Greg Allman
Rory Gallager- Brought & sold
Jimi Hendrix/Valleys of Neptune -hear my train a coming
Sonny Terry/ Brownie McGee
Peter Green
Joanne Taylor Shaw
Dave Hole & John Butler Trio
The Guess Who
If you like slow meaningful blues guitar try Ronnie Earl. All of his stuff is great!
Check out Tony Spencer and Scarlet Runner, I was really surprised with both.
Lately:
Joe Bonamassa – Live From The Royal Albert Hall
A fella out of Austin, TX named Allan Haynes
Chris Duarte
Teddy Lee Hooker
Jonny Lang
Always:
All the legends. B.B., Buddy, Albert (King & Collins), John Lee, Freddie, Eric, Robert, Jimi, and the list goes on and on (and yes, I am on a first name basis with all these guys ;>). You know ’em and love ’em too.
I’ve been listening to a local blues band called the Kenny James Miller Band. kennyjamesmillerband.com
And of course SRV, Tab Benoit, Gov’t Mule.
I have been listing to danny bryant , nuno mindelis , and albert collins live in japan all show some great guitar work check them out.
I’m all over the place recently. Joe Bonamassa’s new CD, Black Rock, is amazing. Been spending quite a bit of time listening to Jimmy Reed’s Greatest Hits. A couple of local guys I’ve gotten into: Buddy Whittington, who played lead for John Mayall for 15 years, has a CD out and it’s great. Also, Dave Millsap, who was the lead player for Delbert McClinton, has one called Feeling Lucky that I’ve really enjoyed. Both Buddy and Dave are Ft. Worth guys and play around here every week. Been great to listen to them.
Some great suggestions so far, but one big omission is Jimi Hendrix. Red House, Killing Floor and Bleeding Heart are just some of his classic blues tracks.
All of the above artists are great
How about people like John Fogherty (Creedence C.R.) as many of his songs were pretty bluesy
The 6 current discs that are in my truck are
1. Richard Hudson – Some Of My Favorites
2. Pink Floyd – The Division Bell
3. Jonny Lang – Lie To Me
4. Alice In Chains – MTV Unplugged
5. Lightning Dust – Lightning Dust & Infinite Light
6. Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Trouble Is
There are just way way too many great guitarists to list. Can’t wait for the next Crossroads DVD to come out!
As far as I can see no one has yet mentioned the brilliant Walter Trout. Check out any of his albums for the more blues-rock side of things. See him live for a demonstration of blues at its best. For more slide work have a look at Roy rogers, particularly ‘Walking Blues’ and ‘the Sky is Crying’.
As far as I can see no one has yet mentioned the brilliant Walter Trout. Check out any of his albums for the more blues-rock side of things. See him live for a demonstration of blues at its best. For more slide work have a look at Roy rogers, particularly ‘Walking Blues’ and ‘the Sky is Crying’.
Elmore James. Anyone know exactly what Guitar and amp he used?
‘sunnyland’ by elmore james…i’d love to see griff breakdown the ryhthms & fills…i have it on a very old cd (90’s, best of elmore james import from italy??) with a black cover…lyrics are at:
http://www.lyrics007.com/Elmore%20James%20Lyrics/Sunnyland%20Lyrics.html
other ones i listen to on a regular basis are:
– confessin’ the blues by b.b.king (off of completely well)…would like to examine the bass player holding either the 1 or 4 chord FOREVER at either the beginning of the 2nd or 3rd verse, VERY EFFECTIVE at building tension & release
– pride & joy by stevie ray vaughn (off of hits collection)…would like to learn the bass/guitar ‘walking’ progression
les lieber (leslieber@comcast.net, 509.924.9537_home, 509.499.6833_cell)
Homework – original Fleetwood Mac w/ Peter Green
Homework – Robben Ford
Chuckles – Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page
Gin In The Morning – Jimmy Thackery
Stranger – Johnny Winter
My Home Is A Highway – Kim Simmonds
I Fall Apart – Rory Gallagher
Blues For Charlie The Lobster – Larry Coryell
Rocking In The Coconut Top – Hop Wilson
Jimmy’s Blues – Jimmy Shirley
Have you ever loved a woman, Clapton Live
Loan me a dime. Boz Skaggs vocals with Duane Allman on lead guitar, priceless
some of my likes are; srv, buddy guy ,eric clapton; just to name a few.
Sapphire Blue by Larry Carlton.
Comes and goes, have about 700 tunes on the iPod. But right now I’m focusing on the following…
(1) Drifting, Peter Green’s Feetwood Mac
(2) Crosscut Saw, Albert King
(3) Politician, Cream (The song that caused me to pick up a guitar in the first place)
(4) Silver Paper, Mountain
(5) I Wonder Why, BBM (Gary Moore’s finest work is on that BBM studio album, IMHO. It helps when you have Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce behind you!)
I’ve got another one for ya. Ten Years After doing a song called Bluest Blues. Excellent tune!
Six Pack Poet by Tinsley Ellis.Tinsley is an awesome player in the Southern Rock-Blues style
BB Chung King and the Buddaheads – I just heard of these guys and “Go For Broke” is one of the best blues albums I’ve purchased in a LONG time.
I also love the soundtrack from the movie Crossroads which is Steve Vai.
Jeff Healy “pocket full of Blues” and Tab Benoit “Whiskey Store” live album
I found the blues back in the late 60s-early 70s. I was led there by none other than the original Allman Brothers Band. Went back from there to listen to what those guys had been listening to and ain’t been the same since. I seem to always go back to Duane and Dickey and now Warren Haynes is just a guitar beast in my mind. I can still listen to SRV, Clapton Buddy, BB,and some of the original bluesmen for hours but somehow end up back on Duane sliding around on that guitar! Gives me the chills. I did enjoy Griff and Bob’s Jamming on stage together recently. You guys are great!
I found the blues back in the late 60s-early 70s. I was led there by none other than the original Allman Brothers Band. Went back from there to listen to what those guys had been listening to and ain’t been the same since. I seem to always go back to Duane and Dickey and now Warren Haynes is just a guitar beast in my mind. I can still listen to SRV, Clapton Buddy, BB,and some of the original bluesmen for hours but somehow end up back on Duane sliding around on that guitar! Gives me the chills. I did enjoy Griff and Bob’s Jamming on stage together recently. You guys are great!
As I listen to my ipod as I exercise I list for songs that have great blues hooks or licks or riffs that sound easy to learn as I jsut started learning (at 55!) Here are some. (p.s. we should put together an itunes song list)
* Johnny Winter – Don’t take advantage of me.
* Gary Moore – Memory Pain – I learned this one its hot! Johnny Winter and others do it also but I like this version best.
* Elvin Bishop – Little Red Rooster
* Lonnie Mack – Further on Up the Road
* Jimmy Vaughan – Positively meant to be; and Just liek puty (great bends). I have all his stuff (his little brother’s too) . Jimmy opened for BB King at a great little theater 1 block from me in Glenside PA (Keswick Theater) great venue artists love the acoustics.
* Danny Gatton (R.I.P) – Blues Newburg – ok so I can dream. His instructional DVDs are like concerts! Saw him several times in Philly area in his prime.
* Roy Buchanan – When a guitar plays the blues – another great player who died way too young. Stood 5 feet in front of him in a small dive bar in NJ across the river from Philly- he was awesome and we got to talk to him.
* Buddy Guy – She got the devil in her. RAW! He was at the Keswick last week – like BB comes every year. And yes he made the rounds through the theater playing in the crowd who went wild!
OK I have to go this is a great idea – could spend hours!
Yes, these guys are all real good, although some maybe not the best vocalist ever , but my 2 cents worth is the allman bros, double sets, called a night with the abb, released back in the 90’s , but it features spirited les paul sounding blues, between dicky betts ,and warren haynes , n at that time they were really playing hard , n fast , but clean too , check it out , some standout songs are blue sky. nobody knows , jessica, back where it all begins , n many others of equally good performances. Allen woody adds some great supporting bass riffs throughout too. Good heavy rockin blues.
The Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scotts DVD is fantastic, even though it is not completely Blues. That is what I am listening to and watching lately.
Past Recordings that I still listen to would be SRV, Gary Moore, Roy Buchanan, Los Lonely Boys, Buddy Guy.
I am currently listening to Robben Ford Soul On Ten album, great stuff, saw him do it live. Any Joe Bonamassa, If Heartaches Were Nickels is my favorite, and Gary Moore Still Got The Blues.
Why is this thing repeating copies of the postings?
I love this sharing music stuff.
I enjoy all of the above post and it makes me want to break out S.R.V. once agian.
Here’s one more for you to consider.
DEREK TRUCKS
The old timers blues players such as: all time great B. B. King\’s \"The Thrill Is Gone,\" Leadbelly\’s \"Good Morning Blues,\" John Lee Hooker\’s \"Boom Boom,\" Muddy Water\’s \"Take A Walk With Me,\" Big Joe Turner\’s \"Brother James,\" and lots of their other hits. Other favorites; Lightning Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnston, Billie Holliday (St. Louis Blues), T Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Peter Chatham, Dina Washington (Shoo Shoo Baby), Big Joe Williams, Blind John Davis, Blind Willie McTell, and Sam \’Lightning\’ Hopkins. Now that is a stable of greats that can\’t be beat in my humble opiniom!
The old timers blues players such as: all time great B. B. King’s "The Thrill Is Gone," Leadbelly’s "Good Morning Blues," John Lee Hooker’s "Boom Boom," Muddy Water’s "Take A Walk With Me," Big Joe Turner’s "Brother James," and lots of their other hits. Other favorites; Lightning Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnston, Billie Holliday (St. Louis Blues), T Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Peter Chatham, Dina Washington (Shoo Shoo Baby), Big Joe Williams, Blind John Davis, Blind Willie McTell, and Sam ‘Lightning’ Hopkins. Now that is a stable of greats that can’t be beat in my humble opiniom!
The old timers blues players such as: all time great B. B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone,” Leadbelly’s “Good Morning Blues,” John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom,” Muddy Water’s “Take A Walk With Me,” Big Joe Turner’s “Brother James,” and lots of their other hits. Other favorites; Lightning Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnston, Billie Holliday (St. Louis Blues), T Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Peter Chatham, Dina Washington (Shoo Shoo Baby), Big Joe Williams, Blind John Davis, Blind Willie McTell, and Sam ‘Lightning’ Hopkins. Now that is a stable of greats that can’t be beat in my humble opiniom!
Tommy Castro, Ford Blues Band, Keb Mo, Etta James, Ester Phillips,
Simply Red/(Nick Hucknall), Robert Cray:
The most important thing in "the world of blues" for me is the story and how it’s told. These people are some of my favorite story tellers. I hang on every word. If the words are weaved together in a way that is the same as the form or flow of the music, you know it. When this works you have two hooks. Tommy Castro and the Ford Blues Band can are hard drivers who can make you hurt, cry or grin. I wear my MP3 a lot. I like to sing along. My neighbors want me to shut-up. That’s not going to happen. Keb Mo stands alone. He is every bit a reflection of his own life and experiences. I dare say that if you listened to all of his music and actually payed attention to what you hear you might possibly avoid many of the pitfalls in life that make us all look stupid. Robert Cray? The bard. Because of him, I can now hear my fear through walls,( look it up). It is my opinion that Robert Cray" keeps the blues". His lyrics and tales are kept within the boarders of traditional blues. He and Eric Clapton have translated traditional blues in their own way but the standard form of the piece is not lost . Their own music is "The great Blues to be judged next, in the future". Etta James and Ester Phillips; They are both very powerful voices. Etta will come down on you like a load of brick. She is a natural born woman of the blues. Ester’s power is her control of her incredable voice.She wrote a lot of music that was sold to other voices who got very rich. Problem, they didn’t perform the songs as they were written. Many years passed before she could record them herself, for the first time. I was given a random 33 1/3 record. I played it one time to make a copy. Simply Red /( Nick Hucknall); If you let the guy’s music and voice have you (relax), it can take you through a spectrum of people, places and dreams. Remember, these artists represent powerful voices. Nick Hucknall has a voice of infinite control. From breathless to bitch’in. (Ester Phillips works the same.) He can slip through lyrics so effortlessly and in the next moment power the truth home, braided perfectly into the music and the tale told. If you don’t know some of these artists it would be a worthwhile use of time to look them up and give them a listen. Do it when you have time to kick back and really feel it.
Tommy Castro, Ford Blues Band, Keb Mo, Etta James, Ester Phillips,
Simply Red/(Nick Hucknall), Robert Cray:
The most important thing in “the world of blues” for me is the story and how it’s told. These people are some of my favorite story tellers. I hang on every word. If the words are weaved together in a way that is the same as the form or flow of the music, you know it. When this works you have two hooks. Tommy Castro and the Ford Blues Band can are hard drivers who can make you hurt, cry or grin. I wear my MP3 a lot. I like to sing along. My neighbors want me to shut-up. That’s not going to happen. Keb Mo stands alone. He is every bit a reflection of his own life and experiences. I dare say that if you listened to all of his music and actually payed attention to what you hear you might possibly avoid many of the pitfalls in life that make us all look stupid. Robert Cray? The bard. Because of him, I can now hear my fear through walls,( look it up). It is my opinion that Robert Cray” keeps the blues”. His lyrics and tales are kept within the boarders of traditional blues. He and Eric Clapton have translated traditional blues in their own way but the standard form of the piece is not lost . Their own music is “The great Blues to be judged next, in the future”. Etta James and Ester Phillips; They are both very powerful voices. Etta will come down on you like a load of brick. She is a natural born woman of the blues. Ester’s power is her control of her incredable voice.She wrote a lot of music that was sold to other voices who got very rich. Problem, they didn’t perform the songs as they were written. Many years passed before she could record them herself, for the first time. I was given a random 33 1/3 record. I played it one time to make a copy. Simply Red /( Nick Hucknall); If you let the guy’s music and voice have you (relax), it can take you through a spectrum of people, places and dreams. Remember, these artists represent powerful voices. Nick Hucknall has a voice of infinite control. From breathless to bitch’in. (Ester Phillips works the same.) He can slip through lyrics so effortlessly and in the next moment power the truth home, braided perfectly into the music and the tale told. If you don’t know some of these artists it would be a worthwhile use of time to look them up and give them a listen. Do it when you have time to kick back and really feel it.
i have fallen hard for the guitar on the derek trucks band’s version of ‘down in the flood’ by Bob Dylan.also following the Austin Texas band Arc Angel featuring double trouble rythme section.great guitar work by Doyle Bramhall 2 and Charlie Sexton.
i have fallen hard for the guitar on the derek trucks band’s version of ‘down in the flood’ by Bob Dylan.also following the Austin Texas band Arc Angel featuring double trouble rythme section.great guitar work by Doyle Bramhall 2 and Charlie Sexton.
I’m into all manner of old and new blues artists and have a fair collection of recordings, but it is the electric guitar solos that have inspired me to want to play like them. It only took me 40 years to go buy an electric guitar tho’!!! Your vidos have been really appreciated.
I love Buddy Guy and of all his albums I have Skin Deep gets me playing along more than any. Also Ottis Rush Live at the Old Fools Pub Chicago has some great stuff on it and BB King has been an inspiration most of my life. I have followed Clapton too and have loads of his stuff, including his time with Cream etc., but I regularly play along with From The Cradle. For a more mellow listening I really like Boni Raitt, she has some great soothing tones.
Recently. I was listening to the Blues channel on Direct TV,which I do quite often, I heard this song by James Armstrong called Another Dream. It’s from his cd, Got It Goin’ On. Awesome tune. Actually the whole album is good. I highly recommend it. Great to try to play along with. Another cd I have been listening to is Gregg Allman’s Searching For Simplicity. It has for starters, a nice slow version of Whipping Post. Plus a tune I’ve been trying to learn called House Of Blues. Another recommended album to check out. Thanks, and keep testifying those blues!
At my age of 66 yrs. old, I`’ve seen a lot of BLUES entertainers inspire me to want to play like. John May all and the bluesbreakersbreakers with Eric Clapton-” Have you hear about my baby,”Jimi HENDRICK,”Little Red House on the hill,” Richie Blackmore playing a live version of Bues solo at The California Jam in Ontario, California, Rory Gallagher-” Blues Frog Blues,” Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holy Company,Cream,Ray Charles,Steve Miller Band,etc etc.There are many more artists that inspired me as well. It ME 40 yrs. to buy my first ELECTRIC GUITAR.
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since \’ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar. 543353
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since ‘ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar. 543353
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since ‘ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar.
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since i\\\’ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar.
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since i\’ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar.
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since i’ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar.
Believe it or not Jimmy page. i feel is very blues oriented . since i’ve been loving you off zep 3 killer bkues guitar.
srv tin pan alley buddy guy eric clapton jj cale everyyhing that they play
I forgot, Johnny Winter: Guitar Slinger-Album
Jim Byrnes: Just A Pilgrim; 12 Questions
Debbie Davies: Tales From The Austin Motel-Album
Keb’ Mo’: Anything he does
SRV: All
Jimmy Vaughn (Stevie’s brother)
Robert Cray: Shame and a Sin-Album; and others
Johnnie Lang
Hendrix
Clapton
Keb’ Mo’
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz
Keb’ Mo’
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz
well griff, if you insist!! – my top five_ baby,please dont go.(muddywaters)#2 stormy monday(t-bone walker)#3everyday i have the blues(bbking)#4long-distance call(??)#5goodbye love,hello blues(ray rivera)somewhat obscure jazz guitarist ,song writer,arranger,.performed on the n.y.c. jazz scene , recorded with wynston marsalais walter hirsch ,billy taylor,basie,the duke. he is the guitar player in the movie the cottonclub. good friends also.well is mystery train consided a blues song cause i like that one .
Surprised and disappointed to see no mention of one of my heros, Mike Bloomfield. I advise those unfamiliar with him to check out the two Butterfield albums, ("The Paul Butterfield Blues Band", and "East-West"), "A Long Time Comin’", by The Electric Flag, and "Super Session", with Mike & Al Kooper (there’s also two live versions that Mike and Al teamed up on). This covers most of his best work, before addiction problems messed him up. Also, check out "Stand Back" by Charlie Musselwhire’s South Side Band. I also love Clapton, BB & Albert, Johnny Winter, SRV, etc. Just listened to a Lowell Fulson CD.
Surprised and disappointed to see no mention of one of my heros, Mike Bloomfield. I advise those unfamiliar with him to check out the two Butterfield albums, (“The Paul Butterfield Blues Band”, and “East-West”), “A Long Time Comin'”, by The Electric Flag, and “Super Session”, with Mike & Al Kooper (there’s also two live versions that Mike and Al teamed up on). This covers most of his best work, before addiction problems messed him up. Also, check out “Stand Back” by Charlie Musselwhire’s South Side Band. I also love Clapton, BB & Albert, Johnny Winter, SRV, etc. Just listened to a Lowell Fulson CD.
Robin Trower – The Day of the Eagle – remastered greatest hits is getting some serious air time from my staple of Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Not in the blues category, but Ritchie Blackmore’s ‘Blackmore’s Night’- an odd medieval folk rock total genre change for him, is also getting some evening time. Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, and of course a daily fix of BB. Also been listening to this SoCal band, can’t remember the name, Fuzzy Llama Blues, something like that. They throw down some serious blues. You should check them out 😉
Anything by SRV, or KWS, Johnny Lang, Canned Heat, Robert Cray, Johnny Winter, Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings, Dave Hole. Too many to mention.
Good pick Ross Johnson. Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush. That live album has some incredible soloing in it. Saw that same concert back in the 70’s. Still listen to it alot. Gary Moore live I listen to also. Still got the blues for you. Griff, I love that jam you did with the band and another guitar player that was posted on your website. I listen to that alot . Rock on Griff.
Gov’t mule, Derek trucks,Dave yoke with Susan Tedesl and scrapomatic.
