Two Men With The Blues

So I have another cool album from the Petit Library today. Many of you may know (and actually many of you may not) that I love Willie Nelson. He's got an awesome voice, is a fine songwriter and just seems like a super cool dude. Plus one time he was on an episode of Monk!

Wynton Marsalis I am a little less thrilled by, but I certainly can't let that affect my views on this album.

Two Men With The Blues is a collaboration between Willie and Wynton and it has a great feel. It's got some great classics on it like Caldonia and Georgia On My Mind (seriously this song has been covered so many times). And, it's got vocals by Willie with a really awesome Jazz vibe provided by Marsalis and his band.

Here is a song from the album (Caldonia):



Also, here are songs from each of the artists solo careers, as I think it is a nice way to compare their separate sounds and their joint sound. Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson



And April In Paris by Wynton Marsalis



So listen enjoy and check out this album!

Two Men With The Blues

Keb' Mo'

So a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to take Claire to a great concert in Buffalo. It was by bluesman Keb' Mo', and is just happened to be the day before his 60th birthday! Which was actually pretty hard to believe seeing the way he danced and jumped around on stage!

Either way, I figured--what better to post about than our experience at the concert? Keb' Mo' has been making music for almost his entire life. He actually started by playing steel drums in a calypso band. For those of you not familiar with steel drums please watch this video that will show you what they're all about:



Now that we've got that taken care of... While Mo' is certainly a student of classic blues greats, and a respected keeper of the blues tradition, I really feel like his music provides a fresh take on a lot of what blues is.

His music is upbeat, positive, and tends to have much more band interaction than traditional Delta blues, or really even Chicago blues. His songs often had deep messages about our responsibility and what it takes to be a family man. It was wonderful to have such happy, light music combined with such amazing guitar and vocal talent!

I think one of the nicest parts of his show was how eager he was to interact with the audience. He played for us what he referred to as "the only song I know that mentions Buffalo," and frequently made jokes and entertained us with stories from his life.

Since this blog has never been particularly wordy, and I have no intention of it becoming so, let's get to some music. Here is "Tell Everybody I Know" from Keb's self-titled album:



The whole album is great, and he even has a very good version of "Come on In My Kitchen" a great blues standard.


And here it is! (Keb' Mo')

Blue and Sentimental

So recently I found an incredible album. I was perusing some Jazz reviews, and I stumbled on an article about great Texas Jazz Sax players. After a few listens I was lucky enough to encounter "Cobb's Blues" by Arnett Cobb.

Cobb lived in the early to mid 20th century, and was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He played with a number of smaller bands, but eventually found himself in Lionel Hampton's band (where he replaced Illinois Jacquet, another Texas Tenor!)

His sound is astounding. He has a throaty full sound, but often comes across sweetly and smoothly so that few should be put off by his style. The album I'm featuring today has a number of Jazz standards, inluding "Georgia on my Mind," and "Willow Weep For Me." The latter is a favorite of mine, whether it is Art Tatum, Clifford Brown, or Cobb, I love the feel and classic swing of "Willow Weep For Me."



This is off the album Blue and Sentimental by Arnett Cobb and the Red Garland Trio, but Cobb's playing is certainly the shining star.

Cobb with Lionel Hampton(left)

Here is the Album (Blue and Sentimental)

Saxophone Colossus

So there are a lot of wonderful Jazz saxophonists out there. And, if you asked someone for a list you would probably see some familiar names: Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, etc. I feel like one artist who tends to be overlooked by those who are just starting to look into jazz is Sonny Rollins.

Rollins has been making great tunes since before 1950, and today I feature his sixth album as a leader. The album was cut with several great musicians, including Max Roach, an astounding drummer who I recommend everyone check out.

Rollins' contributions to the genre are immeasurable. He pioneered the "pianoless trio" along with simply giving generations of great players something to strive for.

One of the most awesome things about Sonny Rollins was an homage to him written into a Simpsons episode. If any of you remember Bleedin' Gums Murphy, at one point he appears playing his Sax late at night alone on a bridge. This is an homage to Rollins who, for 3 years, took a break from jazz and disappeared from public, until a fan discovered him playing alone in the middle of the night on the Williamsburg Bridge in NYC.

Anywho, here is "Moritat", of Saxophone Colossus. For those of you familiar with Louis Armstrong, you may recognize the tune as "Mack The Knife"

If you don't think this dude is the coolest, get off my site!

And here is the album! (Saxophone Colossus - 1956)

Oh by the way.

Oh I forgot to mention...

I haven't posted recently because I've been busy taking prelims and then starting school. Just wanted to let everyone know I passed both my preliminary exams! Granted they may not have been slam dunks, but I chalk that up to way too much goofing off in the office and not a lack of understanding on my part!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekends!

