If you feel you ought to find out what Blues music is, then you have come
to the right place. Blues can boast a hundred great stars in the century
since it began. So step aside from complexity, and make an easy start. For
a quick taste, try
Blues Classics Millennium Collection.
If you like something smooth, sophisticated and subtle, B.B. King is a fine
place to begin. From his first recordings, over fifty years ago, B.B. King
has melded gospel-tinged vocals with an elegant jazz-inflected guitar.
No, you prefer Rock music? Okay, start with Muddy Waters. The Rolling Stones
took their name from him. Or try Sonny
Boy Williamson II. One of his songs found its way onto The Who’s
Tommy.
Maybe you love Punk, and you want something raw and dripping, in which case
begin with Howlin’ Wolf, or dive right back into the origins of the
Blues with Son House. You won’t be disappointed.
If
you want the fine acoustic guitar playing and the haunting voice that prostrated
Eric Clapton at the shrine of the Blues buy
Robert Johnson
The Complete Recordings. And after
listening, roll up your sleeves and take a look at
More Blues on
this site... once I have written it.
June 2004