I found some cds at the library, Freddie King\’s 17 greatest hits and some nice single note rhythmes by Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Black Tornado
I found some cds at the library, Freddie King’s 17 greatest hits and some nice single note rhythmes by Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Black Tornado
I found some cds at the library, Freddie King’s 17 greatest hits and some nice single note rhythmes by Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Black Tornado
My Favorite blues/rock guitarist now is Joe Bonamassa. His take on "If Heartaches Were Nichols" off the New Day Yesterday Live CD just kills me. I’ m collecting all his CD’s . Other fav blues artists are Tab Benoit, check out Cherry Tree Blues and I Got Loaded. He and a fav guitarist Jimmy Thackery teamed up on the cd " Whiskey Store". Check out Away Way Too Long, which Tab Sings. Others are Kenny Neal, Walter Trout, Debbie Davies, Coco Montoya. I get my blues from Serious Satelite radio channel 74, the only blues channel out of over 130, go figure. And even better, Pandora internet radio. Just put in your fav artist and they match songs of that genre, beautiful.
My Favorite blues/rock guitarist now is Joe Bonamassa. His take on “If Heartaches Were Nichols” off the New Day Yesterday Live CD just kills me. I’ m collecting all his CD’s . Other fav blues artists are Tab Benoit, check out Cherry Tree Blues and I Got Loaded. He and a fav guitarist Jimmy Thackery teamed up on the cd ” Whiskey Store”. Check out Away Way Too Long, which Tab Sings. Others are Kenny Neal, Walter Trout, Debbie Davies, Coco Montoya. I get my blues from Serious Satelite radio channel 74, the only blues channel out of over 130, go figure. And even better, Pandora internet radio. Just put in your fav artist and they match songs of that genre, beautiful.
BB KING AND OTIS RUSH THE BEST OF THE BEST
I have allways wanted to be able to play \"Red House\", by Jimi Henderix, from the live recording.
If I could get the introduction then I would be on my way.
I have allways wanted to be able to play "Red House", by Jimi Henderix, from the live recording.
If I could get the introduction then I would be on my way.
I have allways wanted to be able to play “Red House”, by Jimi Henderix, from the live recording.
If I could get the introduction then I would be on my way.
Your timing is perfect! Listening to Robert Cray – I Was Warned as I received your email Griff.
Robert Cray ranks right up there among my favourites. Top Ten would also include Clapton obviously, BB King, Jonny Lang (no relation!), someone you may not have heard much of but she is from my hometown Ottawa, Canada, Sue Foley. Jeff Healey of course .. how can he play like that without eyesight?! Muddy Water, John Lee Hooker… man… I may have to expand my list! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much good blues out there…
If there is only one last song to hear is has to be B B King and Gary Moore playing The Thrill Has Gone.
You MUST listen to this, TODAY !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqAuuIDU2sw&feature=related
Awesome
peter greens splintergroup theres a river
My absolute favourite blues guitarist of all time is Eric Clapton but I am a huge fan of Big Bill Broonzy and his song Key To The Highway is great, I also like the regulars like muddy and stevie but for me it\’s Clapton all the way.
My absolute favourite blues guitarist of all time is Eric Clapton but I am a huge fan of Big Bill Broonzy and his song Key To The Highway is great, I also like the regulars like muddy and stevie but for me it’s Clapton all the way.
My absolute favourite blues guitarist of all time is Eric Clapton but I am a huge fan of Big Bill Broonzy and his song Key To The Highway is great, I also like the regulars like muddy and stevie but for me it’s Clapton all the way.
I am a fan of the heavy rhythmic blues like John Lee Hooker and RL Burnside and only recently turn on to a great new band, The North Mississippi Allstars. “Drinking Muddy Water” is just fantastic.
I keep my satellite radio tuned to channel 74 BB King’s Bluesville, a wonderful source for historic, classic and contemporary blues!
Jumping At Shadows – Gary Moore
Marie’s Mood – Walter Trout
Soul Fixin’ Man – Luther Allison
My favorites would include………Stevie Ray, Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Clapton, ZZ Top, Carlos (that’s right even Carlos) and Freddie King
Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan, Lonnie Johnson, the Excello and Mercury Records box sets.
roadrunner by bo diddly
the thrill of your love by elvis presley
who do you love by bo diddly
I particularly like old school shuffles. Check out: One more chance, by Michael Burks; Get your business straight, by Coco Montoya; and 32/20 blues, by Government Mule. Those are three of my faves.
I particularly like old school “shuffles”. Check out: “One more chance” by Michael Burks, “Get your business straight” by Coco Montoya, or 32/20 blues” by Government Mule. Three of my “faves”.
Fleetwood Mac, Need your love so bad
Lead Belly CC Rider
Otis Rush, So many roads
Chicken Shack, First Time I met the Blues
Chris Rea, No Wheels Blues
Currently listening to this Canadian guy. Hobosexual is the name of his album.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jet-Lagged-Jeff/369187240039?ref=ts
You’ve really started something. Just proves how much good music there is out there.
Check out an Australian band called the Bellhops very good. Also the Hellboppers which is a more acoustic combo with some of the same band members. Guitarist John Russell has complete control of everything he does, a truly accomplished Blues Guitarist.
You’ve really started something. Just proves how much good music there is out there.
Check out an Australian band called the Bellhops very good. Also the Hellboppers which is a more acoustic combo with some of the same band members. Guitarist John Russell has complete control of everything he does, a truly accomplished Blues Guitarist.
Walter Trout, Positively Beale Street album…Joe Bonamassa, anything by him is great…Aynsley Lister another good one….and last but not least, "The Lord Of The Strings"…Gary Moore!
Walter Trout, Positively Beale Street album…Joe Bonamassa, anything by him is great…Aynsley Lister another good one….and last but not least, “The Lord Of The Strings”…Gary Moore!
BB. KING!!! BUDDY GUY!!! :p
LUV EM!!!!
Been listening to, and practicing, a lot of Piedmont blues: Blind Blake, Scrapper Blackwell, Mississippi John Hurt, and Rev. Gary Davis. Love that alternating thumb and ragtime syncopation (“old time picking” as Rev. Davis called it).
Being a Clapton fan, I was inspired to go looking after listening to his Unplugged album, which I still love after all these years. The song “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” came pretty easily to me, and I wanted to find more acoustic blues songs in similar styles that I could play.
I like Robert Johnson stuff, but I love Leon Redbone and started listening to him more again. Redbone is a fan of Blind Blake, and that is what led me to the Piedmont blues. I think this is a great niche for me and this kind of music is really what drew me to the guitar so long ago.
I really love the old Clapton stuff that I started out on. Have you ever loved a woman,Bell bottom blues etc. I evolved into Texas blues over time SRV etc. But the more you listen to the B.B.King and Buddy Guy types you have gotta go old school.
Larry McCray, Lightnin Hopkins, Hot Tuna
The Stone Foxes!
Blues Walkin’ Like a Man by Rory Block and 02 by Son of Dave
Teenage head not exactly blues but very blues oriented. Of course my fav Stevie Ray is one of the best and another Frank Marino and mahagany rush
Walter Trout, especially the CD title Walter Trout.
Hi Griff,
What about Midnight worker (Buddy Holly)
Take it Easy (The Animals)
Dust My Broom
Shake Your money Maker.
Monday Morning Blues (Mississipi John Hurt)
Lightnin Boogie (Lightnin Hopkins)
Rory gallagher , anything and everything by one of the greatest
Anything by Joe Bonamassa – ace bluesman!! Will see him live in London on 28th May 😉
Two favorites lately are King Ernest and The Reels. Song called Hiway by The Reels rocks hard.
L’il Dave Thompson was killed in a rollover in Alabama a month ago at the very top of his game. Carl Drew is the oldest working blues guitarist and is still hot. He told me, “John, find your sound and stick with it.”
For accoustic blues you can’t find anyone more mellow than Doug MacLeod. Douggie was the bass player in my first band.
Eric Clapton; Out Side Women Blues, on youtube, he is playing a black Martin.
SRV; Cold shot, Texas Flood, Riviera Paradise…
John Lee Hooker; The healer w/Carlos Santana.
Jeff Beck, Nadia; Rollin’ n Tumblin’
Joe Bonamassa, Govt. Mule, Seth walker, I could go on and on…
B lue Jean Blues & Jesus Just Left Chicago – ZZ Top No Way Out, Gamblers Roll, & Soulshine – Allman Brothers Band Texas Flood,Tin Pan Alley, & Life By The Drop – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Blue Jean Blues by Melvin Taylor
I certainly have my “old” favorites. But lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Keb Mo. He takes a song and makes it his own. Some oldies he has covered that I like are Get Together, Crossroads, (People Everwhere Just) Got to Be Free, and a duet with Lyle Lovett, a Bob Segar cover of Till It Shines.
I also listen to a lot of Robben Ford and a Maine friend of mine, Mark Miller. Don’t forget Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Rick Derringer’s recent electric stuff. Or how about some jazz stuff with Django Reinhardt, Larry Coryell, Lee Ritenour… There is so much to hear and so little free time! And a lot of great young players coming on. :-)> Don’t forget to check out the Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland, Maine this summer. Some great folks will be there.
A friend of mine (who doesn’t like The Blues!!!) just gave me a copy of Alone & Acoustic by Buddy Guy and Junior Wells – it’s brilliant!
Also as I’m a bit of a jazzer, Midnight Blue by Kenny Burrell – any blues player who wants to get into jazz should definitely start here!
Keb MO’, self titled cd. Also check out his “Sessions at .w 54 st” dvd. Watch him play slide and sing at the same time! Awesome!
I have Sirius radio in the car, and when I am alone in the car, I listen to BB King\’s Blue\’sville on my way to and from work. So I get a chance to listen to a lot of different blues artists, both well known and not so well known. Since I am a novice, I feel I need to listen to a variety of artists to get myself fairly well grounded in the blues, so I try to listen to anything and everything on the radio as well as some of my favorite CDs by BB King, Eric Clapton, and SRV. I especially try to listen to the guitar work and note the similarities and the differences in what I am hearing. I recently purchased \"Soloing Without Scales\" and am finding that to be very very helpful. I really like his style of teaching…taking it slow and learning it well before moving on. I also really like his method of learning all the notes on the fingerboard a little at a time and then just practicing them over and over again. Since I live in a remote area of the U.P. of Michigan, I don\’t have easy access to good guitar instruction, so for me his products have been a really big help. Now I just need the time to practice, practice, practice……I will retire in about 15 months and am looking forward to having lots of time to practice then. Up north here there are not a lot of things to entertain you, so you\’ve got to make your own entertainment. Having the time to practice and play with other people at my level will be one of the ways I plan on entertaining myself. Have a great day and keep playing.
I have Sirius radio in the car, and when I am alone in the car, I listen to BB King’s Blue’sville on my way to and from work. So I get a chance to listen to a lot of different blues artists, both well known and not so well known. Since I am a novice, I feel I need to listen to a variety of artists to get myself fairly well grounded in the blues, so I try to listen to anything and everything on the radio as well as some of my favorite CDs by BB King, Eric Clapton, and SRV. I especially try to listen to the guitar work and note the similarities and the differences in what I am hearing. I recently purchased "Soloing Without Scales" and am finding that to be very very helpful. I really like his style of teaching…taking it slow and learning it well before moving on. I also really like his method of learning all the notes on the fingerboard a little at a time and then just practicing them over and over again. Since I live in a remote area of the U.P. of Michigan, I don’t have easy access to good guitar instruction, so for me his products have been a really big help. Now I just need the time to practice, practice, practice……I will retire in about 15 months and am looking forward to having lots of time to practice then. Up north here there are not a lot of things to entertain you, so you’ve got to make your own entertainment. Having the time to practice and play with other people at my level will be one of the ways I plan on entertaining myself. Have a great day and keep playing.
I have Sirius radio in the car, and when I am alone in the car, I listen to BB King’s Blue’sville on my way to and from work. So I get a chance to listen to a lot of different blues artists, both well known and not so well known. Since I am a novice, I feel I need to listen to a variety of artists to get myself fairly well grounded in the blues, so I try to listen to anything and everything on the radio as well as some of my favorite CDs by BB King, Eric Clapton, and SRV. I especially try to listen to the guitar work and note the similarities and the differences in what I am hearing. I recently purchased “Soloing Without Scales” and am finding that to be very very helpful. I really like his style of teaching…taking it slow and learning it well before moving on. I also really like his method of learning all the notes on the fingerboard a little at a time and then just practicing them over and over again. Since I live in a remote area of the U.P. of Michigan, I don’t have easy access to good guitar instruction, so for me his products have been a really big help. Now I just need the time to practice, practice, practice……I will retire in about 15 months and am looking forward to having lots of time to practice then. Up north here there are not a lot of things to entertain you, so you’ve got to make your own entertainment. Having the time to practice and play with other people at my level will be one of the ways I plan on entertaining myself. Have a great day and keep playing.
my favorites are:
SRV – Leave my little girl alone, life without you, life by the drop
Buddy Guy – feels like rain
and my blues playlist contains the following artist:
SRV
Buddy Guy
Los Lonely Boys
John Mayer
Gary Moore
Johnny Lang
………and the list goes on……there’s a lot of great music out there
Leon Redbone – Aint misbehavin
One of my all time favorites is the allman bros version of stormy monday on the live fillmore conerts from 1971 . A lot 0f good guitars sounds to enjoy.
In heavy rotation now:Lot’s of Ronnie Earl lately, Blues for Otis is a chestnut.
Otis Rush- anything.
Magic Sam-all of your love
Little Charlie Baty-anything
Nick Moss, from the 1st Live at Chan’s album
Hollywood Fats-the Hollywood Fats Blues Band
Kid ramos
A few of My favorites in no particular order:
Easy Blues by Jimi Hendrix
One Way Out by The Allman Brothers Band
Since I’ve Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin
Smokestack Lightening by Howlin Wolf
Dust My Broom by Elmore James
The Thrill is Gone – the live version by Luther Allison
Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters
The Messiah Will Come Again by Roy Buchanan
Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughn
Rack ‘Em Up by Johnnie Lang
Outside Help by B.B. King
Spoonful by Albert King
Anything by Matt Schofield. If you’ve not heard of Matt, he’s blues guitarist from the UK. He going to be playing more in the USA so check him out. I saw him at The Band On The Wall a famous music venue in Manchester England only last evening and it was awesome.
038671. Anything by Matt Schofield. If you’ve not heard of Matt, he’s blues guitarist from the UK. He going to be playing more in the USA so check him out. I saw him at “The Band On The Wall” a famous music venue in Manchester England only last evening and it was awesome.
Let The Good Times Roll – B. B. King
Further On Up The Road – Clapton with Doyle Bramhall Jr (I think) CrossRoads Festival CD
Hey Friends,
I saw my now favorite Blues player at the State Fair in Milwaukee Wisconsin in 1995. At the time he was an unknown "14" years old. The passion that poured from his guitar brought tears to my eyes during one of his 5 minute solos as the band plowed through with him.
I stood in line with a small group that had gathered after his gig, and had this young, humble player sign a CD I purchased from (Kid Jonny Land & the Big Bang – Smokin’). I still have that CD that Jonny Lang signed for me in 1995.
When you have time listen to two of Jonny’s songs, "Quitters never win" and "When I come to you" (Both on the "Lie to Me" CD). My wife and I saw Johnny again two years ago and… My-O-My, he truely is a walking gift.
Hey Friends,
I saw my now favorite Blues player at the State Fair in Milwaukee Wisconsin in 1995. At the time he was an unknown “14” years old. The passion that poured from his guitar brought tears to my eyes during one of his 5 minute solos as the band plowed through with him.
I stood in line with a small group that had gathered after his gig, and had this young, humble player sign a CD I purchased from (Kid Jonny Land & the Big Bang – Smokin’). I still have that CD that Jonny Lang signed for me in 1995.
When you have time listen to two of Jonny’s songs, “Quitters never win” and “When I come to you” (Both on the “Lie to Me” CD). My wife and I saw Johnny again two years ago and… My-O-My, he truely is a walking gift.
Hi Griff Ireally like the sound of most of the tunes in the Blues Brothers movie I got everything i need almost is one of the best tunes on that sound track and B Movie box car blues and lets not forget about Shot gun blues that one is great also I really would like if you would show how some of thoughs songs are played I also would like if you could touch on some Johnny Winter stuff like a song cald Last Nite on the white hot and blue album Im planning on buying ur dvd cuz the little video clips are not enough lol but you are a good teacher and keep playing the blues ….Mike Walker… Garden City Mi.
jimmy hendrix red house has allways ben one of my favorites.
As much as I used to like Eric Clapton (who was God for awhile), Stevie Ray Vaughan, Andy Timmons, etc. etc. etc., the new kid on the block who blows them all away is Joe Bonamassa. Find some of his live sets from RockPalast in Germany and be awed!
Favorite guitarists Buddy Merrill, Les Paul, Bo Diddly, Chuck Berry
How about the Albert king song- Ill play the blues for you and anything else by albert,he’s da man, its after seeing him play in brisbane many years ago that i got hooked on the blues,john lee hooker also played on the same night,looking back now i know i was so lucky to see them in concert.
How about the Albert king song- Ill play the blues for you and anything else by albert,he’s da man, its after seeing him play in brisbane many years ago that i got hooked on the blues,john lee hooker also played on the same night,looking back now i know i was so lucky to see them in concert.
Albert collins song called Mr Collins,Buddy guy album – your damn right Ive got the blues(its killer and I saw him live in the 90’s on the gold coast after this album came out,man what a gig. Eric Clapton – songs for robert j album.anyting by jeff lang – he’s an aussie guitarist who’s been around for awhile now,if you like tasty slide playing and good original tunes then check him out on you tube,he’s awesome. Cheers Al from Australia.
Albert Collins and (don’t laugh) The Carter Family from 1929.
Those are the bles I grew up with. Peace.
Albert Collins and (don’t laugh) The Carter Family from 1929.
Those are the bles I grew up with. Peace.
rite now its nimmo bros,albert cummings,alvin lees pure blues albumis great .and then always srv,buddy guy and freddie king
Here’s enough links to put a great repertory of classic blues, r&b, pop and jazz tunes together :
http://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Blues-Albums-Own/lm/366ROI3E0PQ59
http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/best_rb-songs.html
http://www.mydeltabluesmusic.com/
Here are some to check out on youtube; Eric Stickel band (he’s incredible for 19 years old). Walter Trout (wow). Popa Chubby (very talented).
There was a band I saw about 30 years ago, on the east coast. They put out an album, but I can’t find it, or anything about the band. Thier name was, Catfish.
one of thier songs is, 300lb fat mama. They also did a version of, Whole lotta Shakin’ . If anyone has knowledge of them, or knows where I can look let me know.
Thanks Griff Great Blogg
Any song ever done by Savoy Brown.
My ultimate favorite acoustic blues is, Rory Gallagher Pistol Slapper Blues.
Steve Miller, Blues without blame off of Rock Love.
I love the ones you mentioned Sonny L, Joe B., BB, Tab B. I,ve seen them all several times.
also check out youtube , Poppa Chubby, stoop down baby.
also cuttin heads in the movie, Crossroads. Stevie vai, and Ry Cooder
I could go on and on, but that\’s enough for now
Any song ever done by Savoy Brown.
My ultimate favorite acoustic blues is, Rory Gallagher Pistol Slapper Blues.
Steve Miller, Blues without blame off of Rock Love.
I love the ones you mentioned Sonny L, Joe B., BB, Tab B. I,ve seen them all several times.
also check out youtube , Poppa Chubby, stoop down baby.
also cuttin heads in the movie, Crossroads. Stevie vai, and Ry Cooder
I could go on and on, but that’s enough for now
Any song ever done by Savoy Brown.
My ultimate favorite acoustic blues is, Rory Gallagher Pistol Slapper Blues.
Steve Miller, Blues without blame off of Rock Love.
I love the ones you mentioned Sonny L, Joe B., BB, Tab B. I,ve seen them all several times.
also check out youtube , Poppa Chubby, stoop down baby.
also cuttin heads in the movie, Crossroads. Stevie vai, and Ry Cooder
I could go on and on, but that’s enough for now
Tree-top flyer by Stephen Stills – beating the heck out of that guitar.
My current favorite is Tab Benoit. Check out his Blues is here to stay or Solid simple things on Youtube. I recorded several I have posted under "irotten". I like his live stuff even more than his studio work but both are good. He is also a very nice guy to meet after the show.
Sorry about the re post. The last one did not like quotation marks.
My current favorite is Tab Benoit. Check out his Blues is here to stay or Solid simple things on Youtube. I recorded several I have posted under “irotten”. I like his live stuff even more than his studio work but both are good. He is also a very nice guy to meet after the show.