Sir I need your John Hancock here. DUH!? It's Herbie Hancock!

If you recognize that line congrats, if not it's from Tommy Boy--a movie I definitely suggest you check out! Today I have one of the hippest dudes ever. Herbie Hancock has been making great jazz for the better part of 70 years. He was part of Miles Davis' "second great quintet" as during his tenure there, helped to redefine the role of a rhythm section.

I love Hancock for a few reasons: first, his album "Maiden Voyage" is great smooth piano jazz; second, he has continued to make great jazz although often pushing the style and merging it with other genres (Funk, hip-hop, etc.); third, he's a Buddhist.

Today I am uploading "Maiden Voyage," Hancock's fifth studio album. I would like to post more about Herbie, but I think to truly appreciate him you need to move through his work and see the changes in his style. Here is the title track:



But, to give you a little idea of what he has gone on to produce, here is a version of perhaps his most famous song: "Watermelon Man" initially from the album Takin' Off, but this is a version from Head Hunters that is drastically redone.



Check both out and see the incredible changes in his style. We're sure to see more from him!

Dude doesn't look bad for 70!

And here is the album - Maiden Voyage (1965)

1 Part B.B., 12 Parts Amazing Blues Musicians.

So I love B.B. King. He is incredible. He plays the guitar like a god, he wears the coolest outfits, and he loves performing with others. My favorite thing though, is his ability to pair with other artists. Today I am featuring a whole album of duets featuring King and some of the biggest names in the Blues world. For proof of my first assertions, though, check out this clip of King, Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Jim Vaughn (Brother of Stevie Ray).



He just makes everything cool. He is an amazing bluesman, and really embodies the spirit of a modern blues giant. I love his shout-out to Muddy Waters and just how awesome his dancing is. He is playing with Guy and Clapton (two of the greatest blues guitarists to have ever lived) and he just makes rocking look so effortless.

It just doesn't get cooler than that.

The album I am sharing is actually pretty incredible itself, and even has a version of Rock Me Baby with Clapton and King. It is a bunch of great blues numbers with King and other greats. His signature tune, "The Thrill is Gone," features Tracy Chapman who brings a touch of class and soul to the song. All the other artists on the album do King's incredible talent justice, and they all shine just as much as he does. For a sample here is "If You Love Me," featuring Van Morrison.



I love Van Morrison too, and this collaboration is just remarkable. Take it in, listen to the whole album, it is worth it, and enjoy.

Deuces Wild (1997)

Back to something Bluesy

So I know lately I've been posting a lot more jazz than blues. I've been listening to a lot more jazz recently, and I just had to get some of the great ensembles I've been hearing on here. But! Today I have a very authentic Texas Bluesman.

Lightnin' Hopkins was born and raised in Texas and performed for the most of his life there. He recorded tons and tons of songs, somewhere on the order of 800-1000. He has a great style. His guitar work is amazing, not to mention very, very influential.

The following song, "Katie Mae Blues," is a personal favorite. And the lyrics are simply great. I'm actually going to post them because I think they're so awesome.


Yeah, you know Katie Mae is a good girl, folks, and she don't run around at night
Yeah, you know Katie Mae is a good girl, folks, and she don't run around at night
Yeah, you know you can bet your last dollar Katie Mae will treat you right
Yeah, you know I try to give that woman everything in the world she need,
that's why she don't do nothing but lay up in the bed and read
You know she walks just like she got oil wells in her backyard
Yes, you'll never hear that woman whoop
and holler and cry and talking 'bout these times being hard
You know some folks say she must be a Cadillac,
but I say she must be a T-model Ford
Yeah, you know some folks say she must be a Cadillac,
but I say she must be a T-model Ford
Yeah, you know she got the shape all right, but she can't carry no heavy load
I say goodbye, goodbye poor Katie Mae, these are the last words that I got to say
I say goodbye, goodbye poor Katie Mae, these are the last words I got to say
Yes, if I don't see you tomorrow I hope I'll meet you early the next day





So please give this a listen. If you like Stevie Ray Vaughn, you should know that he was very much influenced by Hopkins' and to say the blues world would be different if he had never picked up a guitar would be an exercise in understatement.
The Complete Aladdin Recordings (disc 1)

If you don't like Ray, you better stop reading.

So in my final post of library albums, I have one a little less jazzy and a little more blues/soul/pop-rocky. Today I am featuring "Ray Sings, Basie Swings" an album I originally thought was a performance of Ray Charles and Count Basie's Orchestra. But alas, I had been duped!

