1 comments about Electric Chubbyland, Vol. 2.

1. Popa Chubby, after playing at a Jimi Hendrix tribute show, heard many comments from fans that he should record some Hendrix songs. So he did.
   
   Recorded over two nights at a small club in Middletown, NY, Popa Chubby just goes to town on the Jimi Hendrix catalog.
   
   If you're not familiar with Popa Chubby, the dude can play some mean blues guitar and he plays some really great stuff here.
   
   Buy both volumes because they make a hell of a collection.
   
   You won't be disappointed with these discs!

5 comments about Live at the Apollo.

1. I saw B.B. King in concert last night, in Coto de Caza, CA, as a part of thier "Summer concert in the park" series. At 78 he plays guitar and sings in his prime! As a matter a fact his guitar playing is more on the jazz improvisational side, of the blues. His band was allowed plenty of space to stretch out. Anyhow this cd, is a great example of one of his live shows, and on this cd recorded in 91, he is also in prime form, though the band is strictly used a background prop, BB's highly appealing vocals and guitar solos are highlighted throughout this exellent live session. As jazz critic Scott Yanow has pointed out, King alsways has a way of making his old hits sound fresh everytime he revivrs them, and on this cd is no acception, he does a killer job on Sweet Sixteen and The thrill Is Gone. You can't go wrong with a live BB album, the only thing missing is his jump blues standby song "Caldonia", ah well this is still one of BB finest "recent" cd's. If you can't go see him live, this is the next best thing. I only wish somone had recorded last nights show at Coto. Oh well, pick this cd up!



2. B. B. KING: LIVE AT THE APOLLO combines classic and modern blues tracks with a live performance that is more than up to the legendary B. B. King's standard. It's a pity that there's only ten cuts on this album; the band is playing rather well, and it would have been nice to hear their interpretation of a few more songs. Still, for what it is, this album delivers.

   If you decide to buy this album, then it will probably be the least surprising purchase you will ever make. B. B. King is as professional as they come, and you're guaranteed a great performance no matter what the occasion. The songs that he plays here are, of course, great blues standards mixed with one or two written either by or for him. The only variable in this album would be the backing musicians. But for this performance, King was backed by Gene Harris, on piano, and the rest of the Philip Morris Superband (insert your own social commentary on that name and sponsor here). They do not disappoint.

   One of the highlights on this album is B. B. King's version of the classic, "The Thrill Is Gone". It's a slow and jazzy cover of this great number. The mind boggles at how many times he must have played this particular tune before, yet he manages to make it sound as though this is the first time, and that the words mean as much to him now as they did then. Other standouts include a swinging version of the song U2 wrote for King, "When Love Comes To Town", an upbeat "Paying The Costs To Be The Boss", and a soulful "Ain't Nobody's Bizness".

   In fact, there simply isn't a poor track on this album. The sound recording is excellent, and the musicians are all having a terrific night. Any fan of the blues should have this CD in their collection.




3. the Title tells you all you need to know first time i heard this it was on Wax i have been dragging a copy of it around from then on



4. Yeah, nothing compares to great B.B...

   I LOVE the songs on this CD. Everything is as melodic and hearty as can be.
   For me, the BEST I could get from a live CD (better than the one he recorded on that jail years before, much more pleasant).




5. Great swingin' blues from B. B. King and and eighteen-piece orchestra. Starts off with a swing version of the U2/B.B. King song "When Love Comes To Town." Other good cuts, The Thrill Is Gone, Payin' The Cost..., Ain't Nobody's Business. My only complaint is that it's over too soon! Itruns a standard 45 mintues, but every time I play it, it's like it's over before it should be!

   Good stuff, check it out.

5 comments about Burnin' Down the House: Live at the House of Blues.