Sorry about the re post. The last one did not like quotation marks.
My current favorite is Tab Benoit. Check out his \"Blues is here to stay\" or \"Solid simple things\" on Youtube. I recorded several I have posted under \"irotten\". I like his live stuff even more than his studio work but both are good. He is also a very nice guy to meet after the show.
My current favorite is Tab Benoit. Check out his "Blues is here to stay" or "Solid simple things" on Youtube. I recorded several I have posted under "irotten". I like his live stuff even more than his studio work but both are good. He is also a very nice guy to meet after the show.
My current favorite is Tab Benoit. Check out his “Blues is here to stay” or “Solid simple things” on Youtube. I recorded several I have posted under “irotten”. I like his live stuff even more than his studio work but both are good. He is also a very nice guy to meet after the show.
I’ve just discovered Harry Manx, a sort of buddha/blues mix. Sounds like it wouldn’t work, but he totally blends it all into a refreshing fusion.
I’ve just discovered Harry Manx, a sort of buddha/blues mix. Sounds like it wouldn’t work, but he totally blends it all into a refreshing fusion.
My favorite blues artists areDelbert McClinton and Marcia Ball. I reallylike just about all of their stuff. I also like Diana Bogart. I really like acoustic blues; check out Jorma Kaukonen, and of course Eric Clapton Unplugged.
Lately I’m listening to everything by John Mayer. I got turned on to him when I heard his cover of SRV’s “Lenny” on his first CD. A few months ago I heard his live “Try” set with the John Mayer Trio and I can’t get enough of it. Originally it was Stevie Ray Vaughan that got me into the blues. From there it was on to Clapton, Zeppelin, and later, Keb Mo. Another lesser-known player I like is Susan Tedeschi — saw her at a blues festival and could NOT believe how good she was. My all-time favourite, however, is AC/DC, and there’s enough bluesy stuff in Angus Young’s playing to qualify, I think…
From Delaney & Bonnie album titled- To Bonnie from Delaney
COME ON IN MY KITCHEN (b) MAMA, HE TREATS YOUR DAUGHTER MEAN (c) GOING DOWN THE ROAD FEELING BAD (Medley)
Anything by Warner Williams. esp songs like Big bug in my Beer or Rocks is my pillow (Warner is on Patuxent Records in Maryland.) He is also doing archival recordings for the Smithsonian.
And Matt Anderson . Watch for this up and comer.
Tell Me.- From Solo At Sessions
Matt can be found at http://WWW.Stubbyfingers.ca Awesome artist who is quickly making a name for himself in Canada and Europe
Someone mentioned earlier.. Samba Pa Ti.. YAY!!!
oh and i would be remiss if i did not mention Tab Benoit
Joe Bonamassa’s “If Heartaches Were Nickels”. I’m not sure if it was Lesley West who wrote it but it is in my opinion the best blues song ever played. Check it out on Youtube.
I was listening to the Honey Drippers and recognized right away a 12-bar blues progression and finally realized what the singer meant by “2 TIMES!”….he meant 2 12 bar progressions!
BTW…I have a strange work schedule, so taking lessons isn’t practical, and having your videos really helps! When I was taking lessons, I really wanted to record them so I knew what I was doing after a few days….your videos and CD helped with that too! Thanks a lot!
-Ed
On the antique & finger picking side : Mississippi John Hurt
Ramblin Thomas – So Lonesome
Blind Willie Davis – Your Enemy Can Not Harm You
son house – Dry Spell Blues
Love In Vain – Robert Johnson
Playing
Clapton – Change the World & Layla
Robert Johnson – Kind hearted Woman Blues
SRV – Can’t stand the Weather & Dallas
BB King – Sweet Little Angel
Bonnie Raitt – Angel From Montgomery
Elmore James – It Hurts me too
I really like Paul Butterfield \"In my own dream\". Also Boz Skaggs. I try to play along,rhythm or lead. Not real successful yet,but I am trying.
I really like Paul Butterfield "In my own dream". Also Boz Skaggs. I try to play along,rhythm or lead. Not real successful yet,but I am trying.
I really like Paul Butterfield “In my own dream”. Also Boz Skaggs. I try to play along,rhythm or lead. Not real successful yet,but I am trying.
In the past week I’ve listened to Gary Moore, BB King, Skynyrd, Hatchet, Allmans, Albert Collins, Slash, Les Paul, Jeff Beck, Led Zep, Santana, and the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert (great playing by Clapton, Johnny Winter, etc. and Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, and GE Smith are in the house band… awesome concert… wish they’d release it on DVD).
A few of my current favorites include:
Bill Perry – Greycourt Lightning
Coco Montoya – Don’t Take It Personally
Joe Bonamassa – Blues Deluxe
Popa Chubby – Stoop Down Baby
Buddy Guy – You’ve Been Gone Too Long
Magic Sam – You Belong To Me
Robert Cray – Phone Booth
One of my favorite artist has to be ronnie earl with his rendition of baby doll blues. Just wanted to chime in ot say I’m not quite ready for your sessions just yet but I’m getting there. thank you and keep up the great work.
Forgot to add who I’m listening to;
Robert Cray , George Thorogood & Van Morrison.
We produce a show about the blues called “EC’s Jook Joint” by EC Scott she is helping to keep the blues alive. You may have seen it on one of your tv channels. If not look on schedual on the midoenmedia.org site and watch is on the web, she also has shows up on Blip.tv
I’m one of her cameraman for the show…
Steve Hall
Recently heard Tinsley Ellis’ “Born in Georgia” on XM Bluesville station and went right to itunes to buy it. Had my students listen to it as well.
Empty Arms Motel (live) – Jimmy Thackery
Gimme Back My Wig – Magic Slim
Let ‘er Roll – Paladins
Midnight Cannonball – Duke Robillard
2 x 9 – Eddy Clearwater
I Smell A Rat – Buddy Guy
Griff
I just bought your BGU, it’s great. I use the computer at my job and was wondering if I were to send you a SASE, could you send me the 4 note blues solo in a hard copy. Sheet music or tab, either will do. thanxs
PS: Thanks for the thread, and everybody’s contributions ! It’s great to be able to look up stuff one has forgotten and/or neevr heard of!
My playlists regularly contain a combo of the delta legends, as well as 60’s Blues legends from both sides of the pond. However, a month or so ago I went to see Peter Green live. Although he was old and tired-looking, he played great. Very talented. More to the point though, is that it made me research his music when he was young and healthy (Bluesbreakers, Fleetwood Mac era…) By god! The man was outstanding.
Although my ‘most-played’ tracks rest with SRV, selected Clapton (&Clapton and Cale), Buddy Guy, Albert King, Freddie King.
(Including, and I’m not naming the most obvious ones here:
*Clapton: Double Trouble (live) – Blues Disc 2
*Sting (with Clapton and Sanborn): – It’s Probably Me -Lethal Weapon 2/3 soundtrack and Sting’s Fields of Gold
*Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac: Love that Burns – 25 yrs, The Chain
JJ Cale (& Clapton) – Sporting Life Blues – Road to Escondido
*Clapton (again, sorry!) – Cold Turkey – Rush Original Soundtrack
*Chicken Shack – The Thrill has gone (cover) – 1995 – The Anthology
I could go on forever, so I’ll quit…
Then again, one of my favourite tunes, with outstanding guitar, is “Blue Valentines”, by Tom Waits.
Alvin Lee and Ten Years After
Pure Blues Cd
The Bluest Blues
Allman Bros
Hittin the Note
662962
961839
081374
Bronx in Blue by Dion. This a great new cd with Dion playing acustic guitar alone, and he sounds great doing a bunch of old blues standards.
Sonny Terry Brownie McGhee
John Brim
Elmore James
Fleetwood Mac Stop messin round from the mid 60’s England
Sonny Terry Brownie McGhee
John Brim
Elmore James
Fleetwood Mac Stop messin round from the mid 60’s England
While I listen to a lot of different stuff, one song that has intrigued me recently is House Rent Stomp by Big Bill Broonzy. It is a simple enough instrumental but I sure would like to find an accurate tab of that tune. It is quite old timey sounding 🙂
While I listen to a lot of different stuff, one song that has intrigued me recently is “House Rent Stomp” by Big Bill Broonzy. It is a simple enough instrumental but I would sure like to find an accurate tab of that tune.
Best Blues Harp ever–Muddy Waters Woodstock Album
Howling Wolf
Muddy Waters
Willie Dixon
Little Walter
Jr. Wells
are all at the top of my list for great Bluesmen
the farther back you go into the roots the better it gets.
I also find it kind of ironic that there were no effects boxes back then, just a cheap guitar and an old tube amp, maybe one with some built in reverb was the only option, turned up all the way, monster power had yet to be invented, is where you find that classic raw sound we all search for.
Taj Mahal & Roy Buchanan. Also, I never forget to get a regular dose of Django Reinhardt & Kenny Burrell.
I run the entire gambit, from Muddy and the Wolf to Joe Satriani; Satch Boogie, The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing and Big Bad Moon. I also have an old disc from Blues Saraceno," Never Look Back" that I love to pull out and listen to.
I run the entire gambit, from Muddy and the Wolf to Joe Satriani; Satch Boogie, The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing and Big Bad Moon. I also have an old disc from Blues Saraceno,” Never Look Back” that I love to pull out and listen to.
Although not specifically blues music, more in the genre of Southern Rock, you guys should check out a band called “Blackberry Smoke”. An awesome band that sounds to me like more of an early Lynard Skynard.
jonny lang,jeff healey(r.i.p) jimi, muddy,jeff beck,bb,…and a whole lot more!! would like to know one of the older versions of if it wasnt for bad luck i wouldnt have no luck at all..name escapes me right now… thanx griff!!!
Any incarnation of the standards ‘Bring It On Home’ and ‘Trouble In Mind’… my two all time favorites
Any incarnation of the standards ‘Bring It On Home’ & ‘Trouble In Mind’… my two all time favorites
4 Note blues solo –
Just signed up for your course: Blues Unleashed. Always learning. Like how you teach / put material together. It’s all in the phasing!!
Anything by Clapton…as simple as that
Love those electric blues…
Poppa Dawg – "10 dollar mistake", " cute little number" on "Same Dog New Suit" CD. This is a Canadian artist – great stuff !
samples on their website.
James Armstrong – "bank of love"
Bobby Radcliff – "hold it"
Larry Davis – "you’ll need another favor"
Walter Wolfman Washington – "mary ann"
Eugene Hideaway Bridges – "giving up on love"
Jimmy Thackery – "bad news travels fast"
Love those electric blues…
Poppa Dawg – “10 dollar mistake”, ” cute little number” on “Same Dog New Suit” CD. This is a Canadian artist – great stuff !
samples on their website.
James Armstrong – “bank of love”
Bobby Radcliff – “hold it”
Larry Davis – “you’ll need another favor”
Walter Wolfman Washington – “mary ann”
Eugene Hideaway Bridges – “giving up on love”
Jimmy Thackery – “bad news travels fast”
No Blues this week Griff….Slash and RnFR all the way. ‘fraid the gain is on Full juice this week and my blues playin’ is on a short but well earned holiday
Saw SRV in concert 5 times, including once at Curtis Hixon Hall where I was sitting 10 feet away. Another time he played at the USF Sundome with Jeff Beck. Saw Jimmy Page with The Firm, Page/Plant and solo three times and “Since I’ve Been Loving You” never sounded better. Saw Pat Metheny at Ruth Eckerd Hall and while is not a blues guitarist, he tore it up on a B.B. King cover. Best thing I have ever seen live is SRV playing “Voodoo Chile”.
Death Letter Blues – Son House
TV Mama – Johnny Winter
Blues at Sunrise – Albert King/SRV
Stormy Monday – T-Bone Walker
Also, I am currently reading, and highly reccomend a book by Leroi Jones titled, Blues People: Negro Music in White America. This book offers a whole new perspective on the social development of the blues and the people of the blues.
Gotta be Come on my Kitchen…Robert Johnson
Or Down The Road a Piece….Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones
hi everyone.will definetly check out sonny lambreth and robbin ford. i am a great fan of gary moore, joe bonamassa, srv, i taught myself guitar 20 years ago,well,still learning.but only for my own enjoyment, im not really out to join a band and do all that stuff,i have other serious commitments, careing for my disabled wife and autistic son. i also have a 4 track to record if i wish.to all you guitarists out there,stick at it sometimes i want to throw my guitar through the window , glad i actually havent, but you do get over the tricky bits be patient.get a good tutoring programme like griffs and you will be fine .laters keep rocking. martyn
One of my favorite blues song is David Bromberg’s version of Mississippi Blues from his 1971 album. Also, while I’m writing this , I’m listening to Samba Pa Ti from Santana’s Abraxas album. That’s 4 minutes and 46 seconds of pure bliss!
I’m just trying to learn the style of Carl Perkins and Magic Sam
B. B. King " The Thrill Is Gone"
B. B. King ” The Thrill Is Gone”
Really love jimmi hendrix version of red house, theres a ton of great riffs in that one,especially in the the live version,seems like a tall order to learn the whole thing though.heard a nice version on jim ladds mojo monday radio show that seemed to last about fifteen or twenty minuets.
recently listen to a lot of Van Morrison on a car trip. "Keep it Simple". He has a great blues voice. Effortless!
recently listen to a lot of Van Morrison on a car trip. “Keep it Simple”. He has a great blues voice. Effortless!
Recently got a disk with Dan Johnson, must be the birth of blues and is great in its’ own right. How about Jimmy Rogers, AC/DC, Jeff Martin and the Armada (live at the Fly), The Tea Party. A couple of Australians like Billy Thorpe and Jeff Lang. Pink Floyds 2 great songs off Relics, ‘biding my time’ and ‘The Nile Song’ .
Recently got a disk with Dan Johnson, must be the birth of blues and is great in its’ own right. How about Jimmy Rogers, AC/DC, Jeff Martin and the Armada (live at the Fly), The Tea Party. A couple of Australians like Billy Thorpe and Jeff Lang. Pink Floyds 2 great songs off Relics, ‘biding my time’ and ‘The Nile Song’ .
My overall favourite has to be the album "Songs from the road" by Jeff Healy. Wicked blues guitar player and he was blind. He was playing his Strat positioned like a lap steel but using his fingers to make up the chords. Search him out on YouTube.
My overall favourite has to be the album “Songs from the road” by Jeff Healy. Wicked blues guitar player and he was blind. He was playing his Strat positioned like a lap steel but using his fingers to make up the chords. Search him out on YouTube.
Try some Chris Rea for something a little different, not the ‘poppy ‘commercial stuff though. Or Robert Cray or Gary Moore.
Anything from the North Mississippi All Stars, or Hill country review. The Dickinson brothers, and Chris Chew kick ass!
love T Bone Walker But you gotta hear Ted Tyson and the Serious blues band there out of Chicago
My recent (after retirement) start on learning to play the Guitar has focussed my CD purchasing on the following artists:
Matt Schofield; Danny Bryant; Oli Brown; John Mayer; Aynsley Lister; Joe Bonamassa; Joanne Shaw Taylor
but most of all – Davy Knowles (a young Isle of Man UK blues guitarist who I believe is better known in the States than in the UK) whose current album (Coming up for Air) and his previous one (Roll Away) are totally in tune with what I like in a Blues Guitar player – please check him out especially on his rendition of George Harrison’s “Hear Me Lord” on the Coming up for Air album.
I saw him at the 100Club in London about a month ago and he is even better live than on CD. Next month I’m seeing Philip Sayce at the same Club – not quite a Blues guitarist but still an awesome guitar player.
I was browsing through a used CD shop yesterday and came across a CD/DVD combo of Eric Clapton called ” Sessions for Robert J”. The DVD portion is four different recording sessions of nothing but Robert Johnson tunes with a stellar group of musicians including Doyle Bramhall backing up Clapton, and Billy Preston on keyboard. In one session, they actually recorded an accoustic set in the abandoned building in Dallas where RJ recorded his last tracks in 1937. This DVD is superb. I’ve enjoyed Clapton from a distance for some time, but this DVD really shows his raw blues prowess and passion for the art form. Most of the cuts from the sessions are on the accompanying CD, which is being loaded into my i-pod this very minute. Five Stars.
I kisten to whatever I can and they’re all great. But as far as slide, I will say that Bonnie Raitt is underrated.
I kisten to whatever I can and they’re all great. But as far as slide, I will say that Bonnie Raitt is underrated.
Elvin Bishop: one of the best of all times. His "Party til the Cows Come Home" is still one of the best blues/boogie songs of all times, and his version (with Jo Baker singing it) of "As the Years Go Passing By" still brings chills after hearing it for 30 years. Elvin simply rocks!!
Elvin Bishop: one of the best of all times. His “Party til the Cows Come Home” is still one of the best blues/boogie songs of all times, and his version (with Jo Baker singing it) of “As the Years Go Passing By” still brings chills after hearing it for 30 years. Elvin simply rocks!!
Gotta give Willie Nelson a shot! He’s been playin’ blues for all too long. Even though he’s known as a C/W singer, he’s one heck of a guitar player, making that worn out guitar sing. Check him out with his 2000 album, Milk Cow Blues. Great stuff…definately different.
Gotta give Willie Nelson a shot! He’s been playin’ blues for all too long. Even though he’s known as a C/W singer, he’s one heck of a guitar player, making that worn out guitar sing. Check him out with his 2000 album, Milk Cow Blues. Great stuff…definately different.
B.B. King and anything by SRV, Mississippi Fred McDowell
Albert Cummings is a great blues guitarist, but my favorite would be Johnny Winter.
i like better together by jack johnson..
hoochia coochie man by jeff harley band
nobody knows by eric claptton
1. Ditto on Texas Flood, I hear new micro bends that I didn’t hear about 5,000 listens ago. I’ve been working on playing the studio cut. There are a lot of repeating riffs, especially in the “G” area, yet so many minor differences, that make SRV what he was as a player.
2. KWS – What’s Goin Down – Love the Rhythm Riffs on this song. KWS has really started to shine in live performances. Saw him both solo, and on the Hendrix Experience tour w/ Jonny Lang, Satriani, and Robert Johnson.
3. STEVE PIERSON – Anything on Blues Head, what a great first release!!!
Check out John Hiatt from 2003, Beneath this gruff exterior,almost fed up with the blues or my baby blue. Good stuff.
Check out John Hiatt from 2003, Beneath this gruff exterior,almost fed up with the blues.
Jimmy Page….
anything joe bonamassa, just saw him live in fort worth. so young, so great
stevie ray vaughan , freddy king ,albert king and of course bb king .
but one of the best guitar playing ive seen in a while and i went to see him last year live and going to see him again in may is
BUDDY WHITTINGTON for those of you who havent seen him go see a great live show .
buddy is amazing live and his solo album is superb
Geoff Achison,really one of the great modern blues men.I especially like the fact he does not mind space and even gets his tone anywhere from thick to thin without resorting to distortion.His lyrics are very meaningful, not just about "She left me bro’ now my life is so low".Also Kelly Joe Phelps, a near genius.
Geoff Achison,really one of the great modern blues men.I especially like the fact he does not mind space and even gets his tone anywhere from thick to thin without resorting to distortion.His lyrics are very meaningful, not just about “She left me bro’ now my life is so low”.Also Kelly Joe Phelps, a near genius.
The Gary Moore and BB King duo of "The Thrill is Gone". Awesome guitar back and forth beween these two. You can watch it on YouTube. Albert King – Lonely Bed.
The Gary Moore and BB King duo of “The Thrill is Gone”. Awesome guitar back and forth beween these two. You can watch it on YouTube. Albert King – Lonely Bed.
Not in any order of greatness, but I spend many hours playing almost any song by Eric Clapton, Jimi Page, BB King and Jimi Hendrix(although he does tend to ‘jazz’ it up sometimes). There are others that aren’t considered as ‘Blues’ bands, but their riffs fit into any blues tune, Bands like Pink Floyd and the Doors.
Saw Albert Cummings recently live, awesome guitar player , mixes his own music & plays a mix of songs from Jimi Hendri, santana to led zep.