The album is actually a number of unreleased vocal performances from Charles, which the producers asked the contemporary Count Basie Orchestra to play on. For those of you who don't know what that is; Basie died in 1984 and a few of his long-time band members continued the Orchestra touring under the name they had been using for decades. The biggest change in the band is their shift from pieces granting ample space for soloists (they used to have Lester Young, one of the grandfathers of great sax jazz), but now tend to focus on whole arrangements as a band.

The CD is actually great. While I was a little disappointed to hear that this wasn't an actual collaboration between Charles and Basie, I enjoyed the album no less. It is a great early summer morning listen. Put it on, have some breakfast, hit the market. This album puts a spring in my step every time. So I suggest you check it out. Then check out more by Basie and Charles, they both have legacies that scream for attention, and you should pay them their due respect.

Here is a song from the album, conveniently on youtube!



And here is the album! (Ray Sings, Basie Swings)

Lastly, I would just like to tell you that on the album cover it is printed:

"Ray Charles + Count Basie=Genius²."

Could someone verify this identity for me?? Maybe I need mathematica or something.

Library Pick-ups cont'd

So Today I have another of my albums from the library, and it is a great one. If you know anything about Jazz, you have probably heard of Bill Evans. The pianist is one of the most influential performers in the history of the music.

His style and skill influenced scores of artists who came later, including McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. He has a wonderful sound, and spent years touring with his trio, featuring the very famous Scott LaFaro, an incredibly influential jazz bassist in his own right.

Today I have one of the most famous live albums ever created. After a two week stint at the Village Vaguard in Greenwich Village in NYC, Bill Evans Trio performed their last sunday night show, and this album is the recording of this monumental night. It is regularly ranked as one of the best live jazz albums in history.

I recommend you listen to the whole album. Don't put it on while you're working or reading. Put it on, lay down, and listen. Evans' piano work with LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums is a great combination. Evans' work is rather understated, and the brilliance isn't apparent unless you really listen. Unfortunately, I can't post a song from the album since it's in the wrong format, but here is a youtube clip to satisfy.



And since I think Evans was a cool dude, here is the album cover so you can check it out yourself.

Unfortunately Evans and LaFaro are no longer with us. Evans due to a life-long battle with drug addiction and LaFaro to a car accident just ten days after this album. But please enjoy the great work they did in their short time on this earth. RIP.

And here is the Album! ( Sunday at the Village Vanguard)

My Favorite Things

So I recently checked out the Petit Library just off Westcott St. here in Syracuse. It's actually not to bad, sure I have access to the HUGE SU Bird Library, but I kind of dig smaller public libraries.

I got a couple books (one of which was Anthem by Ayn Rand, and was actually really good), and three new albums. I want to post each of these albums, and the first is "My Favorite Things: Coltrane at Newport" by John Coltrane. This album finds Coltrane at the Newport Jazz fest, playing in a quartet. I started listening to the album and thought, my god, that piano is stellar. Low and Behold...it's McCoy Tyner, one of my favorite Jazz pianists! Tyner was actually at the festival with his own trio, and they managed to schedule Coltrane, Tyner, Jim Garrison on bass, and ROY HAYNES on drums!

For those of you who don't know who Haynes is, here is a video of him being awesome at 85 years old:



But, this post isn't about Haynes, it's about Coltrane. So here is a sample from the album; a clip from his very famous "My Favorite Things". The song is 17 minutes long, so I couldn't upload the whole thing, but if you'd like to check it out get the album below!





My Favorite Things: Coltrane at Newport

Time to Confess

So I know it's been a while. I apologize, but I have been trying to study for a few exams, just started teaching some summer students, and have been jamming to my new stereo. That's right, I got a sick receiver and have been blastin' great tunes ever since!

If you're interested I got a Harman Kardon HK-3490 3 channel receiver. Right now it's just hooked up to a pair of my buddies speakers until I can save some extra money to buy new ones. But...the sound is insane. This is my unabashed, shameless endorsement of this receiver. It is so clear, and loud, and wonderful. I am hearing new things in the music I've been listening to for years. If you're ever in the market for a stereo, check this one out; you won't regret it!

Now, on to some music. Today I have a wonderful Rolling Stones number. I think people group blues so closely with the American South that they forget these Brits put out some great blues tunes. This soneg "Confessin' the Blues" is arguably the best British blues cover of all time (although we will hear many, many more..Eric Clapton and John Mayall anyone?).



With Mick Jagger on Vocals (duh!?), Keith Richards on Guitar, Bill Wyman on Bass, and the rest of the Stones, what's not to love. The song was written by Jay McShann and Walter Brown and is a blues standard. This is off the album 12 x 5, and I recommend you all check it out below!