1. RECORDED AT L.A.'S HOUSE OF BLUES IN 2001, THIS IS A GREAT LIVE ETTA JAMES CD. SHE IS AT THE TOP OF HER GAME ON THIS ONE, AND WHEN SHE'S ON, NOBODY CAN TOUCH HER. HER BACKUP BAND, "THE ROOTS BAND", KICKS SOME SERIOUS YOU KNOW WHAT AS WELL, AND FEATURES A VERY, VERY FAT HORN SECTION. ETTA JAMES' SINGING REALLY TURNED BACK THE CLOCK ON THIS RECORDING. I LOVE THE SECOND CUT, "I JUST WANT TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU" WHICH THEN SEGUES INTO "BORN TO BE WILD" (THE OLD STEPPENWOLF SONG). HER VERSION OF "ALL THE WAY DOWN" ON THIS CD HAS A "CURTIS MAYFIELD-SUPERFLY" KIND OF A SOUND TO IT, VERY FUNKY. AND HER RENDITION OF "AT LAST" COULD VERY EASILY BECOME MY ALLTIME FAVORITE SLOW DANCING SONG OF ALL TIME. "YOUR GOOD THING IS ABOUT TO END" IS A GREAT TORCH SONG BY ISAAC HAYES AND DAVID PORTER (THE DEFINITIVE VERSION OF THIS SONG IS SUNG BY O.V. WRIGHT). THE ETTA JAMES CD "LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO" IS ANOTHER ONE WORTH PICKING UP AS WELL.



2. Etta James Rocks on this cd! The Roots Band are in great shape and Etta's powerful voice is in great form for this 2001 concert, this is a Blues\R&B\Soul jam session! This is what a like about this Live cd is that Etta gets right to the songs not alot of talking between songs, this is another Live gem from Etta, add this to your collection.



3. She does what she says on this CD- burn down the house. You would never know this is a woman in her sixties here. Her vocals are strong and they are front and center and she's got good backup here. Fans of Etta James will love this and it will earn her many new fans if they are exposed to this.



4. Since my youth I have had an ear for roots music, whether I was conscious of that fact or not. The original of that interest first centered on the blues, then early rock and roll and later, with the folk revival of the early 1960's, folk music. I have often wondered about the source of this interest. I am, and have always been a city boy, and an Eastern city boy at that. Nevertheless, over time I have come to appreciate many more forms of roots music than in my youth. The subject of the following review is an example.
   
   In my youth I gave Etta James' music short shrift because, to be honest, I did not like the so-called 'bubble gum' music genre that I believed she represented. In retrospect I do not think I was wrong to reject her early offerings, having replayed her early work recently. What got me interested in Etta was hearing her do The Jealous Kind and I'd Rather Be Blind at the Newport Folk Festival years ago. These songs reflect a more bluesy, gospelly tradition that my tastes can appreciate. The selections here are exactly in that same vain, especially Tell Mama and Sugar on the Floor. These are tastefully done and reflect both her powerful voice and range of interests. You may not like all the selections but there are more than enough to keep you interested. Rock on.



5. Etta James style has evolved greatly over the decades-----it is merely a matter of personal preference as to which period of her career is her best-----i love her recent work equally as much as her earliest work--she is an artist who continually grows,stretches,& shares her immense talents & life experience w/ her audience. In her most recent years her style has expanded towards jazz---(although she mixes many styles now)--& this recorded live performance is STUNNING!!!!!This performance leans heavily towards "jazzy blues"--I reccomend it highly,JUST BEAUTIFUL. It is as real as it gets---i love this cd,TY ETTA,from the bottom of my heart!

5 comments about Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985.

1. Two great sets from the Montreux Jazz Festival fill out this double live album, and it provides a stark contrast of how Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble were received early in their careers and, just a few short years later, with some fame behind their music. I've heard some claim that the booing SRV and the band received during their 1982 set was due more to the house sound being turned up far too high, such that it was impossible to hear Stevie tickling those strings. This may be true...I don't know, as I wasn't there. But by the end of the set he's clearly won over much of the crowd, which forces me to wonder why those fans were able to hear his playing while others were not. In spite of this, SRV's 1982 set is very strong. The band is tight, the playing top notch. The only weakness is in Stevie's vocals, and he doesn't seem to have found his own singing voice that would be so familiar later in his career.
   
   The 1985 set was a completely different story. Having tasted success, the band was very well received, by a roaring crowd, and they play with great intensity throughout.
   
   I've tried to think of any reason to give this less than five stars, and no such reason comes to mind. A great live album, from an artist who is sorely missed.



2. These are two classic SRV shows and a good place to start for anyone just beginning to be interested in SRV (good bang for the buck and includes a solid number of SRV staples). As others have written, the first (1982) was a defining performance -- he was booed, but made the right impression on notables (including Bowie). The second show is a triumphant return.
   
   Highlights include the 82's Texas Flood and Dirty Pool and 85's Voodoo Chile and Tin Pan Alley.



3. This is a must have for SRV fans. I would suggest the DVD as well captures a world class performance before he was even discovered or released on CD.
   