Some of my favorite just great guitar playing is "LittleWing" and it can be listening to it by Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray. That is pure entertainment, guitar beauty. And I Really love Carlos Santana’s guitar music. 376649
Some of my favorite just great guitar playing is “LittleWing” and it can be listening to it by Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray. That is pure entertainment, guitar beauty. And I Really love Carlos Santana’s guitar music.
I love all Southern rock and roll. And the old mississippi blues and the old black man blues, it doesn’t matter from Robert Johnson to the late great Steve Gaines they all got it. The feelings they all bring to their music. Its what I want,S.R.V. was great at that I thought.One guitar like Robert Johnson did,It sounds like their is two guitars but its only one. That is the greatest thing ever.I want that,how bad,I play everyday scales and more scales and more scales.My friends think I suck but one of these days I will blow them away.Thanks for the free lessons,I am very poor, But I love the blues! Ilove all of it
BTW: Thanks for this thread Griff. I live in Texas and haven’t been listening to SRV!!! Shame on me!!! My kids (who are native Texans) are weeping.
=^D
Reading some of the posts, I’ve added a few artists to my library request list (with SRV at the top).
BTW: Thanks for this Griff. I live in Texas and haven’t been listening to SRV!!! Shame on me!!! My kids (who are native Texans) are weeping. Reading some of the posts, I’ve added a few artists to my library request list.
=^D
Been trying to play Outside Women Blues (Clapton Version):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oarej9z–E
Currently listening to a lot of Clapton (blues material), Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy (LOVE the new album i borrowed from the library: “Blues Singer”). I really dig the “front porch” blues so I’m trying to digest as much as possible. Love them acoustic blues. But I’ve also been listening to good ol’ BB King as well.
Here’s a tidbit if you haven’t thought about it yet: check out blues albums at your local libraries!!!! I’ve borrowed a bunch! And it’s free!!!!
Thanks for everything Griff.
I love anything that has wicked guitar in it. Stevie Ray, Jimi, Eric, Jimmy Page,
The Stones, Indeginous, B.B.King, what I hear in my head. There are so many out there that the blues have touched and influenced their playing that I can’t list them all. I think basically anyone who has picked up a guitar has picked the blues at one time or another, and who knows who the next great may be.
I love anything that has wicked guitar in it. Stevie Ray, Jimi, Eric, Jimmy Page,
The Stones, Indeginous, B.B.King, what I hear in my head. There are so many out there that the blues have touched and influenced their playing that I can’t list them all. I think basically anyone who has picked up a guitar has picked the blues at one time or another, and who knows who the next great may be.
Among my favorites: Ruth Brown, CD "It’s a Good Day for the Blues" and Screaming Jay Hawkins (seems sort of strange, but good blues guy).
Among my favorites: Ruth Brown, CD “It’s a Good Day for the Blues” and Screaming Jay Hawkins (seems sort of strange, but good blues guy).
Gin House Blues, Tobacco Road and St. James Infirmary as done by Eric Burdon. Anything by Paul Butterfield, Luther Allison, Muddy Waters. Some of Ten Years After.
Of course BB and Clapton, Marsha Ball, J. Stone, Bonnie Raitt, Billie Holliday, SRV, Janice Joplin, Albert King, Bob Marley and other Reggae music, Lee Oskar (between him and Paul Butterfield they are the two greatest harmonica players of all time), Herbie Mann, Jimmy Witherspoon, Mike Bloomfield, Alvin Bishop, Bobbie Humphrey, Jimi Hendrix (Hey Joe), Rolling Stones (Love Little Red Rooster) and many more. The Super Sessions album, the Beck, Bogart and Appice album (with their version of S. Wonder’s Superstition)
It’s hard to pick individual songs since I usually listen to the whole album. Sometimes I like to listen to the differences between artists on the same song……….very interesting stuff especially going from old bluesmen to electrified bluesmen. Oh also I need to mention some early Merle Haggard (yep the C & W guy) his early stuff had a great deal of blues in it as did Johnny Cash.
Several things come to mind w/this question: The aforementioned Texas Flood album by SRV, the Wishes cd by Jon Butcher, Little Boy Blues from Triumph’s Thunder Seven cd, and lastly, the latest two CDs from The Andrew Landers Project. While not strictly blues, the CDs (Gertrude’s Barn, and Beautiful Depravity) are filled w/great songwriting and tons of bluesy and wonderful acoustic playing. There is my ADHD listening list. Enjoy!
Several things come to mind w/this question: The aforementioned “Texas Flood” album by SRV, the “Wishes” cd by Jon Butcher, “Little Boy Blues” from Triumph’s “Thunder Seven” cd, and lastly, the latest two CDs from The Andrew Landers Project. While not strictly blues, the CDs (Gertrude’s Barn, and Beautiful Depravity) are filled w/great songwriting and tons of bluesy and wonderful acoustic playing. There is my ADHD listening list. Enjoy!
I think I read all posts and I want to submit Mr. Jimi Page. I think he can play the Blues pretty good. Is it just a given?
Joe Bonnamassa is on the top of my list right now. He recently opened his tour here in town and I was blown away. Of his many albums, I recommend “Sloe Gin” to start. Of course, if you have the opportunity, see him play live if you can.
I know I will. I think he rock’s out the blues Jimi Page’isk. When Joe broke out into the “Dazed and Confused Solo” during a medley for the encore, I knew I was in the right place, at the right time. : )TT
SO many kinds o’ Blues & so many GREATS … here’s a few: Alvin Lee (TYA), “Me & My Baby”; Jeff Beck’s take on Mingus’ “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”; Howard Roberts, “Da Blooz”; Los Lobos’, “Just A Man”; (Mick Taylor) Stones’, “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’?”; Allman Bros, “Whippin’ Post”; JohnLee Hooker, “Boom Boom”; Muddy Waters, “Man”; Govt Mule, “Beautifully Broken” … & a local Pac NW cat, Lloyd Jones
Any slow blues in a minor key. Dont remember the album name, but T-Bone Walker did a live set in 1968 in Paris,one of my favorite allbums. A friend borrrowed it and I never got it back. I love the tone of his guitar, but never figured out what guitar and amp set up he had. Peter Green was also great with the minor blues.
This is a band that’s a little off the beaten path. Wo Fat. More hard rock with a deep blues undertone, but they have some pretty cool grooves. I ran across them on YouTube and had a chance to catch one of their gigs in Dallas. I thought I could pick out some of their riffs by ear, but I guess I’m too much of a new-bee to do that, because I have had no luck and I cant find any place with tabs of any of their music. Here’s a link to Youtube (though they have many others there) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpUupJ3E1Ck&feature=related
Here’s their website where you can hear bits of may of their songs http://www.wofat.net
Luther Allison…Living in the house of the blues
Watermelon Slim – Archetypal Blues No. 2
LISTENING TO JOE BONAMASSA. BALLAD OF JOHN HENRY. FANTASTIC CD. GARY MOORE FIRST TIME I MET THE BLUES . BLIND BOY FULLER. LIGHTNING HOPKINS. ALL GOOD BLUES
I’ve been an Albert king fan since hearing ,”Born Under A Bad Sign”,”Angel Of Mercy”, and ” I’ll play the blues for you”.
Anything SRV, also Chris Duarte’s “Texas Sugar Strat Magik” album, and don’t forget Los Straightjackets.
i like bo didley
I agree with Rory Gallagher, Calling Card, it’s simple and tasteful with some jazz and rock touches. Also check out Garbage Man, I Wonder Who, and As the Crow Flies. Finally if you’re ever thinking about jamming in a pub or bar “Too Much Alcohol” is about as suited as they come. Also I’m not sure ZZ top gets enough of the nod, Blue Jean Blues, Bar-B-Que, Brown Sugar, Just Got Back From Baby’s, Jesus Just Left Chicago, and A Fool for Your Stockings… What I’m listening to now, next week will be completely different I’m sure
I think a couple people above mentioned the incredible Phil Keaggy. Man, if you’ve not heard this guy you don’t know what you’re missing. Seeing him live is nothing short of a spiritual experience.
If you want something fun to jam to, check out his “Premium Jams”, a 2-disc set of spirited studio mayhem. It’s still in print, unlike a lot of his great discs from the last 4 decades. You can find it on his website.
https://www.philkeaggy.com/store/product.php?productid=16146&cat=248&page=1
Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Johnny Lang, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Robin Trower, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Johnny Winters, Freddy King……..on and on and on.
Wow, great responses! Fun to see many others influence by some of the same greats!
Here’s a brief list of ONLY ones I am listening to this week:
Peter Green (never get tired of him) & 60’s Fleetwood Mac (or John Mayall’s “Hard Road”)
Gary Moore channeling Peter Green via Peter’s actual Les Paul (he does Peter proud)
Jonny Lang (love his passion and fun to play along with because you can really dig into it like he does)
Anson Funderburg & the Rockets (R.I.P. Sam Myers) Anson knows how to handle a Strat.
Eric Clapton – always close to the turntable, but this week with Freddie King in ’74, and some of the wild outtake jams from Blind Faith.
Lastly, and this is way off the normal list;
Fernando Ortega, a Christian singer, pianist whose music never fails to inspire and is a joy to play melodic leads over.
And always on my long list: Jimi, Albert, Stevie Ray, John Mayall with the Great Buddy Whittington on guitar, Joe Satriani, Jeff beck, Joe Bonnamassa, and Kenny Wayne.
Roy Rogers is kind of fun too.
Spencer Bohren. This bluesy swamp rat plays a dobro amongst other things and plays them all very well. He’s a New Orleans native I think.
Love his swampy sound. Actually it may not be swampy at all. Whatever it is I think he makes some great blues. My favorite is one of his older albums – Born in a Biscayne. Everything is good on it.
Spencer Bohren. This bluesy swamp rat plays a dobro amongst other things and plays them all very well. He’s a New Orleans native I think.
Love his swampy sound. Actually it may not be swampy at all. Whatever it is I think he makes some great blues. My favorite is one of his older albums – Born in a Biscayne. Everything is good on it.
leadbelly the definitive collection [john hardy probably favorite] john lee hooker [boom boom] rolling stones, little red rooster[jagger could really sing the blues and keith could [still can] bang out a riff or 2.
I really love Eric Burdon.. He always has a great band, and finds really good songs to record. Eric Bibb is good also. Local to NC is E.Z. Malone. He is quite good and plays lots of different stuff. You can find all 3 on youtube.
Rory Gallagher
John Campbell
Buddy Guy
Albert Collins
Joe Bonamassa
Muddy Waters
I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Watson & His International Silver String Submarine Band in the San Diego area and all I can say is wow, really awesome blues band that is also fun to watch. Here in Michigan a local band which I think really gives a great performance is the Phil Treais group.
Lately I’ve been listening to the following:
Joanne Shaw Taylor – White Sugar
Matt “Guitar” Murphy – Lucky Charm & The Blues Don’t Bother Me!
SRV & DT – Blues At Sunrise
Johnny “Guitar” Watson – The Very Best of Johnny “Guitar” Watson
Zachary Breaux – Laidback & Uptown Groove
Craig T. Cooper – All his especially Darkm’n & Touch Tone
Bonnie Raitt – Road Tested
George Benson – The Verve Silver Collection
The Blues Brothers – The Definitive Collection
Griff:
My current favorie is Robert Johnson.
Love in Vain
I listen to a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughnn also.
Stevie\\\’s version of Little Wing is great.
Jimi Hendrix is the greatest.
Nelson
Griff:
My current favorie is Robert Johnson.
Love in Vain
I listen to a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughnn also.
Stevie\’s version of Little Wing is great.
Jimi Hendrix is the greatest.
Nelson
Griff:
My current favorie is Robert Johnson.
Love in Vain
I listen to a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughnn also.
Stevie’s version of Little Wing is great.
Jimi Hendrix is the greatest.
Nelson
Griff:
My current favorie is Robert Johnson.
Love in Vain
I listen to a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughnn also.
Stevie’s version of Little Wing is great.
Jimi Hendrix is the greatest.
Nelson
Lonnie earl’s my buddy buddy friends is a go to for listening and playing for me. Stevie R ay of course, but there are so moany it’s almost impossible to say which would be my favorite…Chris Rea, if I am in a dasrk mood or Johnny winter when I really need a workin out or any Z Z top anytime. Clapton gets inthere too, anything w/ cream. There’s just too many great ones.
Great Topic…this ought to get the Conversation Going!!!
How About Roy Buchanan? Or My Favorite Beauty and Talented RORY BLOCK..look this lady up!! She is still out there Playing ,and is a MASTER Slide Blues Artist!!, Yes Griff, Sonny Landreth Is A Joy to Hear…Johnny Winter, Mean Town Blues is a Classic!! Also Levon Helm has a Wonderful Bluesy Side…check out "Feelin Good" from Dirt Farmer…easy to learn ,Great acoustic Blues…Anything By SAVOY BROWN…Kim Simmonds is a Phenomenal Blues Man…this just cracks the Ice..there are so many more!!! Thanks for your lessons Griff!!! Keep Jammin’!!!!!!!
Great Topic…this ought to get the Conversation Going!!!
How About Roy Buchanan? Or My Favorite Beauty and Talented RORY BLOCK..look this lady up!! She is still out there Playing ,and is a MASTER Slide Blues Artist!!, Yes Griff, Sonny Landreth Is A Joy to Hear…Johnny Winter, Mean Town Blues is a Classic!! Also Levon Helm has a Wonderful Bluesy Side…check out “Feelin Good” from Dirt Farmer…easy to learn ,Great acoustic Blues…Anything By SAVOY BROWN…Kim Simmonds is a Phenomenal Blues Man…this just cracks the Ice..there are so many more!!! Thanks for your lessons Griff!!! Keep Jammin’!!!!!!!
Mac Arnold and A Plateful-O-Blues
SRV’s Couldn’t Stand The Weather,the one from the last ACL show he did
Albert Cummings
Johnny ( Guitar) Watson’s gangster of love
Albert King
B. B. King
Derick Trucks
Ya Know It’s All Blues So It’s All Good!!!
Allman Brothers, Done somebody wrong
Willie Dixon, Back door man
SRV, Pride and joy
I’m particularly fond of; J.J. Cale, Little Charlie and the Night Cats, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Green, David Bromberg, Ry Cooder and Debbie Davies. There are lots more but this would be the top of my list.
There are too many songs to mention but these are the ones that are in heavy rotation in my MP3 player.
Wayfaring Pilmgrim – Roy Buchanan
Some Day After Aw hile – Eric Clapton (From the Cradle)
Don’t Answer the Door – B.B. King
Personal Manager -Albert King
I’ll Play the Blues For You – Albert King
Come on in My Kitchen – Johnny Winter (The Best of Johnny Winter)
Hippology – Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
Pulpwood – Freddie King
I don’t Want No Woman – Magic Sam (West Side Soul)
Three O’Clock Blues – B.B. King and Jimmy Smith (Dot Com Blues)
Come Back Baby – George Benson (Absolute Benson)
Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Voodoo Chil Blues -Jimi Hindrix (Blues Album)
Bleeding Heart – Jimi Hendrix (Blues Album)
Real Deal – Johnny ” Guitar” Watson (Real Mother For Ya)
B.B. King Medley – Duane Allman (Anthology)
Shake for Me – Duane Allman and John Hammond (Anthology)
Loan Me a Dime – Duane Allman and Boz Scags -(Anthology)
I have been listening to a varied artist, I have always loved the blues but never attempted to play them util now with the beginning blues program from Griff, I cant believe how much I have accomplished in a week!!! Music I really like and have been lsitening too: Ian moore Me and My Guitar, Debbie Davies Down at the Honk, Buddy Guy Lyin Like a Dog, Earl Hooker Off the Hook Albulm, BB King Crying wont help you now and anything BB plays , ZZ TOP Blue Jean Blues and all ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn Texas Flood and anything SRV, Clapton EVERYTHING HE PLAYS.
I am a huge Albert King fan. Pentatonic scale was made for the “velvet bulldozer”. Some of his tunes I like are Movin to the outskirts of town, blues power, backstreets. Freddie King is a monster bluesman. Have you ever loved a women is one of my favorite songs of his. Gary Moore, Johnny Winters, Muddy Waters are all immortals to me. Some of the newer bluesman are good but many are forgetting the soul. My two cents.
“The Thrill Is Gone” — B.B. King
“After Midnight” (the slower version from Eric Clapton’s boxed set)
“Ride On” — AC/DC (yes, I know it’s really a rock tune, but its basis is very definitely founded in blues music)
Roy Buchanan – I’m a Ram (live)
Man, this jam never fails to get me going
Lucky Peterson – Black Midnight Sun (Album)
One for the ages
Jimmy Thackery – Anything by this master
Roy Buchanan – I’m a Ram (live)
Man, this jam never fails to get me going
Lucky Peterson – Black Midnight Sun (Album)
One for the ages
Jimmy Thackery – Anything by this master
I prefer the Rockin’ Blues. Anything by the Hoopsnakes is fantastic. A highly recommended band. I also listen to Andy Walo, Luther Allison, and James Solberg.
I prefer the Rockin’ Blues. Anything by the Hoopsnakes is fantastic. A highly recommended band. I also listen to Andy Walo, Luther Allison, and James Solberg.
I listen to a of different stuff regularly. Ry Cooder’s Anthology – The UFO Has Landed, Colin James – Limelight and Rooftops & Satellites, Joe Bonamassa – Sloe Gin and Blues Deluxe, Duane Allman – Anthology, Clapton – From the Cradle, are getting a lot of play.
Hi
I have been listening to Joe Bonamassa Ballad of John Henry and Blues Deluxe along with Hendrix, Gary Moore and Joe Satriani all of whom do some sort of blues style.
Hi i did the Coco Montoya gig at the Flowerpot in Derby (uk) last night and was totaly blown away how do you play upside down. The guy has a fantastic sound from soul blues to latin if you get chance go see do it best regards Steve
Hi,
I mainly listen to Chicago blues (Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Junior Wells etc), Freddy and BB King and 1960s English blues like Fleetwood Mac (the real one with Peter Green), Duster Bennett, John Mayall etc.
Currently active musicians I listen to are the Nimo Brothers (if you haven’t heard them Google now for a thrill), Roger Chapman, Terry Reid, Aynsley Lister, Paul Lamb, Ian Parker.
Favourite album? Dificult to say but certainly Otish Rush’s Cobra recordings, Terry Reid’s River (OK not blues but some great songs and guitar from Terry and dave Lindley), Mayall’s Beano album, Muddy at Newport, Little Walter’s Quater to 12, anything by Little Feat.
Keep on rockin,
Chris
Susan Tedeschi – anything she does –
SRV same as above
Moan by Robert Cray
Popa Chuby – Anything You Want
More down to earth – David Foster and the Mohegan Sun Allstars – formerly the Shaboo Allstars – Shaboo was one of the hottest blues clubs in the northest US – featuring bands blues artists like James Cotton, James Montgomery, Bonnie Raitt, and NRBQ. His brass section will often be the Tower of Power horns – his drummer is Matt Guitar Murphy’s son, Matt has played with him as well as Guitarist Cliff Goodwin (Joe Cocker, Robert Palmer), Keyboardist Mitch Chakour (Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker), Guitarist Jeff Pevar (Crosby, Stills and Nash; Ray Charles; Donald Fagen (Steely Dan); James Taylor, Rickie Lee Jones, Marc Cohn, Joe Cocker, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), and Keyboardist Michael Finnegan (recorded with Jimi Hendrix at Electric Ladyland) . David is one of the best – and if you ever get a chance to catch one of his shows i can promise you that you won’t regret it.
This is a clip of them in action – the taller of the 2 horn players (doing the solo together) is Curt Ramm – one of the finest horn players I ever known, he’s played with Patti LaBelle, Natalia, En Vogue, Shaggy, Michael Bolton, Elton John, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to name a few.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flDRVuVdpWU&feature=related
I didn’t read many of the 310 prior to me, so if I duplicate… anyway:
John Lee Hooker never gets old.
Steven Seagal (the producer/actor/sheriff/blues-player-writer),
Ry Cooder, ‘nuf said,
and James Taylor’s only Blues creation… "Steam Roller" in all it’s versions by his lonesome self.
There’s a lot to apply to what’s already out there about what Griff’s been teaching us. I’ve learned to apply a little at a time each night until I can play something new that lasts for at least 3 minutes, and it’s all about the music my friends. Callouses and musicians come first.