And Here is the Album! (12 x 5)

King of Slide Guitar

Today, as I drove to the local market, my buddy Dann and I were cruising through town listening to Elmore James. James has a very distinctive style and voice, and he is known as the King of Slide Guitar.

Here's the man himself.

The music just made the ride perfect, it couldn't have been selected any better. Here is "Got to Move"



And here's the Album! (I Need You - 1967)

I can't wait to post this.

Below is a sick jazz tune by Woody Herman (Clarinet). He is accompanied by Buddy Tate and Al Cohn on Sax, John Bunch on The Ivories, Steve Wallace on Bass, and Jake Hanna on the drums.



I actually dig the song a lot and give a lot of props the the performers. But, come on, let's be honest....could they look any less like awesome jazz musicians? I die once they put the shot on the pianist. He's great and I really can groove to his sound, but I feel like he could also be teaching me Earth Science.

I just want this to show you guys that you can't judge a performer by his look. Jazz and blues are on the inside, not outside (even though Miles Davis is pretty much the definition of cool).

Rockin' Pneumonia

So I am in a new house, I finally moved out of where I was and now am living with a fellow Math Grad student named Dann. It's really nice; we live in a great house in a great location. We've got about a fifteen minute walk to campus and about a 10 minute walk to one of the really hip happenin' spots in Cuse.

But, the downside is Dann knows a lot about blues and I find myself regularly at a loss for what he's talking about when he mentions old blues tunes and it makes me feel inadequate. He mentioned a song at a bar-b-que yesterday that absolutely not a single other person had ever heard of; and when he showed me it actually existed I told him I'd put it on the blog to vindicate him. So without further adieu, here is "Rockin' Pneumonia and Boogie Woogie Flu" by Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns:



And here is a much better version by Johnny Rivers:



And now on to something a little more satisfying. I Think today I will post this concert, available for listening on the NPR website.

Joey Calderazzo and Branford Marsalis at the Newport Jazz Festival 2009

This is Joey Calderazzo (Piano) and Branford Marsalis (Saxophone). Marsalis had actually already performed a gig at the festival with his whole ensemble, but this is just him and Calderazzo, and from what I hear, it is pretty fantastic.

And lastly, a hot blues tune to get you moving on this Saturday morning.



Peace.

The Man Comes Around

Today is a rainy day. I haven't been having a great couple weeks; my dad had surgery, my girl broke her collarbone, and I've just been busy trying to hold on to everything. When I get feeling this way, I often turn to the blues to let off some steam. Today, though, I'm listening to Johnny Cash.

I don't need to talk much about Cash. If you've listened to his music, watched Walk The Line, or like me, just remember your dad talking about Cash like he was the greatest American musician to have ever lived, you should take a day now and then to remember his voice and the power of his songs.

I couldn't choose any one song to post, so I am posting a couple of my favorites. Two are from American IV: The Man Comes Around, and the others are just older tunes, I'm not sure from which albums.

First we have Give My Love To Rose:



Next is another from that album, I Hung My Head:



The next is actually a cover by Cash of a Soundgarden song, Rusty Cage:



And lastly Highwayman, which is actually a song by "The Highwaymen" a group comprised of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson (probably best known for playing Whistler in the Blade film series), Waylon Jennings, and Cash. This is a great song:

Piano Blues

For some reason, when I started getting into blues, I found that Piano blues was what really got me grooving. I found this guy and thought to myself, "Yep, I've found it, this is the blues." And oddly enough, the title of the album I have to share attests just that!

Otis Spann was a Mississippi native, who became known as a solo performer for a unique piano style. But, before forming his own band in 1968, he was a member of Muddy Waters' band for 16 years. He also played with a huge number of greats during his solo career: B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Big Mama Thorton, etc.

Unfortunately Spann died at a very young age of 40 from Liver Cancer, but not before recording a number of great albums, and today I have the first of his solo recordings, "Otis Spann is the Blues." This album is great, this guy really was a fantastic blues artist. I have the song "Worried Life Blues" from the album for you to check out, and if you dig it the album for download down below.





Otis Spann Is The Blues

Do You Hear?

So Today we come back to some authentic blues. I've been talking about jazz and other nonsense too long, and I know that it is high time I put something on here that really brings us back to that great blues sound. I found just that. Carey Bell is a prime example of a bluesman. Born in Mississippi, his family was too poor to afford the saxophone he wanted, so they bought him a harmonica instead. Soon he was interested in the music of Little Walter, and both Sonny Boy Williamsons. He was quite proficient at an early age, and became a fantastic harpist in the same tradition that he grew up listening to.

