Filling Stevie’s Shoes

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s untimely death in 1990 left a void in the world of young blues musicians.  So says Gibson’s Top 10 Modern Blues Guitarists.

But, as the article nicely proves, blues guitar is alive and well, thanks to the likes of: Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer, Jack White, Dan Auerbach and Derek Trucks.

Indeed, while they have all been successful, if they had been born 20-30 years sooner, the 10 guys listed would have easily joined SRV in the pantheon of guitar gods.  These cats have chops.

And soul.

The torch has been passed, and the flame will never go out.

Believe I’m Sinking Down

Have I ever mentioned I’m not a fan of award shows?  I rarely watch them because they always disappoint.

But I made an exception this year and watched the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions. I mean, Rush, Heart, Albert King.  Gotta be good right?

Guest appearances by John Fogerty, Tom Petty, Jackson Brown, David Grohl, Gary Clark, John Mayer.  People I admire.  Music I love.  Gonna be good for sure.

Nope.

Lame speeches.  So-so performances.  Well-meant and no doubt all very sincere, but in the end, just a bunch of silliness.

You know, when Alex Lifeson gets the most applause for literally saying “blah blah blah” for 3 minutes (though it seemed like 7), the evening has been kinda dull.

Cool jam on Crossroads as the credits rolled, though.

Still Got the Blues

Gibson’s Top 10 Modern Blues Guitarists prove that the Blues, like Rock ‘n’ Roll, can never die.

Just like a generation of giants took the torch in the 60’s, a new group took it up in the last decade or so.  Here’s the list:

 1. Joe Bonamassa

 2. John Mayer

 3. Jack White

 4. Eric Gales

 5. Dan Auerbach

 6. Davy Knowles

 7. Kenny Wayne Shepherd

 8. Derek Trucks

 9. Jonny Lang

10. Ben Harper

All deserving, and all sources of comfort.  The torch is in safe hands.

For my money, Bonamassa is the Eric Clapton of the bunch, standing head and shoulders above the rest.  Kinda suprprised to see Derek Trucks as low as #8.  He’s good enough for two (three, really) Grammies, plus a long stint with Eric Clapton.

Speaking of Clapton, Doyle Bramhall II would get my nod for the list, as would acoustic guru Harry Manx.

Anyway, it’s all good, and Muddy can rest in peace.  And with the likes of Bonamassa, Jack White and The Black Keys out there, my generation can stop fretting about that Led Zeppelin reunion.  Don’t need it.

Take A Sad Song And Make It Better

Listening to a good sad song can be cleansing, cathartic experience.

I got to thinking the other day about sad songs and started wondering which ones are the saddest ever.

It all depends on your individual experience, of course, which will influence how you react to any given song, but here’s my partial list:

I Can’t Make You Love Me, by Bonnie Raitt is right up there, maybe #1.  It just aches.

Sticking with Bonnie, Matters Of The Heart, should also be on the short list.

Romeo And Juliet, by Dire Straits is either a close second, or maybe even #1.  Whenever I see Knopfler perform it live, my reaction is "I hope I’m never unhappy enough to be able to write a song like that."

You’re Missing, by Springsteen gets me every time.  So does Father and Son by Cat Stevens.  Not sure why, but so does Hysteria by Def Leppard.

Two Blues classics, Love in Vain and St. James Infirmary, deserve consideration.  Anyone’s version.

After that, I’m not sure.  Yesterday?  Yes It Is?  For No One?  No.  The Beatles could do melancholy, but they were masters of juxtaposition, and so even their sad songs feel upbeat.  Springsteen’s pretty good at that too.

Maybe John Mayer’s Gravity.  Nah.  Too pretty.

Fast Car?  No.  That’s depressing, not sad.
 

Lots of emotional songs, lots of downer songs, but not many sad ones come to mind.  Hmmm  ...  maybe we could use more.  The catharsis might be good for us, and then maybe we wouldn't need so many pissed off songs.