ROBIN TROWER IS GREAT TO LISTEN TO, ALSO BUDDY GUY, AND PAT TRAVERS ! LISTEN TO INSIDE LOOKING OUT ! AMAZING BLUES PLAYER !
Ive been listening to Claptons’ Crossroads concert that has BB,, Buddy Guy,albert Lee,Robert Cray, John Mayer and a bunch of others at a blues festival from 2007. It’s Comes on a DVD format, which is interesting in that you can watch and listen to some great guitarists. also listening to some of the younger players who are starting to find their nitch in the blues , like Jonny Lang and Joe Bonamassa, I even bought J.B’s Ballad of John Henry CD. I like Hendrix’s version of Redhouse ,but I liked most of his stuff, proably because I am old enough to have been able to see him play live in Milwaukee. I could write a long list of the blues players that I enjoy listening to,but I think this gives you an idea of where i’m coming from. as a last note; I have been trying to listen to a CD of most of Robert Johnson’s music, however I find the quality of the recording is rough and he did’nt have the luxury of electricly amplified guitar.
buddy guy…it looks like rain
buddy guy…it looks like rain.
Atlanta Rhythm Section playing Imaginary Lover and Spooky.
John McLaughlin’s 1974 Mahavishnu Orchestra with the London Symphony Orchestra performing Apocalypse.
The CD, Breakin’ it UP, Breakin’it DOWN live in 1977, with Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, and James Cotton.
Albert King and SRV live playing Blues at Sunrise.
Phil (I never met a lick I didn’t like) Keaggy playing anything, but especially “Sounds.”
John Mayall’s 70th Birthday Concert with the Bluesbreakers…any track that Clapton plays on.
Anything by Larry Carlton or Robben Ford.
Last, but not least, Django Reinhardt 1935 recordings with The Quintette of The Hot Club of France.
I hope you get this. I am a guitar teacher also (notes and theory). I am really enjoying your views and tips.
I thought I would share something with you that I share with my students. If you are going to perform the piece, do not practice until you get it right, practice until you cannot get it wrong.
Peace,
What am i Listening to (amongst a million other things also), but here’s 5 of my favourite blues tracks,Ya Dig!?.
#1=’Red House’~Jimi Hendrix. HENDRIX 2me is just the god of cool!, & i love the line ‘That’s ok still got my guitar!.
#2=’Milk Cow Blues’~Chocolate Watchband.one of my all-time fave 60’s Garage-Punk Bands,this songs been done by so many others, but i just love it!.
#3’Curly’~The BluesBreakers(1967,the long version taken fromthe album ‘thru the years’),Although i got mine on a great ‘Decca Originals’ comp titled “THE BLUES SCENE”,25 classic tracks & only £2:98p.its totally Raw,enspiring & reminds me of some of the ‘White-boy blues stuff!.
#4=’Born Under a Bad Sign’-Hendrix,or Cream Version ,both magnificent,it’s Another one of those songs that when you hear it ,it sounds as if it was written about/&for me!.TOTALLY MAGNIFICENT!!!.
#5.’1-2-5’~The HAUNTED.(The Canadian 60’s R&B,Garage-Punks!),this may seem a controversial choice to some of you’s?, but if you Listened to the 1st Version i Ever Heard on an album titled ‘PEBBLES.VOL.1′-Original 60’s punk & Psych classics, Then you just can’t deny it’s a Stomper,with some effective Great Harmonica in it too! ***GO ON GET PRIMITIVE****.
As u can appreciate this is just a handfull of greats & like you’s i could’ve added more & more songs from the likes of=BO DIDDLEY,HOWLIN’ WOLF, JOHN LEE HOOKER,SRV,HENDRIX,Q65,PRETTY THINGS,THE CREATION,THE BIRDS,STONES,THE SEEDS,SRC,SMALL FACES,RAY CHARLES,ROY BUCHANAN,LINK WRAY,JOHN MAYALL,THE ATTACK,ROKY ERICKSON & THE 13th FLOOR ELEVATORS,ETC,ETC.ETC. But these will do for now!,& Please if you’ve not got any of these recordings,please do youself a favour & look for them ,You can email me @ thehenchman1@live.co.uk if you have trouble gettin’ hold of anything,& i’ll help you-out!. thanks y’all. now let’s all go & turn-up to eleven & ‘SPANK THAT PLANK’!!. yours THE HENCHMAN (John Chanter Jnr).
If you want to listen to someone good you may not have heard before, I recommend J.P. Soars and the Red Hots. Soars grew up studying Django Reinhardt and learned lots of jazz chords that he uses in his blues playing. At one point in his career he played metal before focusing on the blues. He won the 2009 International Blues Competition in Memphis. His gravelly voice and great tone make him a fantastic listen. I’ve seen him twice at the Back Room Blues Bar in Boca Raton….but he also has an excellent CD called “Back of My Mind.”
Tommy Castro
Blues World Order (local, v. good)
Robben Ford
Eric Clapton
Joe Bonamassa
Like all the above plus saw Phil Keaggy the other nite. Still very innovative. Wish I could make my Les Paul sound half as good as his Olson acoustic.
…and oh of course Joe Bonammasa and Sea Sick Steve!
I’m a bit of a blues infant and ignoramus…but for the survey;
Eric Clapton, BB King, Rory Block, John Mayer…and all those glorious people both young and old who just give it a go.
Brian Setzer, and most of the above.
The Kings (Albert, Freddie,BB), Clapton,SRV; also, though, Fiona Boyes and Indigenous.
Allman Brothers
Canned Heat
Many other Southern Rock groups that play Blues in their songs. John Fogerty has some Blues songs
Wow! You all have the best taste! I love all that you have posted. I think my favorite is BB King! Love Buddy Guy, SRV, Roy Buchanan, Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Danny Bryant’s Redeye Band, Luther Alison, Gary Moore, and the list could go on and on. The blues is so relaxing to listen too, and mellows me right out.
I applaud the listening tastes of those who listed their favs…each choice is excellent with much to be admired and learned. I have spent much listening time with them all…BUT…let’s not leave out the great Muddy Waters, Johnny Winters, Edgar Winters and Jorma Kaukonen.
Truth is there are so many we didn’t list that are great…well you get the idea.
Beatles
Dylan
Jimi Hendrix
Allman Brothers
Buddy Guy
Eric Clapton
Little Feat
Jethro Tull
I don’t list individual albums because I have too many of ’em.
Roy Buchannon, Luther Allison, John Hammond, Allman Brothers, Otis Rush, Guitar Shorty, Tutu Jones, Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, George Harrison(all things must pass), Stephen Stills (Treetop Flyer)Muddy Waters, Howlin’Wolf, Early Stones, Faces (with Ronny Wood), Jeff Beck, Led Zepplin, Robert Johnson,SRV, Keb Mo, etc….
Lots of Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Clapton, BB King, Bonnie Raitt.
Freddies Blues by: Doc “MistaBluesman” Quinn
Link – http://sirecast.com/audio/Freddies_Blues
JD
At the moment Three little girls by Eric Clapton & JJ Cale. And my friend’s band, A pint of blues. Hope you find something from them on the net. But it’s probably in Hungarian 😉
Eric Clapton and B B King riding with the king album great blues
Clapton, SRV, the Hendrix blues album. Albert Collins I’m not drunk I’m just drinkin’. Johnny Winter especially the return of Johnny Guitar album. Any guitar driven blues tunes with a harp doing some fills.
Everybody should have the best, meaning Clapton and SRV, among many others, but over the years I’ve been finding gems by little known players. Here’s some you must check out: The Porkroll Project, James Solberg, Melvin Taylor, The Nobby Reed Project, The Toler Brothers, The Nimmo Brothers (Live in Glasgow), The Phantom Blues Band, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, The Strange Tones, Bryan lee, Michael Burks, Michael Osborn. I could go on and on, but these are all worth your time! Blues to ya!
Michael Bloomfield
Roy Buchanan "Live Stock" and Allman Bros. "Fillmore East" changed my life.
Right now I’m diggin’ Tab Benoit "Swampland Jam", Johnny Winter "Live" and North Mississippi All-Stars. I like the Fred McDowell rhythyms.
425951 This should be a good start. Sue Foley- "Live at the Underground 2006"…….Same thing, Goin Blind Baby, Fool Me Good. Blues in D Natural/ Queen Bee ( most on Youtube) Sonny Landrith and Cindy Cashdollar- Boogie, Key to the Highway. (Youtube) Jimmy Thackery, Harlem Slim, and all the Delta oldtimers that we all admire………..
T- Bone Walker – anything by this guy
SRV – he only needs to look at a guitar and im interested
Ronnie Earl
Blind Willie Johnson
and Steve Vai – Sorry i just love this guy’s musical abilities whispering a prayer is my personal favourite.
Bell Bottom Blues (Clapton), Feelin Bad Blues (Ry Cooder) The Thrill is Gone (BB King), Hendrix
I love almost all the above, but want to call attention to BB’s “One Kind Favor” from his latest release. For one thing, what he can say with a very few notes is to me a goal worth reaching for, and one I much prefer to the “how-many-notes-can- I-fit-in-a-bar” approach so popular in much of contemporary Rock. Of course, BB’s been at it for 60 or 70 years, so the distillation has been going on for a while. The groove on this cut is one of my favorites. BB is definitely like a good wine.
But I love all three Kings, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Clapton, Hendrix, Page, and lots more. The Blues done by a master is like a great book that you can read many times yet it remains new.
I have listened to the blues for awhile and now I’m learning to play I have been listening to the sitrius blues channel and have learned alot more about the history and legends so I’m still learning the artist names leson is coming along great
Howlin Wolf with Hubert Sumlin on guitar
Muddy Waters Live at the Newport Jazz Festival
BB King- Live “The Thrill is gone”
Hey Cats & Jammers …
” Fleetwood Mac in Chicago 1969 ” … featuring Buddy Guy/Willie Dixon/Otis Spann/Shakey Horton/J.T. Brown/Honeyboy Edwards and S.P. Leary …
” Hungry Country Girl ” Disc One Track 11 , my favorite …
also :
” From the Cradle ” Eric Clapton … ” I’m Tore Down ” Track 6 and ” Driftin’ ” Track 15 … Thanks Griff … You gave me that one 🙂
Rob, Hi Griff, I like to Listen to b.b.king and clapton, alot more. I like playing the bluse keeps your mine off of work and just time to in joy it. I like the way you sing the bluse your good. If I showed you a photo of me you would think it was you. We look alike big time. Hope you all injoy playing the bluse.
Clapton – (trying to learn Crossroads); Buddy Guy, BB King; SRV
I enjoy listening & practicing with Ruth Brown,Irma Thomas,Muddy Waters,& Clapton , & several others- I enjoyed reading the other comments-Thanks Griff
Indigenous \"Things We Do\" A couple of Native Americans guys. I like it.
Before You Accuse Me; Sweet Home Chicago; Little Queen of Spades
Luther Allison, Robert Cray, Allman Brothers, Albert Collins SRV
I have picked up these really cool blues compilations that you find onsale at book stores and places like that here in Canada. It is neat to hear the differences from one track (and artist) to another.
BB King
SRV
ERic Clapton
Hi all ,
pete from Australia here, one of my favorite blues bands in Aussie is a little relatively new blues band called " Chase the Sun " I hope that you can find them on the web , they are brillent .
If you can not contact me and i’ll find a way for you to listen or see them’ one of my favorite songs of theirs is "One of us has gotta Go"
Buddy Guy, Albert King, Elmore James, Lightning Hopkins, and a personal Favorite Roy Buchanan
Recently saw Eddie Martin live, bought a couple of his albums, mellow hypnotic stuff, excellent! After watching your mixing of major and minor blues sounds I’m expirementing with other stuff, attempting to learn Erics Tears in Heaven, would’nt of even tryed before, Cheers Griff
BB King – How Blue can you get.
A two cd set of live performances that’s just wonderful.
Eric Clapton – Me and Mr Johnson.
A different style but fun to listen to.
As I learned more about the blues, I found it interesting to see how a lot of my favorite classic rock tunes had a blues influence. I didn’t realize it at the time.
Still can’t play them but I have fun anyway.
See That Train, & Homless joe By Shawn Mullins
Hi Griff:
I love to listen to Magic Slim! I haven’t seen his name in any of the postings yet. His later stuff is great like "Key to Your Door" & "Please Don’t Dog Me".
Check him out!
Thanks!
R. L. Burnside is a favorite of mine!
The latest Walter Trout (The Outsider), Chris Rea (Blue Guitars) -the whole 12 disc set!- and the Paul Jones Radio 2 show on Monday nights 20.00 G.M.T. Its also available thro the the listen again system — awesome show!!!
When it comes to Blues phrasing and note selection , Kim Simmonds is one of the best.
Gary Moore Parisienne Walkways. Would love it if you could tab it
I should have added to my last post that at that same concert was performed the best version on Little Wing you will every hear!
Both of these tracks were on the Hendrix In The West (I have the vinyl) along with an absolute killer versions of Johnny B. Goode and Voodoo Chile.
In my opinion the version of Red House performed live at the San Diego Sports Arena by Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell and Noel Reading on the 24th May, 1969 is the most commanding blues performance ever recorded.
Clapton, of course, but a new listen for me is Lincoln Brewster. some of his stuff is so directly related to the Clapton, Eric Johnson influence that I love it.
Forgot to add John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers with Clapton. You can really hear the influence Freddy King had on Clapton at that time. Also Peter Green when he was with Fleetwood Mac. They were a great blues band back then. Peter was as good as Clapton and would have been a huge star himself, but unfortunately his personal demons got in the way.
Derek & The Dominoes, Freddy King, Mike Bloomfield, Nels Cline (Wilco). Nels is really defining a whole new style of playing and works magic with his FX pedals.
Griff, thanks for the site. It’s really helpful. Thanks.
Savoy Brown (Getting To The Point; an all time favorite)
Alvin Lee & Ten Years After (Pure Blues compilation album sums it up)
Eric Clapton – any and all
Coco Montoya
Robben Ford
Walter Trout
older classic Allman Brothers Band when Duane Allman was still around
Bonnie Raitt and on and on and on. Basically any good smokin blues.
Eric Clapton-One more care one more rider, Joe Bonamassa – Live from Royal Albert Hall
SRV-SRV-SRV-forever!
Hey Y\’all,
Check this out … you\’ll be glad you did …
The CD : \"Fleetwood Mac in Chicago 1969\" … featuring Buddy Guy/Willie Dixon/Otis Spann/Shakey Horton/J.T. Brown/Honeyboy Edwards/S.P.Leary …
My favorite song on the CD : \" Hungry Country Girl \" also: \" I can\’t Hold Out\", \" Madison Blues \", and \" World\’s in a Tangle \" …
ALSO : Any of you guy\’s and gal\’s that have not ordered Griff\’s courses are missing out … I currently am studying his \"Beginning Blues Guitar\" course and am very happy with my progress … He gets you moving right along and before you know it your playing your first Blues Song: \"Sitting Easy Blues \" which I am currently practicing … I am not being paid for this endorsement, I just want folks that are searching for a great guitar course to know what I think after searching many months for the right one and attempting to learn from various course books that are available out there … Get Griff\’s \"Beginning Blues Guitar \" or his \"Blues Guitar Unleashed\" course for more advanced players … You will be very happy you did … Yours in the Blues 🙂
Alexander Beckette
Ihave been listening to the best solos by BB King,David Gilmour, Eric Clapton and I also enjoy the old blues by Memphis Minnie.
Thanks Griff I think your the best Teacher, even though I still am having trouble learning the Guitar. Thanks again Brian
maggot brain funkadelics, hip hug her booker t & the mgs, backdoor slam robert cray
Larry McCray, Tommy Castro, Little Walter, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters
anything from the Chess label, Keb’ Mo, and the late Sean Costello, I miss
seeing him perform, as I never saw anyone that young play the blues like he did.
The list could go on forever, but the important thing is that blues music has been around for a long time, and hopefully with folks like the ones like yourselves, will continue on. Blues listeners (and players) are a special group,
we are dedicated to a type of music that not everyone can understand.
Griff, great site man!
Delbert McClinton
WES JEANS – album ;forest of the pine; Hard rockin Texas Blues.
Usually plays SRV tribute concerts.
Also: Tommy Katona, This guy is not U.S.A. born and now lives and breaths
SRV in Texas.
Luther Allison. A song I love is Cherry Red Wine.
Memphis Minnie, Lazy Lester, Little Walter, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour
Lightning Hopkins to name a few.
Eric Clapton is still my favorit blues artist. I red his book and know now that he had lots of influence by Mudy Waters and BB King.
But away from blues for me Mark Knopfler is absolutelythe Greatest.
So for playing blues I use my Fender Stratocaster “Blackie” Eric Clapton Signature or my Gibson Les Paul Standard.
Red House-Jimi Hendrix. If I had possession over judgment day and Hell Hound-(Robert Johnson,Eric Clapton version). Any Johnny Winter or Albert Collins. Neal Hilt’s contribution Voodoo Mockinbird and Green Eyed Demon Woman.
well that is a long list most of my favorites were listed and i would like to add Jimmy Reed” insurance”and “big boss man ” Asleep at the Wheel “milk cow blues”
ink spots” your feet’s too big” and “java jive ” pointer sisters “cow cow bogie
If you ever get a chance to catch Alan Haynes in Austin, TX, do so! He and his three piece are the real deal. http://www.alan-haynes.com
…someone said, “still got the Blues” from Gary Moore, oh, yeah!… and I don’t believe in all the comments I read anyone mentioned Jeff Healey, one of my very favorites. Love his “Me And My Crazy Self” and “As The Years Go Passing By” and his version of “Hideaway” and I love “A Nice Problem To Have”, I play harp to it and it’s like I’m part of the band. I hate that he’s gone. Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and I could listen to Clapton’s “From The Cradle” over and over and over… He poured his soul into that album, vocally.
ok guys unfurtunately I came from cuba 3 years ago I love blues as I love all good music , music made from the heart, I cant give a big oppinion cause in my country there is not enough information about other countries culture, it is (the information) very poor, so you have to feed your brain from people who go outside cuba, people who you know, or are freinds of you and ask them to please bring you some cd or some cassette of the bands you like, if he can bring it to you ,then you are lucky and can here something you like
since Im here Im very happy in that sense, cause I can reach that ocean of music that you always dream,
up to now I havent heard a lot because I dindt know all this musicians you are talking
Im just taking notes of their names and songs to look for them at youtube
but the first album of blues I had in my life was one year before coming here, I love it for 2 things first , it was the first and second I think its a great cd, its name Milk Cow Blues from Willie Nelson, and I agree withGriff, Texas flood is one of the greats for me,I like a lot too Red House think its Jimmy Hendrix and there is another from SRV thatthey say he wrote to his wife but she believed it was not for her but for another woman, I think is Pride and Joy I love it
ok guys keep blues on
Howdy Griff,
I have been stooped in the wonderful world of good old country blues. Texas, delta, hill country, or piedmont, I love it all. I have been trying to learn some Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowel, R.L. Burnside, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Muddy Waters licks with and without the slide. I would like to learn Charley Patton songs but have had trouble finding tabs for his tunes. I have also been mixing in some Lonnie Johnson and T-Bone Walker too. I am a relative beginner; however, your instruction has helped me tremendously.
Thank You.
P.S. Any slide guidar instruction coming in the future?
well i listen to blues night on sunday nights an i like the old stuff from the 20s an 30sbut i m a really big fan of bb king an muddy waters as well as for the new stuff i want to be able to play blue jean blues by zztop
i listen to blues night on sunday nights an i like the old stuff from the 20 s an of course i m a big bb king an muddy waters fan as well as for newer stuff i d love to be able to play blue jean blues by zztop
i listen to blues night on sunday night i really like the old stuff but i like bb king an muddy waters as far as newer stuff i wanna learn how to play blue jean blues by zztop
Anyone who hasn’t listened to Either Otis Rush or Peter Green is missing some of the most expressive blues extant. Check em out.
ps John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers – with EC.