Today's tune is "Do You Hear?," it is more laid back and a little mellower than most of the true blues numbers I've posted, but I really dig it, and the harp featured is great. So listen to it and jam. I've got the album for you down there below. I've got a bunch of Bell's Albums and they are sure to be featured later on, too.

Second Nature

Not quite blues today

So today my post is not about blues. I know, I know, I leave you hanging for several days then I come back with some folk-glam-femme shit, but listen, this is one of my new favorite albums. A few years ago I found a couple awesome tracks by a dude named Ben Sollee. He plays the cello and sings, and I just thought that combo was awesome. Well he kind of fell to the wayside as other things became more important...until recently. I have recently acquired an album by Ben and a young guitarist named Daniel Martin Moore.

They are a great duo, with Sollee on the cello and Moore on the guitar, and I really dig their sound. I don't think this is for everyone, but this is not everyone's blog, it's mine. So give it a listen, then decide whether you like it or not. I find it particularly nice while reading a book or just chilling. I have the album to post, but I think this is a nice video also, please forgive the long introduction, they really hate Mountaintop removal. This is a song called "Flyrock Blues," and it's actually only Moore, but it's the only song with blues in the title so I wanted to share it.




Sollee also has some great solo stuff, which is actually what I was turned onto first. Here is "How to See the Sunrise" Performed by Sollee alone:




And I actually do have an album here for you to download, but these guys are just starting out. And please, if you like them, buy their next CD. They're just trying to make a living like anyone else.

You could probably get any of their collaborative or solo stuff here: Subpop records

But either way, I'm not one to keep good tunes out of the hands of good people, so here it is:  Dear Companion (2010)

Hot Koko

So I have a lot of music I want to share, but just not the time to get an album up here everyday. I do, however, want to get back to women in blues. While some women have sweet mellow voices like Irma Thomas, or even unmatched guitar prowess, today's woman is the roughest, gruffest voice on the block. She makes Howlin' Wolf sound like this guy:






Koko Taylor, known in some circles as "Queen of the Blues," is a Memphis born lady who made her way to Chicago and hit it big when none other than Willie Dixon heard her singing in a club. Her first, and biggest, hit was the song I have for you today, "Wang Dang Doodle." It is actually a Dixon tune, and was performed by Howlin' Wolf five years before Taylor ever performed it. Now I'm not sure what a Wang Dang is, or who wants a doodle of one, but this is an awesome song, and KoKo Taylor is just plain rockin'.

Enjoy:

Whew Spring Break Jazz Fest

Hello all. Sorry it has been so long since I've posted, I was off on Spring Break and spent most of my time relaxing and doing nothing. One thing I did do however, was listen to a whole lot of Jazz. I really love jazz, it is so free and ranges from so mellow to incredibly intense. Today I am featuring a nice jazz tune by an artist I am just starting to really fall in love with.



Charles Mingus was a bass player, but more importantly, he was a band leader. In much the same style as Duke Ellington, Mingus' real instrument was his orchestra. He was a master of arrangements and always knew what parts to give to what players. Additionally, his music is so technical and advanced that it was once believed it would be to hard to play without the direction of Mingus himself. But, it turns out a ton of people wanted to play it, and many even compete in a Hugh School Charles Mingus competition.

Smokin' a stoagie.

This song is called "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and is quite cool. It is about 6 minutes long, so if you plan to listen to the whole thing, I recommend giving yourself ample time to do so. Without further adieu:




Ken Burns Jazz

Women in Blues

I think that women in blues are generally under appreciated. Sure, there was Mamie Smith, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and a great number of others women who pioneered vocal blues. But there are still great women performing blues. Women who play guitar with the best of them; croon and moan with the best of the men. The next few posts will be an effort to introduce these women to you.

A few weeks ago a buddy of mine recommended I check out Bonnie Raitt. His blues knownledge is really extensive, so I decided to give her a listen. I hopped right online and started downloading an album. I hadn't listened to it until just a few nights ago as I've been so busy sifting through tons of other music. But I was driving somewhere and I figured, why not? And then, to my surprise and excitement, I found that the album I had found was a live performance of her album "I Ain't Blue" recorded right here at Syracuse University in 1971. Pretty awesome, huh?

See?! I told you!

Anyway, enough about me. I really dig this gal, and today I have her version of a Robert Johnson tune, "Rollin' and Tumblin'." You may recognize some of the lyrics, as Johnson's lyrics, and lots of blues lyrics in general, are often reused by later artists.



I Ain't Blue

Big Hair and an even bigger voice

Today I want to feature something a little off the beaten path from traditional blues. This is a Gospel tune called "I'm His Child" sung by Zella Jackson Price. I love this song, and especially this video. I don't know if it's that hair, that voice, or just the pure jubilation everyone receives from her song.