   The 1982 version of Hideaway/Rudemood will give you goose bumps or you dont like blues.
   
   ENJOY!



4. Hats off to Jimmie for tastefully adding to the SRV catalog. This album is a true treat for any SRV fan. The story has been well told about how SRV & DT went to the Montreux Blues Festival as was boo'ed. Afterwards David Bowie approached Stevie to play on the Let's Dance album and Jackson Browne offered the band free use of his LA studio, which produced their masterful debut album 'Texas Flood'. This frist disc is from the 1982 set and it is amazing. The second disc sees the band returning in 1985, but this time to cheering fans. This disc and many of the songs are on Alive Live. It's great to comapre and contrast the two shows and see how they had evolved during that time period. It's great that more material has been made available to the public from his early days. The CD is nicely put together with great pictures and liner notes. This is a great addition to any SRV collection and an excellent way to get to know Stevie for first timers.



5. I bought this in a 2-DVD set for my husband this past Christmas; he is a big SRV fan. The DVD set is absolutely fantastic. The music is great, but Stevie Ray is also so awesome to watch, especially the 1985 concert. It is a must-have for SRV fans; get it on DVD, you won't regret it!

5 comments about The Real Thing.

1. Back in 1971 I was already a fan...based on the LP, "Natch'l Blues"...this LP saw Taj take a slightly different path albeit to the same destination...But what I remember most was the naturalness and ease of his performance, the haunting horns of Howard Johnson...and the lilting guitar work of John Hall (of the band, Orleans)...his solo on the tune "Ain't Gwine To Whistle Dixie No More"...stays with me still...I can still see them up there on the old Fillmore East stage...a temple to me and others like me from my generation....a brilliant set, by a brilliant artist and a pack of excellent musicians. I was there with my bud, Steve and we both were captivated by the sounds and the spirit of the night...I was also there when John Mayall recorded the genre-defining lp, the "Turning Point"...and both of these concerts remain to be highpoints of my musical youth. Buy it....you will not be disappointed...unless you are soul-less.
   Vince DeLucia



2. An epic, sprawling, roots music masterpiece. This is an artistic statement on the level of Tom Sawyer or The Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison). The power in this music is the way it captures the chaos and tenderness of life in an utterly transcendent and inexplicable way. May sound strange to modern ears, so used to the polished and predictable tropes of the likes of *ahem* lyle lovett, or lucinda williams. This ain't no lucinda williams. This is one of the most slept on albums of all time (IMHO)- if you're one of the millions who bought the Oh Brother soundtrack (not knocking it, I happen to like the album) take it to the next level and check out this wonderful album.
   
   Favorite track: You Ain't No Streetwalker Mama, But I Sure Do Love the Way You Strut Your Stuff.
   
   Epic



3. Look-
   Live albums are raw- there are mistakes/missed notes- but at their best- there's a fire/spirit that takes tunes you know to a whole new level.
   This is such an album/experience.
   Couple that with the brilliant TUBA section- a stellar rhythm section and (Congressman) John Hall on guitar- as well as the legendary John Simon on piano- and this is well worth your time and money.....



4. Taj Mahal is an excellent musician.I've seen him in concert, by himself and with his band.This is I think one of his best.If you need a pick me up,or you're feeling blue listen to "Ain't Gwine To Whistle Dixie(Any Mo")
   Excellent choice



5. Yeah, man, the "official" reviewer just doesn't get it AT ALL. This is one of the best ROOTS recordings EVER - and I don't say that lightly. Remember...this is 1971...LIVE, a 2 LP recording, at the Fillmore...I mean, the Allman Brothers - WITH DUANE - did their recording that same year. Now, how many acts could have gotten away with playing a tune with nothing but a banjo and a TUBA, for cryin' out loud! ("Tom And Sally Drake")? Taj Mahal, that's who. Taj engages the audience as well as anyone ("Gimme some help...GIMME SOME! - You can do it...if you're jacked up to it...) and standouts here are the norm. "You're Goin' To Need Somebody On Your Bond" is the groover, with Taj 'gettin spiritual' with the blues, and doing the back and forth with the crowd. Also a highlight is "Ain't Gwine Whistle Dixie No Mo'", where every band member gets a piece of the action, and my spine tingles at the thought of John Simon groovin' on the piano, and John Hall doing a GREAT guitar solo, and ending, with Taj whistling over the many horns. No, if you don't get it, you don't get it...but I was 15...and I got it. This is Taj's moment in Time, Live - History, I believe it's called - and he grabs on and holds tight. Any fan of blues, jazz, roots, gospel, or African-American music History has to consider this a MUST HAVE CD. Period.