Stepping Out, All Your Love I Miss Missing, Bernard Jenkins, all the live stuff – basically ALL of it !!!!!!!!
with Peter Green
can’t go past The Supernatural
many apologies to all who are on my list, but whom I haven’t mentioned
your all part of my psyche – past, present and future
as a youngster – Layla; Albatross; Gimme Some Loving; River Deep , Mountain High; Purple Haze:
Sooooooo many these days:
Otis Spann – Spann’s Stomp; eric’s intro & 2nd chorus – Have You Ever Loved A Woman [ D & the D’s ]; Albert King – Personal Manager; Hubert Sumlin / Howlin’ Wolf – Hidden Charms; Buddy Guy – Skippin’; King Curtis – J’est Smoochin’; Sonny Boy Williamson – Checking Up On My Baby; Muddy Waters – Same Thing [ april 64 session]; Willie Brown – Future Blues; Jimmy Reed – Honest I Do;…etc,etc,etc
Can’t believe no one mentioned Clapton. Also loved Ray charles blues stuff
Wow! too hard to choose. Here are some artists that I tend to listen to over and over.
Albert Collins
Buddy Guy
Albert King (Blues Power)(double WOW)!
Roy Buchanon
I’ve been listening to a lot of blues-rock lately. Mostly Joe Bonamassa and Aynsley Lister (who I just recently found…. great!)
Hey Griff,
Got two cd’s on constant play at the moment that I would recomend to any blues fan;
– “Peter Green’ Fleetwood Mac”; what touch that guy has and back again very nearly as good as he was before all his drug and health problems.
– Eric Clapton’s “Sessions for Robert J” .. Got to be the best thing that old Slow Hand has done for years. Back to his roots and doing some of the great things I used to see him doing in the clubs and pubs of London with Alexis Korner and John Mayall back in the ’60’s
Great blog … keep up the good work
hi i really like b.b. king and eric clapton
Griff,
There is a Kansas City band that has been doing wonderful things, and are really fun to listen too. Trampled Under Foot. Their guitarist Nick Schneblen is pleasing to the ear. Hope this helps.
I’m really into delta blues. Robert Johnson, Son House, most anything from that genre.
Some of my favorites are SRV, Gary Moore, Billy Gibbons, and lately I\’ve been listening to Henry Garza from Los Lonely Boys. If you havn\’t heard him he is a real student of SRV. Incredible player.
Early John Mayall was what first got me,followed by Peter Green, Led Zep\’s 1st album and Creams Crossroads set me on the road. Lightning Hopkins has a nice groove. BB King seems to get better as time goes by. Currently listening to Sherman Robertson, Joe Beard, Ronnie Earl and Bruce Katz on Audioquest. Dare I mention Seasick Steve ? He may not be the greatest but he gets people tapping their feet and has an infectious way about him.
Hey Griff,
Did something happen that I overlooked? The last email I recieved from you was around the 17th of November 09. I can’t remember when the last lesson was received.
Did the email lessons expire? I sure do miss them. Please let me know what is going on.
Thanks,
Steve
how about you great roy buchanon, with roy\\\’s blues
Shawn Kellerman, young blues guy from Canada. Billy Gibbons
Can’t believe someone mentioned Rory Gallagher! I had’nt thought about him for YEARS! Was a great lead man. Nobody mentioned one of my all time fav’s either, one Mr. Billy Gibbons. Go back old school to their humble Texas beginnings and check out from their first, Neighbor Neighbor, or maybe a little later his laid back style on Brown Sugar, “just to try it before I die”.
Thanks Griff!
Well, I have to say right now Davy Knowles of Back Door Slam. Gotta Leave I think the song is called. Absolutely fantastic. On the rockier side of things I would have to say the London Quireboys 7 O ‘clock.
I’m a newbie at guitar playing, but I have always loved the blues. SRV is awesome and Johnny Lee Hooker is great, B.B King and I’ve only heard a little Muddy Waters . I like some of the not so bluesy blues too, one of my alltime sing along favorites is “Steamroller Blues” by James Taylor, I really want to learn how to play that (The Sweet Baby James Version). I also really like Johnny Lang. I used to do stand up comedy awhile ago and I was in Souix Falls, S.D. working at a club, The booking agent was promoting a bluesfest he had put together and when I went down to breakfast I got to meet some of the blues guys. I didn’t really know much about the blues back then (still don’t), but one of the older guys was called …I wanna say “Pine Top” or Pine something…really cool old guy. I have heard of a “Pine Top” since, but I don’t know if it was the same guy, I never got the chance to hear him.
Check out Rory Gallagher. He died in his forties, what a player! Check him out on YouTube. Shadow Play, Tattooed Lady, and his cover of Pistol Slapper Blues, and Bullfrog Blues. His cover of Messin’ With The Kid, is awesome, too!
Freddie king, robin trower, jimmy rodgers
Albert King: I Wanna Get Funky
Hound Dog Taylor: Give Me Back My Wig (and the whole live album)
Black Keys: Strange Desire (punk blues at it’s finest)
And it’s getting time to listen to the ol’ massacree. You get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant (ceptin Alice!)
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention Derek Trucks both with the Allman Brothers and his own band, definately worth a listen!
Duane Allman slide guitar is my cup of tea. Also Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers, but particularly his stuff with Gov’t Mule. Their covers of some music probably make the original artists blush!
hey dudes if u like acoustic blues how can u go past the king robert johnson all so worth a listen check out doc watson,chet atkins these guys make it all look so easy enjoy
Memphis Minnie and Jo-Ann Kelly are never far from my cd player.
ilike the buddy guy version of mustang sally red light and lie to me by johnny lang
Woman across the Water
I love the sound of Tracy Chapman… "Give me one reason".
These guys were new no me a couple of weeks ago and their finger work and picking blew me away
The first is a young guy, Davy Knowles. Check him out on u-tube, especially a song called “Comin’ up for air” then listen to his electeric and acoustic stuff.
Second guy is Tommy Emmanuel, been playing in a group since he was 4 years old. Hes probably 50+ now and will fry your mind.
Keep the lessons up, thanks.
Hi,
Theres an old (Paul)…Butterfield Blues Band album , “Keep On Movin” from
1969. After going through Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop The band hired a 19 year old guitarist named Buzzy Feiten. Theres a song on that album called
Where Did My Baby Go, in which Buzz plays my favorite guitar solo. It’s not the most technical by todays standards, and not in the “typical” blues style, But I love that solo, wish I could play it. Thanks and keep the music alive…..
Freddy
Great thought!…..o-tay?! Let’s see,…..how bout Les Paul vs. Strat??
Check’em out,…the solo’s in these tunes will clearly take you back to the day you heard them the very first time on the radio…..I was clearly blown away.
Too, each tune clearly demonstrates the strengths to two American guitar classics.
Moore power to the blues!
First up,..Ian Moore – Satisfied – ( o’baby what clean licks! )
Next,….Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues – " got crunch"?
Check’em out!
Reg Rocket
Hi, Really love all complex blues and rock licks and riffs but…….went to the Hammersmith Apollo last night……….DEEEP PURPLE (Guitar Man: Steve Morse) Excellent. Best of the night was Black Night. Amazing gig. Strange really went with my son now 25, i remember DP the first time around. Loved the support band ‘The Grove’ check them out as well.
David
myself i have been on a early allman brothers band kick lately
the stuff from the 70’s along with buddy guy
and when not listening to them than its ”mixed blues albums” songs from all differt bands mixed on to one cd something as ,best of the blues or american blues, the essential blues cd sets,women in blues ,and the house of blues cd set
Buddy Guy’s Greatest Hits. Around a cracklin’ campfire. Aaaaah!
i don’t know much blues bands but it’s something i could listen too.heard some of Clapton’s and liked it.i’ll check on these people and songs you mention here
playing the blues is more fun than i thought;)
What a great idea! Gonna have to give some of these a listen, your list especially Griff. Wow, Me and My Guitar/a title like that kinda cuts right to the blues. Hey, try Blues With A Feeling by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band/great version of an ole standard.
Cheers and good to see some other Aussie’s on here. There are some great blues bands here. Check out the Bondi Cigars, Ash Grumwald, Dutch Tilders, Dave Hole
hi Griff
Who’s Muddy Shoes, Bondi Cigars,Dutch Tilders,Kevin Borich,GrooveJar
Sleave Merry & Mal Eastick some GREAT Aussie Bands I get to see & hear!*!*.
cheers Nigel in Aus
Blues: If you got um, u got um. All the Artist, are in your mind and soul. I jam on the harp, and am trying to free flow on the Guitar, like the Harp. Thank’s Griff, Im starting to jam a bit, " I’ve got blisters on my fingers "
Griff, you make it easy to get started, better then anyone I have found on line. as soon as I can I will buy BGU!!!! Just waiting for some doe to flow, Bro, YO!!! Not bad for a white boy. Griff, until then, put up some more easy stuff, that the bigger dogs can add onto, and I can grow on. Can’t wait until I can free flow, with the soul, Bro, Later Alex
Wow loaded question , and thanks , So many I’m going to list just one .
Albert King I’ll Play the Blues for You
hi i am currently trying to get the same sound as two guys get in their solos – on albums by robert cray and my all time favourite – phillip walker – 4 me this sound epitimises the blues
i listen to a bluesman i met in ohio alot. richard boals and the shoals run a blues night at a local bar and when i walked in there were 23 people on stage that blew me away. the sax player did 15 min solo on just the mouthpiece, dang tha was hottttttttt. but richards got a great blues voice, check him out.
I spend a lot of time listening to Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins and B.B. King. I am taking lessons via Internet to learn to play my Fender Strat. I am torn, however, between the electric blues of King and others, and the acoustic blues of the Delta. I’m saving up fr a good acoustic guitar, because the blues moves me so powerfully, and although not a purist, like the sounds of the blues played on an acoustic guitar.
Peace,
A~
Lots out there certainly and every day I seem to discover more, however besides my mainstays, I have been listening to a lot more of are: Doyle Bramhall II, David Gogo, and Robert Cray lately..
Love your posts Grif, don’t always have time to check em all out but always come back to the site.
Just been to see a Rory Gallagher tribute band called Sinnerboy. They paid an excellent tribute to the legend of rock and blues. His ‘live in Europe’ album is one of the best live albums I’ve ever heard.
Robert Johnson’s Love In Vain by Keith Richards
I hav’nt seen anyone mention Bernard Allison, or his late father, Luther both wonderful players as well as singers. Tommy Castro as well.
hey griff, i love the tecniques you use, ive been playing for about 30 years and i have to admit you have a sane and sensible aproach to playing the blues, the way it should be. im learning some really cool ways to run the notes to my best and most practical form, smart and sensible to say the least. thanks my friend and we will keep playing the blues.
Thanks for letting me know that there is a Landreth cd I’m missing. My favorite guitarist is Phil Keaggy. He’s actually classed as gospel but plays awesome blues. I also recently discovered a guy name Zach Prather. He does the best version of Smokestack Lightening I’ve heard since Howlin Wolf.
wow; quite the response. you could add lowel folson, boorker t and the mg.s
seagle swall, canned heat etc
From The Cradle… Clapton… playing it endlessly in the car.
Try out some of these new guys:
Matt Schofield, Ryan McGarvey, Mike Zito, Mark May, The Nimmo Brothers, Nobby Reed Project, Daddy Mack Blues Band, Buddaheads, and some of my favorites:
Tommy Castro, Jimmy Thackery, Coco Montoya, Michael Burks, Melvin Taylor, Bryan Lee, Michael Osborn, and Louisiana Bob Kirkpatrick.
Some that go without saying: Carlos Santana, SRV, Eric Clapton, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Luther Allison, and all the Kings.
Bamboozled by Omar Kent Dykes and the Howlers
Jimmie Reed Highway by Omar Kent Dykes and Jimmy Vaughan
Magic Slim and the Tear drops
Hey Griff, and all you blues buffs out there…
While some may feel his style stretches the limits of traditional delta blues, his ability to express himself through his guitar is a treat to the ears. Try a little “Beck”, on the side.
Album: Jeff Beck, Who Else? Track: Brush with the Blues
You had it Coming Dirty Mind, Rollin’ and Tumblin’
Jeff Beck Hot Rod Honeymoon, Line Dancing with Monkeys, JB’s Blues
Blow by Blow Cause we’ve ended as Lovers
p.s. Thanks for your devotion, Griff.
Steve
HI GRIFF THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE BLUES PLAYERS IS BUDDY GUY PLUS MANY MORE
Otis Taylor! Try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhiO8rT_LnA
The Black Keys! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luwp5iZD8wQ
Hey Griff, thanks for your blues help you really help me alot! I listen to more full albums than songs so here’s some of the groups. (Blues) John Mayall ,B B King, Eric Clapton, Albert King, Stevie Ray, Yardbirds, Savoy Brown, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield I also listen to alot of jazz Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Jean Luc Ponty, John Mc Laughlin. Again Thanks it’s fun working with you online
I like anything played by Srv or Clapton
Anything by Steve Ray Vaugn, and have recently started listening to Los Lonely Boys
A great UK blues duo called ‘Sons Of The Delta’. Their first album, ‘One For The Road’ blew my mind, simple genius!!!
Some great lists here from you all.
Jeff Beck – live at Ronnie Scott’s – great listen
Joe Bonnamassa – Sloe Gin, JH and live stuff
Walter Trout – great live, does that thing with altering the volume control between notes!
Peter Green – Just about all – Jumpin’ at Shadows is a favourite.
Fleetwood Mac – Boston Blues – great double live CD
Jimi – Redhouse and Little Wing amongst many…
SRV – Little Wing better than Jimi (dare I say)+ lots more!
Buddy Whittington – was great with John Mayall
A couple from the UK – The Hamsters – great live -Slim is an awsome player. (Agree with Tony Mac there!)
Oli Brown – one CD – great little band live.. the boy can play.. enjoy.
Great list.
All-time favourite tracks –
Still In Love With You – Thin Lizzy, (Live And Dangerous album)
Red House (of course)
Loan Me A Dime – Boz Scaggs
My current favourite band, and have been for some time now – Uk band, The Hamsters. Snail’s-Pace Slim is just an awesome player.
Love Hendrix, SRV, Clapton, Moore, Buddy Guy, Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher, Chris Rea, Mark Knopfler etc etc
Muddy Waters&Johnny Winter Going Down Slow [youtube.com]
Here’s the list of songs that I listen to at least once a week for inspiration to hopefully play like these guys someday:
Julian Sas – Blues for J
Matt Thorpe – So Sweet the Blues
Tab Benoit – Nice and Warm
Gary Moore – As The Years Go Passing By
Jack Falk Project – Spirits Crying
Jay Gordon – Message to Collins
Joe Bonamassa – So Many Roads
Little Jimmy King – Something Inside of Me
Rusty Zinn – Just Like A Fish
Tom Principato – Here In My Heart
Billy Marquis – Black and White
Ian Parker – Sassy Blues Jam & Slow Blues Jam (youtube.com)
Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of more contemporary blues artist. Right now, the top of my list is Michael Burks….”Empty Promises” & “Quiet Little Town”. Followed by: Bernard Allison – “Chills & Thrills”, Keb’ Mo’ – “Dangerous Mood” & “Prosperity Blues”, Tab Benoit – “Bayou Breeze” & “Night Train”, Tinsley Ellis – “Real Bad Way”, Coco Montoya – “Casting My Spell”, and a couple by an older artist getting his due….A C Reed – “These Blues Is Killing Me”, “I’m In The Wrong Business”, and “Fast Food Annie”…..Burned these to a CD and listen to them over and over. Still go back and listen to the masters, but, I’m really enjoying these newer artists…and have made that the focus of our band, The BluzAholics.
Alvin Lee has some great blues cd’s. Check out his Pure Blues cd.
Stevie Ray’s Pride And Joy,Texas Flood,The Sky is Cryin. All the Way
All these names mentioned, and no one, NO ONE, mentions Mick Taylor?
This is a really great list. I would add Eric Johnson’s “Alien Love Child” and David Gilmore’s “Live in Gdansk”. I also like Joe Walsh’s slide playing.
Hey Bluesmen,
Just saw the Jony Lang show. Great! He went back to his roots. Landreth is like no other.Pick one;
Coco Montoya, Chris Cain, Colin James from Canada and Bonamassa & Kenny Wayne Shepard if you like SRV.
The blues are alive & well!
GJ
Hi Griff and all
I notice from the forum that there a few JJ Cale fans out there.
If you guys like JJ you really need to listen to “The Road to Escondido” album (With Eric Clapton). If you guys have not listened to this album you really are missing out something very special.
Regards
Emilio UK
Hi Griff and everyone else
Its great to see everyones tastes and learn a few different artist that sound interesting. I listen to a lot of the usual suspects, SRV, Clapton, Bonamassa, Buchanan,Buddy Guy, BB King, Hendrix Gearge Thuroughgood etc. I also like early Zepplin and Eric Burdon and the animals. One I havent noticed here is Jimmy Dlane well worth a listen. I also sugest a couple of good Auzzie bands Matt Taylor and chain & Dave Hole.
Anyway its a great little community you have got goin here Griff love the instruction and support keep it up.
Bob from OZ
WELL LET’S SEE I’VE BEEN LISTING ALBERT CUMMINGS
TAB BENOIT. JEFF HEALY,ALBERT COLLINGS ALONW WITH SRV, SOME BB. COCO MONTOYA.GARY MOORE,MATT SCHOFIELD.RONNIE EARL.AND SOME SMOKING JOE KUBEK.
I WOULD HAVE TO SAY OUT OF ALL OF THEM TAB BENOIT
CAJAIN SOUND IT ONE OF MY FAV.
Wow have so many here are just a few
John L. Hooker b.b. King, Steppenwolf,
Eric Clapton and lots more
Melodies interest me…I’m not at all concerned with a guitar solo or the guitar part of the song…the overall texture of the song is what gets me interested in learning the guitar section for a particular song.
Deacon Blues by Steely Dan…not typical blues but it has a very interesting melody and chord progression. Actually, I love the whole album…it really has a bluesy feel to me.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond…opera blues(?) again, a really interesting melody…
Family Affair by Sly and the Family Stone…soulful blues…awesome!
I’ve got a live version of Couldn’t Stand The Weather by SRV that is, in my opinion, the “smokinest” version I’ve ever heard. Live at Austin City Limits October 1989. I listen to it several times a week. You can find it on youtube here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2_7PfabVJ0
In the late 70’s going to the river(Colorado)At a last chance for gas,food,etc. Their was an ole boy playing a guitar for spare change. One song i remember was “Rock me Baby”. He played that song as good as any big name artist. He said his name was “The Guitar Man”.
Wow an incredible list ,every one from Chi town ,J L Hooker ,
Kenny Wayne Shepherd ,there are way to many to list .trying to listen to them all .What a task.
Wow, too many too list. Im really into Warren Haynes right now..he is just and awesome guitar player. with mule or ABB or solo . Of course from there its all the favorites , SRV, Billy gibbons, BB King, Elmore James, John lee Hooker,,Albert King,,and Willie Dixon,,the list goes on
Great idea Griff… so many greats and awesome songs..I have John Lee Hooker’s”Dejava Retro Gold Collection” it has 40 sweet tunes,,,Have to admit my fav. is ‘Whiskey and Wimmen”. On Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Last Man Standing” he sings with Buddy Guy on a song called “Hadacol Boogie”.. I can only dream of playing that wel..lol
Currently listening to ;
My Feeling for the Blues – Freddie King
Born Under a Bad Sign – Albert King
Great guitar work by both.
LP
I haven’t read all the comments, but I don’t think I saw Robert Johnson even mentioned. Amazing. You asked, however, for a song, not a list of artists. I’ll go with “Shiny Moon” by the immortal Lightnin’ Hopkins. As beautiful a love song as you’ll ever hear. Try UNPLUGGING sometime and throw away your picks! Laura- that’s not “older stuff”. Try Memphis Minnie. OK. I just read back a bit. R. J. was mentioned. Also Lighnin’ Hopkins. I will check out some of the not so older stuff mentioned by others. (Try Barbecue Bob!)
I listen to a lot of older stuff,Claptin, Skynyrd,Eagles, BadCompany, Rush,Areosmith,Boston,Seger,Doobies,America,ZZ top,Heart,Zepplin,Crue,some Kid Rock his latest and Ozzy.
Ha Griff
You started something here!!!
all of the above are awesome in their own way.Some of these guys I’ve never heard of, many of them household names.So many players with so much individual talent. If in my life I can produce one great piece of blues music then I would have succeeded in a life time goal.