I really dig Gospel music. Those of you who know me know I'm not exactly a God-fearing man, but it is just so moving. This will definitely not be the last Gospel tune featured, I'll also feature jazz, and other forms of music (generally Black music) that is less known to the general public. This clip is from the documentary called "Say Amen Somebody," which is primarily a film about the transition Gospel went through from sacred to popular music. It is actually quite enjoyable, and if you're interested in music at all I recommend you check it out. It features a huge number of Gospel greats all in a similar setting, and let's be honest: this music is best in its true spiritual form.

So, for you listening and viewing pleasure, here is Zella Jackson Price singing "I'm His Child"

Big Boy Crudup

So just recently I entertained a request from a certain lady I know to find and post some Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup. So today I have a great little album from a very authentic delta bluesman.

Born in 1905, Crudup is probably best known for writing songs that were later redone by Elvis Presley; "That's all right mama" and "My Baby Left Me." Many of his records come from the 1940s when he was performing with Sonny Boy Williamson II and Elmore James. Unfortunately, like many Black musicians, Crudup received almost no royalties and actually had to work extra, labor intensive, jobs. He was so unhappy about his almost non-existent royalties he often referred to his more famous follower Elvis as Elvin Preston.

In the 1960s he actually quit making music and started bootlegging and a farmer. Either way, his songs are great. I wanted to find some with him and Sonny Boy, but I may have to look a little harder. Here is "Rock Me Mama" by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup:



Mean Ol' Frisco

Buddy and B.B.

I Can't Quit You Baby.....It's the name of the blog, but why? When I hear this song, any version, any artist, it just rings in my ears like no other song can. I'm not saying it's my favorite, or that it is the best blues written. But it's so simple and the lyrics are simply perfect. It says a million lifetimes worth of grief and love in 16 words. "I can't quite you baby, so I think I gotta put you down for a while." This version is perhaps my favorite version of the tune.

Featuring two of the greatest guitarists to ever grace this earth, Buddy Guy and B.B. King, the song is about as electrifying as you can get. I don't exactly know how to explain it, but something about those words, those faces, and those guitar licks just make me close my eyes and sway my head for 3 minutes straight. I don't think there are a lot of things in this world that can distract us for that long without interruption; take this opportunity to let that happen, watch, listen, and groove.



Buddy Guy is one of my favorite artists, and I have a number of his albums that I will share later, but for now, just check him and B.B. out, rockin' that place down.

Saxophone Bluesin'

So Today I wanted to post a type of blues that gets a little less attention than I think it should. I played the saxophone in high school, and as much as I regret it, I have since fallen off the wagon and not touched the thing in years. Hopefully my hands will someday find their way back to it, but listening to a little Eddie "Cleanhead"Vinson in the meantime won't hurt, anyways.

Play it Cleanhead!

Eddie gets his nickname "Cleanhead" after a hair strengthening product containing too much lye accidentally destroyed all of his hair. His blues are a contrast to the usual Chicago blues I have featured. He is Texan, and his style more closely resembles other Texans; Stevie Ray Vaughn, T-Bone, and other greats. He has also toured and performed extensively with Jazz greats, including Count Basie. Today I have his number, "Juice Head Baby," a sweet song about dealing with the fact that your baby is an alcoholic.




Cherry Red

Let me Holler at ya!

Ok, so today is not a blues album day. While the band involved is The Black Keys, whom I consider to be a wonderful comtemporary blues-rock band, the album is Blakroc, a collaboration of The Keys and several big name hip hoppers.

This is the sickest picture in existence.

The collaboration occurred after Damon Dash started listening to the keys and they became one of this favorite bands. The album features the Akron-based Black Keys with Mos Def, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, RZA, Raekwon, ODB, Jim Jones, Q-Tip, and several others. It's a cool joint, and I recommend you give it a listen, whether or not you like hip-hop. I don't think this is the best song on the album, but Mos Def is an awesome guy, and so I wanted to post it and let you know he's awesome, I give you "On the Vista," by Blakroc featuring Mos Def:



This shit is fire!

Dan Auerbach

So today I have something in a little different direction for y'ins. Many of you, I'm sure, are familiar with the Black Keys, and how awesome they are. Today I feature the solo recordings of Dan Auerbach, the Guitarist and vocalist for the Keys. His album isn't necessarily as bluesy as the band's stuff, but I really dig it, especially the two songs I have for you. I'm sure the Black Keys will be posted at some point, as I think they make some great contemporary blues-rock, but today is all about Mr. Auerbach, and just how badass one man can be.