5 comments about Anthony Gomes Live.

1. I saw Anthony Gomes live in Columbus, Ohio. He is a "Legend In His Own Mind"
   He constantly goaded the audience for applause, which he seldom received. He is an OK
   guitar player at best. There are so many Guitarists FAR BETTER than Gomes. Joe Bonamassa,
   Andy Timmons, Eric Johnson, Ritchie Kotzen & Greg Howe to name a few that BLOW Gomes
   away. I tend to think these reviews were sent in by Gomes's own publicity machine if not by Gomes himself.



2. 5 stars?, I don't think so. I mean its all right, but I can think of
   a lot of cd's I'd rather listen to. Its one of those that's more noise
   than anything. There's alot of cd's that I skip ordering where poeple
   only gave it three stars, that turn out to be great. This one everyone
   rated it 5 stars. Just goes to show you can't go by others peoples
   opinion.
   If you want to rock, try Mothers Finest "Black Radio Won't Play This",
   Joe Bonamassa "So Its Like That", Rob Tognoni "Shaking Hands With The
   Devil", or anything by Rory Gallagher, but I wouldn't be in any hurry
   to rush out and buy this. Speaking of Rush. "Rush In Rio" is one of those GREAT ones!



3. This great disc plays over and over in my CD Player! Anthony Gomes writes beautiful music and performs at high energy ALWAYS! A wonderful LIVE disc that finally captures AG's outstanding LIVE performance! I highly recommend this CD for Fans old and new. Well done Anthony!



4. Having never seen Anthony outside of You Tube I'm about to have the pleasure of seeing Anthony's show, twice in 3 days time,here in NY 4/19 & 4/21/08. I have to tell you there's not many acts that at my age I would need to see more than once, yet after what I saw on You Tube & what I heard on his latest CD LIVE I'm so psyched for these show. You hear this cd & it feels like your right there,front row. The energy is cosmic. He's a throw back to what I consider the "good ole days" of blues rock. Peter Green, Led Zep, Jimi, Cream .Humble Pie, etc. Anthony gives it to you 3 ways to Sunday...stage presence,vocally,& instumentally. Ain't many around give you this kinda bang these days.



5. Talk about a road warrior - Anthony Gomes is constantly touring the United States, Canada, and Europe, and at last, there is now a live CD to reflect the energy and excitement of these performances! Anthony Gomes has a fresh sound that is solid blues-infused rock with the flavors of soul, funk, and country mixed right in. This CD contains some of the best guitar playing you've ever heard, and his band are among the most vibrant musicians around.
   My favorites on this disc are "Bluebird," "Falling," and "Wings of a Song."

4 comments about Breakfast Dance and Barbecue.

1. This is easily one of the, if not the, best big band recording of all time. It has always been a mystery to Basie fans why it went out of print while so many other lesser recordings stayed around. This reissue includes some previously unheard cuts (Joe Williams rendition of "Cherry Red" may be his best work) which really complete the set. How can you beat the Basie band at 5 AM at a Miami DJ conference with Harry Sweets Edison sitting in? (You can hear the guys calling for Sweetie on several of the cuts) All of the soloists are in top form and the rhythm section swings better than the Sinatra at the Sands recordings. All in all, the best Basie recording of his second period (the first being the Lester Young era), and an essential recording for any serious jazz fan.



2. of the late 50's-early 60's Basie Band,. Big Joe Williams is back with the band and he is sounding great. Recorded live at a radio convention that the Basie Band flew in for in Florida, it started in the wee hours of the morning and into the early morning. They flew in for the gig, played, and then flew out again. On this particular occasion, everybody's sounding loose and the band can really swing. This is from the Count's Roulette year's output and it is one of the finest.



3. More scholarly listeners than myself can assure you that this is a first-rate live recording of one of the world's greatest jazz bands in its prime, but I must sound a sentimental personal note. My Dad is an enthusiastic and erudite jazz fan and a great admirer of Count Basie. During an especially happy time in my early life, Dad and I became so attached to this particularly joyful Basie album, featuring gorgeous Joe Williams vocals, that we played it every morning all summer -- before, during and after breakfast. What a thrill to hear this classic reborn on CD with many extra tracks. Try it for your own breakfast, whether you dance or not!