Cheers Andy M
Hey Grif,
Your followers, and that is getting to be a pretty big list of names, should check out a site http://www.last.fm click on the radio tab and type in “Blues”. You can listen to music all day long. You can also type in a favorite artist. Everyone listed above has music on the site.
One of my favs is “Still Got The Blues” Gary Moore.
Hey Grif,
Hope you’ve had a chance to look at my stuff.
Oh my blues favorites…so many that I listen to while I paint!
Lovin’ learing to play this stuff.
Off the top…..
Red House – Jimi
Life by the drop – SRV
Further on up the road – Eric
My favorite blues player to play with feeling is David Gilmour, but am 49 and grew up on Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, but didn’t see Dickey Betts or Joe Satriani, Black Crows or Blues Traveler. I think the latest blues guy is John Mayer.
Gatemouth Moore, BB King, Johnny Otis, and Pee Wee Crayton
Hi Griff
Check out the TONE (as well as the sheer artistry and heart rending speech) in the live version of “Life Without You” that is a bonus track (and what a bonus!) on the current version of SRV’s IN STEP album. In the context of the words spoken, the agony in the sound that he pulls from that Strat after asking “are you with me?” is enough to make a grown my shed a tear. May he rest in peace.
Steffen Schackinger! Awesome.
One of my all time favorite guitar players Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown fame in the mid 60s. I started listening to, like almost everyone else, the Beatles, and followed the flow until groups like the Stones started playing their version of blues.
I guess the real question in my mind is the division between guys like Albert King who was a great bluesman and many others who played nothing but the blues. Then the other great guitar players like Clapton, who is arguably the best guitar player ever. E.C. played great blues, ala John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton.
But to pick one player, I can’t do it. So many great blues players who started out played a washboard, and now the washboards are pretty well gone, and replaced with pedals, along
with all the cool effects the old timers created with wood, wire and the desire to let it flow.
Maybe I’ll say my favorite bluesman in my world is my brother,
who plays, like Griff, part time because he loves it and he can use the extra few dollars.
But the guitar player/bluesman that makes me happiest, is myself, not out of anything close to talent, but because I love
playing “Sitting On Top Of The World”. And when I’m playing it,
I am. Sooner than later the arthritis that is invading my whole
body will make it so I will be sitting on top of the world, listening to guys like Robert Johnson, James Taylor, Detroit Blues, Chicago Blues, Jimmy Page, Roy Buchannan. So many 1-4,5
Ghosts playing in my brain.
Gone Finger
Cream recorded at the Albert Hall, London in 2005.
Anything by Joe Bonamassa
Jimmy Thackery – Wild Night Out!
Etta James – Life , Love and the Blues. (Worth buying just for the slide on the opening track).
Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack – Stan The Man Live
Jeff Beck – Live at Ronnie Scotts
Kenny Neal – Hoodoo Moon
Leslie West – Got Blooze
Some of Seasick Steve
Led Zeppelin 2
love duane allmans break in stormy monday-as good and classy as it can be done.tinsley ellis is a good ol georgia boy you may not know about his
‘fire it up’ album smokes,the list is endless,but my all time go to guy is jj cale, smooth,understated and prolific ,14 great albums ,truly an american original,after all ,why do you think mark knofler and clapton want to borrow from him so heavily?thanx for all the efforts griff
you wanna hear some real blues…look up Professor Longhair.
Elvin Bishop-BB & Albert King-EC-James Cotton-Floyd Dixon.
luv them old timers.
thanx for the great stuff Griff!
I just recently started listening Rory Gallagher great stuff !
Walter Trout, who used to play with John Mayall, Canned Heat, etc. He currently headlines major blues festivals in Europe and Scandinavia, trading licks with Buddy Guy, Guitar Shorty, etc. On his Full Circle cd he does duets with the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Healy, John Mayall and so on. If you havent heard of him yet, it won’t be long.
Also love Johnny Winter’s older stuff.
Robert Johnson because Eric Clapton covered him and took many of us back to the roots of blues. Eric Clapton by default because he is the main student of the genre.
And one that I didn’t see mentioned who I really enjoy is Kal David formerly of John Mayall after Peter Greene and now playing out of Palm Springs ..look him up.
And in my mind, the master is Buddy Guy.
On the slide side, Sonny Landreth is fantastic.
From the Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD – Robert Cray’s “Time Makes Two” – great slow blues – have a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h53va2AIuYU
My latest blues phenom is Amanda Shaw!
Paul Kossoff … my guitar hero.
– A good listen is John Lee Hooker’s Mr.Lucky CD featuring A’list musicians and very well produced and BB king Live. Nice and smooth. Thanks.
I play with 2 metal finger picks and a plastic thumb. Just worked around a shuffle thing on “Ain’t Superstitious.” The turnarounds in E was great. How about open tunings for slide.
Detroit Dave meer on my tune..Medication blues.
Still got the blues,gary Morre
ain’t got nothing but the blues,Robin Ford
Riveaira Parridise,hey who else”Stevie Ray V.
Anybody remember Kim Simmons of Savoy Brown? A couple of weeks ago I was wondering what ever happened to him and two days ago I heard that he will be playing a small venue not to far from where I live. I certainly intend to see him on Sept 14 in Clay City Il. It will be great, up close and personal!
Griff,
Meantown Blues, It’s my own fault, Be careful with a fool/Johnny Winter. Leave My Girl Alone,Life by the drop,Dirty Pool, Scuttle Buttin, Tin Pan Alley/STevie Ray. Red House,Machine Gun, Killing Floor,Voodoo Chile the slow version with Stevie Winwood electric LadyLand, Hear My train a Comin/ Jimi Hendrix. Hideaway, Going Down/Freddie King. Have you ever loved a woman?,no one knows you when your down and out, Key to the Highway, While My guitar gently weeps, Drifting and drifting,Sitting on top of the world/Eric Clapton and so many more Luther Allison Sweet cherry wine. livin in the house of blues. I cant quit you babe,Ever since I’ve been loving you,Babe I’m going to leave you, Ten Years gone/Led Zeppelin Blues Deluxe,Going down , cause we end as Lovers,Jeff’s Boogie(les Paul influence)/Jeff Beck Daydream, Distant places of the heart, Alethea/Robin Trower. Cotton fields and crossroads,Diamonds/ Los Lonely Boys Thanks Jim
Hands down, Walter Trout, Bernard Allison, whose dad was the great Luther Allison, Tommy Castro, Texas Blues Project. Thanks Griff
S.R.V.,Buddy Guy, K.W.S. 10 days out(Blues from the
back road),Koko T. B.B.King,Blues Brothers,Albert King,
Leadbelly,Storyville,Bo Diddley,Willy Nix.
Too many to list really.
Got to love them good ole’ blues.
Bonnie, all day…Kokomo Blues, Walkin’ Blues, her duets with John Lee Hooker and Sippie Wallace… and of course who doesn’t LOVE Taj Mahal. His version of Frankie and Albert with the Pointer Sisters on back-up vocals can’t be beat!
I have many favorites just heard a Canadian group Monkey Junk nice job I like Taj Mahal My Girl Josephine and of course BB King and many of his duets with others
A friend turned me on to Watermelon Slim recently. With a name like that, I could have easily dismissed him, but he is the real deal, definitely worth checking out.
Clapton, the Wailin’ Jennys (Bring me little water Sylvie, Glory Bound, Calling all Angels, Motherless Child), pickin’ and grinning
Melvin Taylor and Ronnie Earl…..
Oh and don’t forget Robert Cray!
Anything by SRV, Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, Buddy Guy(got to see him live once here in Seattle with Johnny Lanf opening), Clapton, B.B. King ( also so him here), Albert Collins, Robert Johnson, Lightn’ Hopkins, Albert King (met him once), Doug Mcleod, Hendrix (from here in Seattle), Little Walter, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Willamson and the list goes on…way too much to list here.
anything by rory gallagher eric clapton walter trout
First song i realy took notice of as a youngster was “House of the rising sun” by the Animals (thanks mum)still a fav.
Love all blues especially SRV, Hendrix, all the Kings etc, etc.
Have a listen to a good Aussie blues band “The Bondi Cigars” especially the Bad weather blues album, great live too.
Another great Aussie fav is “Diesel” AKA Mark Lizzotte, have a listen.
Griff thanks for the emails, certainly some inspiration.
Regards from Oz.
Generally i”ll listen to anybody that plugs in an electric guitar, but lately my favs. are
-leslie west-got blooze
-Robin twower-another days blues
-Jerry henry band-rockin the blues(u must check this out from 2003
-Pat travers-Blues magnet
-Blindside blues band-smokehouse sessions2009(another must listen to)
And i like to listen to ME mess up a perfectly good song! thanks for all your stuff. later
Michael Messer – Lucky Charms. There is not a dog on the whole album. English, resonator guitar genius.
been listening to warren haynes and his band govt mule checkout his cd govt mule the deepest end awsome tunes .
tbone walkers stormy monday, stevie rays lenny & buddy guys feels like rain are my all time favorite songs.
buddy,srv,bb,duane allmon clapton. ol schoolers are muddy, john lee, howlin wolf,elmore james,freddie king albert king albert collins. they all help me work out in the mornings love dem blues
I enjoy little walter and looking for a music book of his songs. Especially tuned into the harmonica part. I am trying out the neck rack and trying licks harmonica and guitar.
Phillip Walker, Freddie Robinson—start with his John Mayall stuff. Eddie Hazel!
still love listening to blues and jazz, hoping to do the tricks they also do
recently saw Robin Trower on YOU TUBE doing Bridge of Sighs, look for the one that,s like 10 min. 33 seconds. Trower looks old but musically never sounded better. I could listen to that over and over! Also day of the Eagle! Johnny winter,s It’s my own fault.
lately,srv’s greatest hits,freddie king,and as for living heroes:keith richards and relatively newcomer and interesting billy jones w/ “marry my mother-in-law” and “crossroads.”
Oh yeah…if you really want a reason to give up guitar….check out Eric Steckel on MySpace or YouTube. A 19 year old prodigy. His version of “Little Wing” takes it to a whole other level!
People…check out Indigenous! Mato Nanji is like SRV reinacarnated!! I’ve seen him live twice and he is amazing. Also honorable mentions for Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa, Buddaheads (BB Chung King), Tab Benoit & Chris Duarte.
Clapton and SRV top the list, but you can’t ignore J. Winters and Billy Gibbons.
Omar and the Howlers from Texas.
Joe Bonamassa is putting out some awesome stuff, and from down under Rob Tognoni is playing some pretty good power blues.
We can’t forget our own Canadian son Jeff Healey.
hi there. into the night bb king and calling card but idont know who its by. i always feel their is something different about the blues than any other style. clapton is my favorite snake lake blues is brilliant.
Hi Griff,still saving for your course,but I am currently listening to The Blue Horizon Story Vol1,which is amazing as it has some greats from the 60s that I have never heard of but the playing is awesome,I have developed quite an ear for Blues recently and can pick out the tracks that Peter Green is on quite easily and I recognise certain riffs that are repeated by different artists on many tracks,keep the lessons coming…….
Lately I’ve been listening to Buddy Guy’s ‘Damn Right, I’ve Got The Blues’ CD and to Stevie Ray Vaughan in the ‘Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues’ series. I also love SRV’s ‘Texas Flood’, B.B. King’s ‘Ultimate Collection’, and The Allman Brothers Band’s ‘Brothers and Sisters’. On that last one, I particularly like ‘Jelly Jelly’ — Great song!
I see a great list! Here’s one for you….I bought an album in the late 60’s by Fleetwood Mac. It is a double album called ‘Black Magic Woman”. I believe it was their first album, and aside from a friend of mines copy I have never seen another copy of it. If you can find it you will be absolutely blown away by this album. It is all blues(Two albums worth)!! I don’t think the band members were more that 16 or 17 when they put this album out. The music is phenomenal and it has always been one of my favorite albums. Good luck in your search, as over the years I have never seen another copy and have never even seen any reference to it…
A new band out of San Deigo–Lady Dottie and the Diamonds. Killer stuff!!!! ‘Nuff said!
First off, I could be wrong but i didnt see the late great Jeff Healeys name up there. But i did just skim through. Second, lot of good stuff, clapton and winwood new album is killer, john mayer’s lately been puttin out some nice blues, Kenny wayne shepher, and too many others but let me, if I may, bring it back to the very first post. Stevie Ray Vaughan, “Texas flood” if i had to take only one song with me on a deserted island it’d be that. To me there is no great guitar player better than srv. Thats blues baby.
Griff
Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I have just started playing the blues. It is great to receive all the names and albums of blues players. I listen to Eric Clapton(from the cradle. SRV( Double Trouble) and Album- Fathers and Sons, T- Bone Walker. Always looking for
some roadtrip tunes.
thanks again
matt schofield
I really like B.B.,Buddy,E.C.,Jonny Lang and The Texas Tornado SRV.Blues,Blues rock and the son of blues,some good ol’ Rock and Roll are my faves.
Been a Freddie King fan since the early 70’s. Recent favorites are Greg Koch and Bernard Allison.
[…] What Are You Listening To? | How To bPlay Blues Guitar/b With bBlues/b b…/b […]
hi to everybody
billy gibbonns is what i have been listening / playing lately but all of your thoughts and lists are worth listening
cheers
in terms of blues, the blues of B.B. King and such, there’s lots but one tune i have been liking for a while is “You Need Love” or “Little Brown Bird” as it is called on the album from Jeff Beck’s Live at Ronnie Scott’.s Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton jamming away with plenty of tone reminiscent of lots of stuff…
But that’s the blues tune i got rolling round in my head there’s too many other tunes rolling around so I’m naming a blues tune because this is “Blues Guitar Unleashed”
=)
yes! and Jeff Healey too! I suggest the 1987 album, “see the light” every song jams!!! David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, is another legendary player: echoes; Comfortably Numb; Young Lust–Jonny Lang is great and so is Ian Moore’s old stuff. Check them out!!!!! John Mayer Trio rocks the house as well!!!!
Dude!!?? What about LOS LONELY BOYS !!!!, one of the greatest young bands out there today. The guitarist Henri Garza has got IT!! He will play circles around the young guitarists of today, behind his back! If you haven’t checked them out, then you need too—good downloads are: Onda, The Man To Beat; Oye Mamacita; Heart Won’t Tell a Lie; Crazy Dream; Velvet Sky (beautiful solo)
These are guys are way under appreciated for the phenomenal musicians they are!!!
also jeff healey R.I.P.
currently listening to joe louis walker silvertone blues and lightning hopkins
Hi
Joe Bonamassa – latest album is powerful stuff!
Also: Walter Trout (surprisingly not mentioned yet)and Peter Green (anything by him is totally brilliant).
Albert King – “Live Wire/BluesPower” – awesome album!
Greetings to all from Stockport, UK 🙂
At the moment I am listening to:
Seasick Steve
Hadden sayers
Rolling Stones (especially Beggars Banquet)
Hep Cap Boo daddies
Freddy king
Albert King
SRV
Clapton
Fleetwood Mac
+ all the classics such as BB king, Muddy Waters etc.
I love the blues love to listen and love to try playing practicing and mistaking and trying again. There are tons of names and I wish I could name some that haven’t been said already.
Love them all and lets not forget about the women who sing the blues too . Wish this job didn’t get in the road all the time.
Got a great thing going Griff…keep it up!
Just about anything from the late Jeff Healey Band.
Thanks Griff
Certainly agree with these lists. I once owned a great Chuck Berry blues record.
One of my all time favourites is Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters – The Colour of Love.
Always enjoy Lightnin Hopkins, SRV,Slim Harpo,Elmore James,Robert Johnson,Freddie-BB-Albet kIng…I guess a lot of the older players. I really enfoy Chuck Berry .
Coco Montoya – Same Old Thing, just incredible blues-funk
Bonnamassa is awesome on everything
Poppa Chubby does a great version of “Wind Cries Mary”
If you can find it, check out Gary Hoey covering Red House and a tune called Fillmore Blues.
Fat Possum’s ‘Not the Same Old Blues Crap’ and whatever pops up on Pandora.com after typing in my current favorite. This has caused my CD collection to swell to nealy 1000 in recent months. Always hearing something new.
Anybaody ever listen to Roomful of Blues….Greta big band blues..
There our a few on here that do. For those that don’t listen to Joe Bonamassa what’s up with that? Joe Bonamassa is the best around in my opinion. Yes buy all his CD’S. But you have to hear him Live. The man can play…….Bear.
Everyone thats been listed so far are all great blues guitarists. I thought it was strange that only one person has listed The Black Keys, they are definitely one of my favorite blues based rock bands. They have such a dirty/gritty tone, its great. I also have been listening to a band from Canada called Big Sugar. If you like The Black Keys, then you will probably also enjoy Big Sugar. I love the sound of slide guitar!
Hi Griff
I have been listening to Gary Moore, especially “I still got the blues” I also listen to George Benson, Ry Cooder, Muddy Waters.
These are my favourites unitl something else takes my fancy.
Good on ya
Cairn
Paisley Scotland
I love to hear guitar played well and after years of tryin to play ive heard some awesome tunes some not strictly blues but to learn and give incentive and commitment Elvis Presley Come Back Special rendition of Baby What You Want Me To Do is favourite, plenty of bass runs and riffs in it and is fun to play another is Brian Setzer on Be Bop A Lula. For the more adventurous out there try Walk Me Out in the Midday Sun by Long John Baldry sounds boring at first but listen to the screaming guitar and a bass that is addictive. Then theres Chriss Rea with Road to Hell. If ever you get to master that you know your a guitar player. Regards
hey man
Great stuff – you know I’ve been listening to old Hank Williams country…..Is this stuff country or is it the blues?–Whatever – the guy was great.
You are doing a great job…thanks.
-Newt
Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour
Hasn’t been out of my car deck in 3 months. Truly a masterwork.
From a Putamayo compilation, “Blues Around the World”
There are 2 pieces on this that I am especially blown away by 1-Listen My Son by Unseen Guest.
2-Playing Mah Jong by Long-Ge, a Taiwanese man who sings in his tribal Amis language and Chines (info from last.fm) I know that he has a cd but can’t find it on any website that isn’t in chinese – I will keep trying though!
I strongly recommend a DVD “Lighting in a Bottle” it was filmed at NY Radio City Music Hall in 2003 and features a long list of greats in an hour and a half show that I have watched over and over again – I especially love Buddy Guy playing Voodoo Child with Angelique Kidjo singing. The interaction between the artists onstage and behind the scenes in this video is inspirational to me.
There’s an old blues cat down here in the lafayette,la area & he’s pretty famous. Lil Buck Senegal.When I first heard him I went every time I could,to listen to him.Also dig Buddy Guy,Santana,Frampton,Gary Moore,BB King,Monte Montomery,Fogerty,CSN&Y,& Gary Richrath.Of course SRV>
SRV – Mary Had A Little Lamb – classic!!!!
Would love to learn the solo!
My all time fav is the Allmond Brothers Band.Muddy Waters,John Lee Hooker,Water Mellon Slim,I find very little I dont like.
In addition to lots of the same artists above, being an Austin local, I have access to some great local talent. Been listening again to everything I can find by Doyle Bramhall II, found a kid in Austin covering Jimi, Stevie and Bramhall, named Jamie Krueger, and if I don’t listen to the vocals, Chris Duarte can get me going as well.
I have been listening lately to a lot of stuff by Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard. Besides that, always stuff by Clapton, BB, SRV, Joe Bonamassa as well as Los Straightjackets (not blues, but great guitar). Have always liked Roy Buchanan, Gary Moore and Robin Trower.
some great guitarist on there.
personal favourites are
Hendrix – axis bold as love album.
Roy Buchanan – messiah
Rory Gallagher – Bullfrog blues
SRV – little wing
Robin Trower – daydream
Paul Kossoff – anything from the band Free
John lee Hooker – boogie man album
Grif really appreciate all the time and effort you are putting into helping the rest of us to become better guitarist keep up the good work.
Hey, Griff,
My fav rock/blues guitarists include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Carlos Santana (love Santana’s cover of the Zombies “She’s Not There”!!), Eddie Van Halen (VH may not be “blues”, but many of his licks/solos originate from the blues/pentatonic scales).