What a rockin' Mo Fo.

Auerbach is from Akron, Ohio, and for a dude from such an odd place he knows how to rock. He's been in a number of bands, starting with a group known as the Barnburners, then moving through a couple other small groups before hitting his stride with the Black Keys. I have two songs for you to sample, and then an album for you to download. Check it out, it is a really nice album, and a lot of the stuff is reminiscent of the Keys.

First is a tune called "Mean Monsoon," a song which I love, probably my favorite from the album:



And next is "I Want Some More," something a little more bluesy and a lot more rockin':



And finally, Keep It Hid

Harp Attack!

Here he is, killin' it.

So lately I've been very into Harmonica Blues. I posted Paul Butterfield some time ago, and Howlin' Wolf played a mean harp, too. Well today is no exception. Today I am featuring Little Walter, a wonderful and quite accessible (in terms of how easy he is to listen to) musician. Little Walter has been compared to Charlie Parker and Jimi Hendrix in terms of his influence on later generations to play the insutrment, and is the only person to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for being such a virtuoso on the harmonica.

He is another Chi-town blues man, and was active from the 40s to the 60s. He is considered to be monumentally important in the development of the huge harmonica blues volumes that exist today. Credited with shaping much of the style of today's blues harpsmen.

Without further adieu, here is Little Walter's "Mean Old World"

Paul Butterfield Blues Band

These boys, hailing from Chi-town, are a great late 20th century blues band. I really dig there gritty, intense sound. I have a lot of their music to sort through, a whole 2 disc set, but I am looking forward to spending some time doing homework and rockin' out to some good old Chicago blues. Paul's band was known as one of the best blues ensembles around, and several of the musicians are featured on other great recordings.

As for Butterfield himself, he is considered a fantastic harp player, even though his style was quite unorthodox. He used to hold his Harmonica upside down. Well, I can't think of much more to tell you, but the music speaks loud enough.


An Anthology Disc 1

An Anthology Disc 2

Talkin Blues

Today we have a real innovator. John Lee Hooker, while considered a true master Mississippi bluesman, also is credited with starting the genre known as "talking blues." It is metrically free and is mostly driven by a heavy rhythm and Hookers great guitar. He is probably most famous for "Boom Boom Boom," and most of you have probably heard that tune at some point. Today I give you an album which is a little different than you might expect, the song featured is "Cuttin' Out" which features Canned Heat, a wonderful psychadelic blues band, that we may hear from again.



Apparently my computer had some issues and the album didn't upload for download, but I will upload it tonight, and I do have a great one for you to download:


John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers

Howlin Wolf.

So some of you may know who Howlin' Wolf is, some of you may not, but either way I don't think anyone could deny that he is a creepy and scary dude. He has, at least in my opinion, the most intense voice in the blues. He growls and snarls and every time he says something it sounds like he might come kill me afterwards. But, even though I start to tremble every time I put some on, his sound is unique and his blues passionate. While researching Wolf I actually found this exact thing:

"musician and critic Cub Koda declared, "no one could match Howlin' Wolf for the singular ability to rock the house down to the foundation while simultaneously scaring its patrons out of its wits.""

I'm not lying man, the dude was scary. But in addition Sam Phillips once remarked, "When I heard Howlin' Wolf, I said, 'This is for me. This is where the soul of man never dies."  For your first listen, or your next, I will post this youtube video for you, I love his explanation of the blues, and I love his style; shirt, tie, glasses, rock the house down. I just wish there were some artists out there today with this type of character.




I have one album from Wolf and Muddy Waters, and some other day I'll post a little something from it, then give you the album to download. But for now, just get into his sound, and see what the craze is about.

White dudes make good Blues.

So unfortunately today I am getting around a little late. So I am just going to have a quick post with one song, and then tonight I will upload the album and have a little more to say. This is a song by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and it is short, but for some reason I really dig it.

John Mayall is great, and the Bluesbreakers were home to a huge number of great musicians, probably most notably Eric Clapton, who played with them on occasion from 1965 into 1966. Sorry I don't have more for now, but give this a listen and check back later for something more substantial!

McKinley Morganfield

Or as he is more well known, Muddy Waters. Today I pay homage to one of the blues world's masters. Muddy Waters was born in Mississippi, but his real contributions lie in the electrification of Chicago Blues. Much like Duke Ellington, his real gift was not necessarily playing the blues, but keeping his band stocked with some of the best up and coming blues artists. Musicians like Sonny Boy Williamson, Lil' Walter, Freddie Green, Otis Spann, all played for and with him at some point. He had the most impressive ear for talent this world may have ever seen.