4. In my opinion the Basie band in 1959-1961 was the greatest of his second generation orchestras. All 16 bandsmen were individually talented and played swinging arrangements with cohesion and enthusiasm. There were no second or third horns; all were first chair musicians capable of memorable solos. There was not a slouch in the bunch. When they played as an ensemble, they were awesome.

   This CD is taken from a tape of a breakfast dance for the Disc Jockeys of America convention on May 31, 1959. The dance for 2000+ people started at 2am and ended at 7am. Basie and his band had been booked at Birdland that week. The band flew to Miami late at night, played the gig and then returned to NYC in time for their scheduled performance at Birdland that evening.

   This CD is a recording of the entire dance program as it was presented at the Americana Hotel, start to finish. The remastering is superb; you feel like you are right there on the dance floor. The band is understandably a little stiff at first, but they warm to the occassion quickly. After a few tracks they hit a groove like I have never before on any Basie CD. This is Basie and the Basie band at its finest. I have never heard Joe Williams sing better.

   This Basie band loved to shout! Check out "Splanky", "Cherry Point", "Roll em Pete", "Back to the Apple" and "Everyday I Have The Blues". The closing theme "One O'Clock Jump" is 3:40 minutes and features Sweets Edison minus mute. There are 18 tracks total; all in dance tempos. It is said that Basie fed upon the energies of those listening and particularly from dancers. It must have been some morning.

   Thank you Roulette for releasing this. The only downer are Chris Sheridan's album notes. Mr. Sheridan does his usual accurate recount of history and attention to detail, but his use of words like antiphony, onamatopoeic and spiky detract from his review. But then my advice is don't read -- just listen, remember and enjoy what music used to be.

5 comments about Whiskey Store Live.

1. What can I say, Excellent Cd, Tab and Jimmy are "GREAT" together.
   My all time favorite song is by Tab sining "These Arms of Mine" I could listen to this somg all day long,, and I have,,lol
   Just a excellent cd. Tab you are Great. I had a chance to see him at a Blues Festival in Marquette Mi, EXCELLENT on stage and off. He is a down to earth kind man. Thanks Tab for a wonderful night of some awesome music by you and your wonderful band.GREAT cd.. excellent service on the cd.
   thanks loads,



2. listened before purchase, so was very happy to receive cd in record time



3. both tab and jimmy are great when playing by themselves but who knew they would be so powerful together. songs are great and their leads mesh very well.



4. loved this album. fabulous sound, strong guitars, made me want to dance. If you like either of these guys doing their own thing, you'll love this combination.



5. I saw Whiskey Store Live at Ft. Lauderdale Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival and was "blown away". Fantastic in a word. The Whiskey Store Live CD is just like being live in concert with them. The CD & music is "Smokin Hot". The CD should be in every blues lovers CD collection. Crank it up and let the music fly, you will tell all your blues lover friends to buy it.

5 comments about American Axe: Live in 1974.

1. Recorded at least partly at a Denver nightclub that no longer exists called Ebbets Field in 1974, Roy felt more at ease playing to small crowds which he could interact with and feel a part of. You can really feel the fun and the joy he was feeling by listening to him play on this cd. He was probably at his peak of "popularity" at around this time and the kinetic energy between audience and performer is apparent, driven by a spirited, rousing performance by Roy and his band. However, I have to dock it a point for sound quality. The constant buzzing from an amplifier throughout the recording, especially during the quieter moments, mars an otherwise brilliant recording of a sterling performance by the Telecaster Master. With that in mind, I'd have to recommend "Live Stock" over this which was recorded around the same time, although I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying this as the sound is clear - if you can ignore the amp buzz and just enjoy it for RB's guitar work (like I have)then there should be no problem.
   On the other hand, you get more bang for your buck with "American Axe: Live in 1974" (as opposed to "Live Stock") as this is much longer and includes the Buchanan staples "The Messiah" & "Sweet Dreams" that are not on "Live Stock". The highlights here for me are the incendiary "Roy's Blues" (sounds almost entirely different from the "Live Stock" version), the moody "Hey Joe" (Roy's deadpan southern drawl on this is effectively menacing), the r&b cover "Get Out of My Life Woman", a stirring performance of "The Messiah" and the closer "Sweet Dreams" played as sweetly & melliflously as he ever could, as the great one quietly took his exit and left the crowd stunned and begging for more.
   The band here is the same as on "Live Stock" and provide perfect support for RB, in particular Malcolm Lukens on the Hammond B3 who provides the perfect enhancement to the master's soulful performance. Unfortunately, Billy Price is not on hand for lead vocals, so the band members trade off with uneven results. So even though the sound quality is not comparable to "Live Stock" I would recommend this for the performance alone, especially to Roy Buchanan fans. I'd also recommend the Roy Buchanan biography "American Axe" written by Phil Carson. It is a brilliant piece of work.