Some fav bands include The Doors (check out the live disc from the box set for a killer live version of John Lee Hooker’s “Money” – awesome!! I’m learning “Peace Frog” right now – pretty easy tune to play), old Aerosmith (lots of blues influence there).
I live in Rochester, NY. Although perhaps not as big of a blues scene as Austin, TX, or Chicago, but we have two well-known home-grown names in Joe Beard and his son, Chris. Joe has played w/ many of the big names in blues, including John Lee Hooker, Sony Boy Williamson, and Son House (another Rochester resident). Excellent bluesmen!! Also from Rochester is John Mooney. Another great blues guitarist. Check out Mooney’s live recording “Dealing with the Devil.” All old blues standards. Great stuff! Mooney even has a page on Wikipedia. 🙂
I love “Bring me my shotgun ” by Lightnin Hopkins.His music is just so originaland bluesy.
It gets right down to the basics.His lyric writing was fantastic.If you have never heard him, it is a must listen.
there are so many….love clapton, srv, bb king , buddy guy (I’ve seen clapton, bb king and buddy guy live), muddy waters,jimi hendrix, johnny lee hooker, the list could go on, and on. also like a local, from niagara falls, ny, Mick Hayes, I think you’ll be hearing some of his stuff down the road.
I listened to a little bit of Government Mule. Clapton and Young are still good to listen to. I like some of the indie stuff Chris Paget and Melissa McGinley they call themselves the sterofidelics. Chris is a first class acoustic guitarist while melissa plays an expressive fiddle and drums but has a most soulful voice.
Thats what I listen to besides some friends of mine who write play songs.
The Blues is my heart and soul. i love it all, but of course like everyone else i do have some personal favorites. i love the delta blues. Robert Johnson is my favorite of that era, but Son House, Willi Dixon and Charlie Patton are some of my other favorites. i also enjoy Elmore James, john lee hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, and all the Kings. but when it comes to modern electric blues styles i must say SRV and Jimi Hendrix are the best. i think they modernized the blues and at the same time raised the standard all together. heart and soul, heart and soul, that’s what matters. that’s what it comes down to. “come on in my kitchen” “32-20 blues”….now that’s fuckin blues! however, Jimi Hendrix’s :BLUES album is one the best examples of what modern electric blues should sound like. Hendrix’s version of “born under a bad sign” left me speechless the first time i heard it. “machine gun” live at Berkley is such an amazing work of art that will forever be unparalleled. and as for the Great
Texas blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughn…well not enough could ever be said. you want an example of heart and soul…? well there it is!
For me, listening to the blues is like how others listen to those old guys who played on some of the first blues recordings ever made, but with a twist: I listen to present day recording artist’s early recordings.
Like this weekend, I was listening to some early Steve Miller band recordings. Yeah, everyone knows the Joker, and Fly(ing) Like an Eagle, but I’m talking about the basics: the first 5 albums. Although, admittedly, the stuff I was listening to that I mentioned earlier was off an album that came out after “Number 5”, called “Rock Love”. The first side (remember this came out in the days of the vinyl album) is live and the second song is as blues as you’ll ever get. There’s another afterwards that is very Clapton/Cream sounding [there’s a very BB King-ish track on Children of the Future which is either the first or second album].
I would assume that Miller was probably listening to those old guys’ recordings at the time . . .
Nobody mentioned Robin Trower?
Ok, I just did.
Man, what a subject….. endless. I am now playing buddy guy skin deep, little earlier srv and taj mahal. Howlin wolf this am, LOVE TH BLUES!!!!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Sorry guys but Clapton is a guy who buys a guitar cos he thinks if he owns it he will sound like the original guy who played it, Ok he is good, but just a copy cat! Garry moore is good but once you have heard the first track of a cd, sorry but you have heard the rest of the cd too. Yes most of the people you have mentioned on this blog are good but are they that good?
Listen to the enthusiasm that Gatemouth plays with, where is that when Clapton plays? He has not got it. period. end of. As for the face pulling when these other so called people who pretend to play the guitar, why is that? gatemouth could play whatever, never, ever, any face straining or pulling!
Magic Sam – West Side Soul
Otis Rush – Cobra Recordings 1956 to 1958
Little Walter – His Best
John Lee Hooker – The Ultimate Collection
Jr. Wells , Buddy Guy – Alone and Acoustic
Muddy Waters – His Best 1947 to 1955
Freddie King – 17 Greatest Hits
Earl Hooker – The Genius of Earl Hooker
Magic Sam – West Side Soul
Otis Rush – Cobra Recordings 1956 to 1958
Little Walter – His Best
John Lee Hooker – The Ultimate Collection
Jr. Wells , Buddy Guy – Alone and Acoustic
Muddy Waters – His Best 1947 to 1955
Freddie King – 17 Greatest Hits
Earl Hooker – the Genious of Earl Hooker
Been a country music fan for years and my self-taught guitar playing is based around that.
Wanted to broaden my playing spectrum and thought blues guitar would be the way to go.
Find your lessons very helpful and enable me to expand what my local tutor teaches me in my fortnightly lessons.
Find “Big Boss Man” a good 12 bar blues to play.
Listening to cd’s by the UK Blues Band ( Paul Jones ex Manfred Mann) and The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions ( with Eric Clapton, Bill Wyman & Charlie Watts)
One of the best guitarists I have ever heard or seen is Albert Lee, he seems to be able to play any style of guitar, country, rock or blues.
Best wishes from England, keep up the good work.
You must hear Lucky Peterson, Bernard Allison
(Luther’s son)
Everything above plus Charles Caldwell, The Black Keys, Dion’s Bronx in Blue, and Junior Kimbrough.
According to Guitar One’s Blues Legends magazine here’s the 25 must have blues albums.
Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown The Original Peacock Recordings
Albert Collins Ice’ Pickin’
Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Johnny Copeland Show Down
Guitar Slim Sufferin’ Mind
Buddy Guy A Man and the Blues
Earl Hooker Two Bugs & A Roach
John Lee Hooker The Ultimate Collection
Elmore James King of the Slide Guitar
Albert King The Ultimate Collection
B.B. King Live at the Regal
B.B. King The Best of B.B. King vol. one
Freddie King Hide Away: The Best of Freddy King
John Mayall with Eric Clapton Blues Breakers
Jimmy Reed Speak the Lyrics to Me, Mama Reed
Fenton Robinson Somebody Loan Me a Dime
Otis Rush Cobra Recordings, 1956-1958
Magic Sam West Side Soul
Son Seals Live and Burning
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble In Step
Joe Louis Walker Blue Soul
T-Bone Walker Low-Down Blues
Johnny “Guitar” Watson 3 Hours Past Midnight
Muddy Waters The Chess Box
Johnny Winter Johnny Winter
Howlin’ Wolf Moanin’ in the Moonlight
i recently got to see Studenbaker John and let me tell you this cat straight from Chicago and he is the real deal.Great slide player,real good regular guitar,monster harp player and can sing.And he does all his own orginal material needless to say you need to check him out you will not be disappointed.Also Janson Ricci could be the best harp player on the plant.Long live the blues.
Anything by Derek Truck Band.
Jimi Hendrix – The Blues Album rocks.
Lightning Hopkins – Mojo Hand
Muddy Waters – Mannish Boy
So many others. The Blues are so awesome. Everbody keep this art for alive, keep playing.
Griff man, are you kidding me?!!! Choose a list to put up? There isn’t a website with the capacity to hold it!!!
For every artist I list, there would be ten more I would realise I had missed off!
Right now a figural player for me is Joe Bonamassa – he is just stellar.
I also love the old-style country blues stuff that Buddy Guy has on his acoustic album, and one I have by RL Burnside of a similar nature – it’s so visceral, y’know?
But have you listened to some of our current young British blues artists? The likes of Aynsley Lister, Matt Schofield, Ian Siegal? I highly recommend that you check them out.
Okay – back to my guitar, and some more of those licks!
I love all the guitar artist that everybody has name, but if you want to listen to some good amazing guitar playing try Django Rienhardt, there is also Bireli Lagrene, Richard Galiano and Dangelo Debarred. Gypsie music that steals the soul. Look them up in You tube, Gypsy guitar festival or Live Jazz at Vienne 2002. Especially the electric acoustic stuff with the Violin. It comes across like sweaty perfume pillows in a dark bedroom
Hands down Clapton, ‘Tears in heaven’ I just found the tabs for that and not as easy as it sounds. Also Edgar Winter and Robert (not sure of his first name) Cray band.
Anybody here ever heard of Albert Castiglia??-Pronounced-[Casteelia] The guys from Maimi, Fl. “My Big Toe” is one of his. He’s a Monster. Gets a little play on Serius XM Blues station. As for the rest, B.B.,Clapton, Page, Sam Cooke,same as all the rest of Y’all.
John Mayhall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce before they left to form Cream.
I love all the classic stuff most of the other guys here have mentioned. But recently I’ve been listening to a blues player from Sweden Daniel Norgren. Really impressive check him out on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/danielnorgren
I started off, a long time ago mainly listening to Leadbelly and Mississippi John Hurt.
Now I am listening to Albert King, ‘as the years go passing by’, BB King, ‘the thrill is gone.’
I have been listening to Janiva Magness.The song ‘Ain’t No Way To Get Along’ has killer acoustic blues.
Rory Block is absolutly fabulous of course. She truly knows how to go straight to the center of a tune and come out jamming.
Mississippi John Hurt is another great one, Lightnin’ Hopkins, well the list goes on and on.
was looking for someone to mention him, but noone did, Luther Allison doing Lil Red Rooster. Great example of his talent and energy. He has passed and is missed. He was a great session artist, like Duane Alman was.
I am currently trying to learn slide, so I am listening to all the greats, but to have a living representation of all the great slide works ever is a blessing. And we have 3 of those currently. Warren Haynes who uses standard tuning. Derek Trucks who is a musical genious in his own right, let alone what he can do to revive Duane’s brilliance. And the recently mentioned Sonny Landreth, whom I’ve met. his innovation to the approach of slide play breaths life into a musicl genre that has been grasping to hold on.
And to the man, whose effort to keep the blues alive and vital, and relevent! Buddy Guy, a living legend. Check out his appearance with BB King, Eric Clapton, and Jimmie Vaughn doing Rock Me Baby at the crossroads festival. He really adds something that makes him equal to the acknowldeged greats he is with.
How about the late, great Jeff Healey and Colin James-both Canadians by the way. Also Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Albert Collins, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna fame, and of course Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton, SRV, and B.B King. And not to forget Amos Garrett, Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Roy Buchanan and Jerry Garcia
Hey man, at present I’m repeatedly playing Arlen Roth’s instrumental version of “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” and Rory Gallagher’s “When My Baby She Left Me”, both are guitar masterclasses.
My favorite blue song of all time is “Still Got The Blues For You” by the incredibly undermentioned Gary Moore. Every time I hear it, it send chills up my spine. Oh, and “My Own Fault” from the Johnny Winter and Live album.
When you are talking guitar……..you got to have Billy Gibbons . My hero!
Not mentioned yet, although she’s on the acoustic all the time… I love Rory Block, both the woman and the blues player!
Robert Lockwood – “I Got to Find Me a Woman” – the whole album, over and over…. It’s like grabbing the hubble telescope and looking back toward the big bang.
I don’t think anything will ever touch, Johnny Winters, “Progressive Blues Experiment and Second Winter”, it made me love the blues when I was a kid and thought it was just a new kind of rock and roll.
Roy Buchanan! Most emotive guitarist ever. My new guitar heroes these days are Ronnie Baker Brooks and Jellybean Johnson. Caught ’em at the Greeley Blues Jam last month and was stunned at the level of screamin’ blues improvisations. Awe inspiring, I’m practicing more than ever!
Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins and a slew of others I don’t have the time to name.
Albert Collins (to many dirty dishes)
Buddy guy, anything
but most of all Johnny Guitar Watson
PS – Check out the solo on the original Route 66 by Bobby Troup . . .
Got A Mind To Travel – Coco Monyoya
Stop Messin’ Round – Peter Green
Cannonball Shuffle – Robben Ford
Woke Up This Morning – BB King
When You Got A Good Friend – Eric Clapton
You Know That You Love Me – Freddie King
Bright Lights, Big City – Jimmy Reed
Clapton and SRV are my heroes, but check out the song “heartless” by michael burkes. It rippin’!
Also try learning some jazz scales to add a bit of special flavor and throw your listeners off. When you add some jazz stuff into your blues, it brings a new dimension to the blues sound.
Canned Heat, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker are fasvorites, but when a KISS concert was announced for Northern Ontario, it went to the top of the must see list… and so Orillia is where I started my week…
Excellent…
Man these guys sure can put on a show…
Favorite quote – “We came here to get crazy – if you didn’t come here for that, go home!!!”
And, Griff, are you ready for this – some folk actually did..
At the hotel the following morning we were told that some people had left the concert because they felt the music was too loud.
Duh…
You get tickets to a rock concert and you want it to be a mellow event!!!
Wow…
That’s like someone who doesn’t like fish going out for supper to a sushi bar and then complaining about the menu (LOL)
There are so many but here are a few.Little Milton,Tab Benoit,Tinsley Ellis,Popa Chubby,Larry McCray and the one i consider the best WILLIE DIXON!Thanks and the blues is alright!!!!!!!!!
They maybe unknown by most, unless you familar with Inaiana Ave. But it would be Scapper Blackwell and Leroy Carr.
Thanks to all for sharing some new ideas to try. My fav’s include T-Bone, BB King, SRV, Freddie King. Among more recent players I love listening to Joe Louis Walker, Lucky Peterson, Eric Bibb and Corey Harris.
Cheers,
Gary
SRV – Mary Had a Little Lamb (Live Alive version)
John Mayer – Covered in Rain
Just take a look at these songs if u can. i can gurantee it’ll be a great experience to blues lovers.
I like anything from the old delta blues that is being redone today from the likes of David Bromberg & a little known artist named Garry Cogdell. Cogdell taught George Theragood how to play and did an opening act for him I believe back in March. Both Bromberg and Cogdell live within 30 minutes of me and am actually going to watch Cogdell play tonight. (7/25/09) Can’t wait!!!
I’m listening to anything from Warren Haynes, especially with Gov’t Mule and the ABB,as well as all the old ABB stuff. Also Joe Bonnamassa and all the old stand by’s…Clapton, Jimi, SRV Etc…
I am currently getting into Eric Clapton, Roy Buchanon, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
Duane Allman is my all time favorite! The best slide player that ever lived as far as i’m concerned. picked up the guitar after hearing “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”.
Eric Clapton, Dickey Betts, the old Betts of early ABB fame, Derek Trucks,B.B. King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughn and about a dozen others.
I grew up from the age of seven listening to a Muddy Waters record and one from BLACKTOP,with Johnny Guitar Watson on it. My fav’s have always been Hubert Sumlin, T-Bone Walker and Buddy Guy. I studied T-Bone for years because of the sliding ninth and my love for the Jazz-Blues. I played for Buddy Guy at an open-mike nite in Legends, on Congress Str. back in 1998, in Chicago while I was on assignment for BMW. It was the highlite of my entire life!
Great idea Griff,
always have Eric clapton on tap.
Just bought eric clapton and Stevie winwood at madison square garden!Brilliant!
Little wing, voodoo chile,(Double trouble)!(Awesome).
Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Ray vaughan,Gary moore, etc, etc..
.Cheers….
Just so many various types of blues that my wife and I like. Tabby Thomas Swamp Blues have a few good tracks. Bought them off him in his club in Baton Rouge. Clapton, BB King, and just soooo many more that really do it for us. Have never found a recording of 44 by Clapton although we have it on video from one of his practice sessions. Would love to own that one.
Thanks Mac- yep, it seemed like we were moving toward a better world back then. What happened? Again, thanks for the good words Mac.
My listening tastes are eclectic, as is my playing style. Yet, my compositions are a blues/jazz fusion.
So, among my favorites:
New car Blues- Troyce Keyes and JJ Malone
Bring It On Home- Sonny Boy Williamson
Too Many Dirty Dishes- Albert Collins
Let The Good Times Roll- Bobby Bland & BB King
Texas Flood- SRV
Hey Joe- Jimi Hendrix
Wang Dang Doodle- Koko Taylor
Johnny B. Goode- Chuck Berry
Spooky- ARS
For What It’s Worth- Buffalo Springfield
What am I listening to now? Silence.
Does Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown feature anywhere? I think his music and style of playing were quite unique, provides me with hours of listening pleasure.
great idea, looking at what your subscribers are listing,there are songs, groups, and solo artists that I have either forgotten or never heard of. Which gives me a chance to hear and learn new songs. What I sit down and listen to are a lot of the usual. Eric Clapton, B.B. King, etc. Thanks again and great idea, sincerely, David Gross
All great stuff – There’s a few I don’t know that I will follow up. Have spent years wandering through the blues and my taste comes and goes from the early masters to the modern greats.
At the moment – I just can’t get past R.L. Burnside’s Come On In – the man just does so much with so little, Jimmi’s The Blues, and like you Griff SRV – How good is his version of Little Wing? Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert king is a beaut. And……the mighty Hound Dog Taylor for an out of control rage – love his cheap pawn shop guitars and lotsa distortion. And…… the list is endless isn’t it?
Great comments Mac – it’s a ripper of a journey isn’t it – like all true travelers we should only judge our success by how we handle our hardship. You sound like you are pretty successful.
Cheers From Oz
Jimi Hendrix little Wing, RED HOUSE
joe bonnamassa
peter green
eric clapton
john lee hooker
srv
mike bloomfield
bbk
CANNED HEAT
Loan Me A Dime by Boz Scaggs w/Duane Allman on guitar. I recently saw Boz play in Boston and he closed out his set w/the song. The year was 1971, i was released from the veterans hospital after returning from Viet Nam, back then returning home was not a joyus time, the world had changed, I was homeless living in a old chevy van in the middle of a Boston winter, So I signed up for community college to get that monthly government check to survive. My english professor invited me to his house to get warm, he had an extensive album collection. He put on Boz Scaggs album and I was blown away. It was the first Blues song I ever heard and still my favorite.
By the way I remained homeless until 1978 before getting a break at a $3.00 per hour job, that’s all I needed, from there I worked several jobs over 30 years, own my own house,found a soul mate, adopted a daughter and lived the American dream as best as I could.
What is the Blues without a little story.
If you ever get to the point that I was in, pick your self up,dust yourself off and try again.
Mac
check-out nine year old on america got talent show !
Derek Trucks Band – everything by this band is awesome
Stella by starelight
Tommy Tucker – Hi Heel Sneakers! Can’t get enough of thst, I play along with it every day it’s in C and I play it on the 8th fret and below it goes right up to the 20th fret, amazing.
Paul Butterfield Blues Band – Blues With a Feeling. This is played in G and it’s a great song and I’d say pretty easy to play along to, I play every scale down to the 15th fret.
As you can probably tell, I rate my music on ‘play-along-ability’!
Cheers Griff,
Matt
Sorry , forgot this one . ‘Sloe Gin’ an earlier album ………brilliant .
Hey Griff , good idea .
I,ve got a list as long as my arm , from BB King , Eric Clpaton to Gary Moore .
But , and I only realy recently started listening to him , Joe Bonamasa ……….absolutley awsome plyer . If anyone else hasn’t heard him play , check out his albums , his last one , Ballad of John Henry is pure genius .
All the best from the UK .
Ain’t got nothing but the blues by Robben Ford. Speaks to me. Would love to learn the changes. Cliff
Wow this could end up being a giant list of names Griff. I love listening to anything by Roy Buchanan, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker. Robben Ford, SRV and Gary Moore generally round out my days listening. Sam Cook, JJ Cale, BB King and the Blues Brothers band are also in there.
What a top idea! Well done Griff.
Haven’t been listening to much lately too busy playing to backing tracks especially the J.J.Cale blues song Cocaine all improvisation which I believe is what you are teaching us, take what you know. apply it to what you like and develop your own indiviual style. This opens up a whole world especially when I extend what I know by adding different notes, phrasing etc, I don’t always get it right and sometimes it sounds like a big mess but that only makes me go back and revaluate but when it works WOW!
If you are going to publish the other students comments maybe I could get some listening recommendations off them.
Cheers
Stephen