Muddy has a number of smash hits; "I got my Mojo Workin'", "I'm your Hoocie Coochie Man"(Written by Willie Dixon), and "Baby Please Don't Go." But for today I would like to post "Long Distance Call" One of my absolute favorite Muddy tunes.





Please take your time and listen to this, it is incredible. Don't put it on and casually listen while you do something else; sit down, close your eyes, and hear what Muddy Waters can do with that guitar. If you're interested in Blues History, Muddy is a good place to start for modern blues. His impact is immeasurable, and his story is fun and unique.

Just look at that man. He oozes cool, check out some live performances by him on Youtube, he is just amazing. No recording or even live album can compare to seeing him play. Seeing the emotion and passion he puts into each song, even if he's played it 50 times.


And for those of you who'd like a little more, here you are:

The Essential Muddy Waters

Good Time Blues

Sometimes I worry that everyone thinks all blues is so sad they don't even want to try to like it. But one should never forget that, in fact, a lot of blues is very funny. And the most comical always has to do with the same thing: sex. Today we have Willie Dixon and Memphis Slim(Piano) performing "Built For Comfort:"

This song is quite fitting for Willie, being about 6' 5'' and above 250lbs, he was a big man to say the least. Willie is not only a great blues bassist and vocalist, he was one of the most prolific songwriters in Blues History, and was integral in the creation of Chicago Blues. Willie has a number of great songs, one of my favorite is "Sittin' and Cryin' the Blues," but with a bunch of studying this weekend and a couple tests this week, I needed a fun, easy pick-me-up this morning, and here it was. I don't think I need to say much more about Willie, as I'm sure we'll revisit him in the future. So for now, just enjoy!

Download the album here!!

Morning Blues

We all get them, you just wake up in a funk. Not feeling good, worried about the day, or maybe don't even know what the problem is. Today's song is just about that, waking up and feeling blue even before the sun comes up. For anyone looking for real blues, down home, delta style, this is it. I give you Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell performing "Blues before sunrise"



These two are responsible for some of the most important blues numbers around. Probably most famously, How Long Blues, one of my personal favorite tunes. This album is a compilation of songs they recorded between 1928-1935, so this is the hard stuff. The quality isn't perfect, but it doesn't need to be, the performances are plenty electrifying to make you forget all about the buzz and scratch. For those of you who like the one song, here is the whole album, for free download. Just click the link and then click begin download now or whatever on the right side.

Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell- How Long Blues (1928-1935)

Tracks from My Collection

As my collection builds, and I find new and exciting music, I will post stuff from my own library.When I feel it's appropriate, I will link to the albums on a file-hosting site for free download. Just a heads up!

Jazz or Blues?

I said this blog was about blues, but a lot of people would prefer to put this song in the jazz category. So which is it? It's both, blues and jazz are both hard to quantify and categorize, and I think one ought not try. They have influenced each other in uncountable ways, and if you take away one, the other would inevitably suffer.

Today I have chosen perhaps my favorite song, from one of my all-time favorite blues and jazz artists. Billie Holiday will always be one of the finest female vocalists, even with a range just wider than one octave. This video features not only Billie, but many other of my favorites. The first saxophonist is Ben Webster, followed by Lester Young*. Next comes Vic Dickinson on the trombone, followed by an artist very dear to my heart, Bari Saxist Gerry Mulligan; for a white guy, the dude can swing (maybe there's hope for me, yet). Then Coleman Hawkins and Roy Eldridge (screech Trumpet) round out the piece in all it's glory. For those of you who don't know much about jazz and blues, this is an incredible line-up. Imagine all of the best contemporary indie rockers doing one song on TV with an amazing vocalist like Billie. Each was at the top of their respective game for some time. Either way, I hope you listen to the whole piece, it is 8 minutes of heaven. Enjoy!

* I want to mention that Lester and Billie were very, very close friends. She called him The Prez, and of course to him she was Lady Day. They remained close until the day he died, although they were never lovers.

White people like Blues.

Just wait, you'll see. They clap and smile and even tap their feet. It might look funny, but blues men like Otis here loved it. Imagine, for the first time you're not playing to a hooting, drunk, dancing crowd. Just a bunch of white folks sitting around listening to what you've got.
This is a scene from the American Folk Blues festival DVD (although I'm not sure which years), and if you've never seen it, I suggest you hit up your local library and see if they have a copy; if not, just youtube it. This is actually a German documentary, and for years great Blues men and women toured Europe, loving the quite crowds they were able to play for.

This is my attempt at sharing blues with you. I will do my best to keep my selection fresh and frequent. If I fall behind I apologize, but sometimes Math. is a bitch and won't let me do fun things.