2. It is really impressive to listen to this wonderful 'American Axe-Live in 1974', by Roy Buchanan, one of the best Blues-Rock guitarists of all times (in my opinion the best). All themes are five stars high, the stunning versions of the self penned "Roy' s Bluz", the traditional "C.C. Rider", "Done your daddy dirty" and Billy Roberts' s "Hey Joe" deserve special attention and they alone are worth the price you have paid for the record.
   I have only a single complaint and this is that a few tunes sound as if they were recorded with a hand held recorder from the third row, which is not fit for a record of this quality. Buchanan's 'LIVE STOCK' recorded live about the same time period has a much better sound.
   All in all this is a fantastic record of this so personal BUCHANAN's kind of Blues, that could be characterized as a hybrid of the most innovative styles of the years 1970' s and 1980's, and displays amazing harmonic rhythms and solos with plenty of feeling. I recommend it highly not only for blues lovers but also to anyone who loves good music in general. I give it 4 stars and not 5 because of the sound.



3. During the brief time spent on this planet, Roy Buchanan played to a small cult of diehard blues fans and serious guitar students.
   That was it.
   Everyday day now, more and more people are "discovering" Roy and wishing they could have been there.



4. The first song really rocks,its the best on the cd and there are three other songs that are heavy rockers too.
   However, the only problem I have with the cd is that a few tunes sound like they were taped from a hand held recorder in the third row.
   Almost like it was a bootleg tape.
   Other then that small problem it's a cd I've played again and again.
   After all, Buchanan is one of the top ten best guitar players ever!!!!!



