Friday 7 August 2009

Guy Davis

I thought this was a great clip, from a modern bluesman, Guy Davis. Davis sings and plays harp, banjo, and guitar (both six and twelve-string).



This is an old Tampa Red tune, called 'Things About Coming My Way'.

Saturday 1 August 2009

Mitch's Playlist: 0.5

This is a special, post-birthday edition of Playlist. After a particularly unpleasant stay in hospital, I have some music to share with you.
  • Essential Collection: The Classic Cobra Recordings 1956-1958 -- Otis Rush. Otis has an amazing feel as a guitarist, and also one of the best voices in blues music. The blues landscape, as we know it, owes much to Otis Rush. The recordings here have their place in *blues* history. (And it's a fun CD to play!) I just love these tunes; many of which were 'picked up' by British blues acts, like John Mayall, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. It's mighty difficult, when the originals are so good, though!
  • Mississippi Fred McDowell -- Fred McDowell. I really enjoy this album; the atmosphere is very laid-back. McDowell is/was a gritty, honest bluesman. (The real deal!) His lyrical slide guitar, and vocals, always get to me! He absolutely tares through these songs. I think it might have actually been recorded in someone's house, which gives the whole thing a really unique, 'party' vibe. Everybody is enjoying themselves -- probably getting good and drunk, too -- and it brings out the best in Fred.
More soon... Stay tuned!