5. If you had to make up a list of the top 5 most technically brilliant and influential guitarist in the world of rock music, it would be a very hard job and one that would be open to a mountain of debate . But if pushed in no particular order I would come up with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, and Roy Buchanan. If you were just going for influence then a few more names would have to come into the frame ,Robert Johnson,Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page,even the likes of Toni Iommi and all would come in. For just plain technique some of the new guys would have a say Satriani, Vai or Stevie Ray Vaughn would have a shout, and more than a handful of votes. But to combine the two I would have to stick to my original five. Now three of those might be up to negotiation,but not Jimi or Roy.
   We all know Jimi Hendrix , the man was a genius, no question there,changed the way people played the six string, what a showman too, setting fire to his guitar, playing with his teeth etc.He wrote songs that will remain classics until we blow up this little planet of ours. Jimi Hendrix was the male sex symbol of his time to boot, liked by all who met him. The man had everything except for enough real friends to keep him alive. If a star ever burnt brighter as it raced across the sky before crashing to earth ,the earth would not have stood it.
   If Roy Buchanan stood at those crossroads with the devil to make a deal , he did not make as good a deal as Jimi did. Oh sure he could play guitar ,by the time he was twelve there was nobody that could touch him. But he certainly never got the looks, stage charisma, writing ability, or the ability to get along with people. If you were a friend of Roy Buchanan you had a loyal friend but if you crossed the man, real or imagined you were written out of the book. Throughout his career he had a reputation as being difficult to get along with ,how much of this was deserved is up to conjecture, but certainly his relationship with Jack Daniels ,does not seemed to have helped matters.Roy Buchanan was found dead in a police cell in his hometown of Reston Virginia, he had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly,and later found dead, the circumstances were considered very suspicious, but like a lot of things will remain a mystery.
   But at the end of the day it is the music that counts ,and when Roy Buchanan picked up a guitar he could make it dance ,sing, or anything.'American Axe' is a fine example of Roy Buchanan live on stage . Backed by friends who were also all superb musicians ( He could not have been all bad) .These recordings are all gems and give you a fair idea of what the man must of been like in concert. The show opens up with the MC introducing Roy Buchanan as the best guitarist to have stepped the boards, and Roy gets up there to prove the guy right.
   The band stretch out on opening song 'Too Many Drivers' in similar style to the way the Rolling Stones would open with ' Jumpin' Jack Flash' just loosening up the band , the rhythm section slips into its groove , and Malcolm Lukens even gets to put in a short solo just to get his fingers going ,before the governor comes in with the first of many guitar breaks that lift the roof off the place. A good place to start , preparing you for what is to come .
   Next up is Roy Buchanan's own 'Roy's Bluz' a walkin',talkin' blues , allowing Roy to rap about how he feels , before hitting out at the audience with some sparkling stun guitar .At nearly nine minutes long Roy Buchanan has plenty of time to tell you what he thinks , and to stun the audience with his guitar, and when he calls out " When I get to hell" with such certainty, the guitar licks that follow it send shivers up and down your arms.' Get Out Of My Life, Woman' is the band giving the blues groove a seventies feel, the only song on the album that is to be more dominated by the keyboards than the guitar, the problem with this band was that they did not have a really talented vocalist amongst them all. As well as the keyboards Malcolm Lukens gets his turn to sing on this number , and while it is not a bad job, you really paid your money to hear Roy Buchanan play guitar.
   'C.C. Rider' is then trundled out for a ten minute workout , where we the paying audience start to get what we paid for Roy Buchanan playing guitar, and although the inclusion of so many covers does show up the weakness in Roy Buchanan's song writing abilities , the old chestnut is turned on its head and the guitarist devours it , taking it from a slow blues to a rip roarin' climax.To bring the emotion level down , but the tempo up we are then treated to quick romp through Dave Bartholomew's 'I Hear You Knockin' . Then it is back to the serious business with ' The Messiah Will Come Again' which is begun by a sombre Roy Buchanan with a spoken introduction,before playing some of the most dramatic guitar on the album, making every note count showing it is not what you play but ,how you play it, a fine centrepiece to the album. On 'Done Your Daddy Dirty' Roy Buchanan turns the tables by reverting to the old adage if you have got it flaunt it , just ripping up the rule book, and shredding his guitar strings for seven solid minutes, by which time the band have given up any hope of keeping up with him, and you feel they would rather just sit back and applaud. This is what Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin wanted to sound like.
   How could Roy Buchanan possibly mess this up by next playing 'Hey Joe'? Well he does , the guitar playing as you would expect is straight out of the top drawer and a fine example to any budding young guitarist. But the vocals are appalling, weak at best, with Roy Buchanan sounding as if he was standing six feet from the microphone. When Jimi Hendrix did Billy Roberts song he sounds as though he means every word of the lyrics, you knew that Jimi was going to shoot his old lady down, here it sounds if the lyrics are being read from a book . The guitar playing is outstanding though, with a nice touch at the end when the band break into a refrain of 'Foxy Lady' to bring the song to a rockin' end with a nice nod to his fallen comrade.
   Perhaps wisely bass player John Harrison then gets his turn at the vocals , as the band thunder through 'Johnny B. Goode' . No complaints here for this , and it is interesting to notice the different way that Buchanan and Hendrix, handled covering these two songs , both differently, but also brilliantly,hard to say who comes out on top in the guitar playing stakes. By now the band are really enjoying themselves and have a party playing ' Further On Up The Road' with Byrd Foster huffing and puffing behind his drum kit as he handles the vocal duties.
   To close the show Roy Buchanan dismantles and then puts back together Don Gibson's 'Sweet Dreams', when people say they heard a guitar sing this is the sort of thing they were talking about.A stunning way to bring the show to it's conclusion.Later Mick Ronson would play his own version of this as the centrepiece to his solo spot whilst touring with Ian Hunter.
   If anyone disagrees with my assessment of the worlds most influential and technical top 5 guitarists have a listen to 'American Axe ' and it may well change your mind.
   Mott the Dog.

3 comments about Live At The Electric Ballroom.

1. If you are reading this then you are probably a Freddie King fan who is familiar with his material. This allows you to hear some classic live stuff. Can't go wrong.



2. freddie king, legendary blues guitarist, lets it rip in this recording. the introduction/interview with freddie is great, but what makes them more than collectable is the two songs that freddie plays on acoustic guitar. he tells his interviewer that he is not an acoustic guitar player, and the guitar becomes a tool in the hands of a master. the live set that follows is unbelieveable. throw in some blues, funk, blues, soul, blues, gospel, and a little more blues, mix them all together and you have an idea of what this set was like. you will find yourself singing along with "let the good times roll". as you hear freddie turning out the licks on his axe, you can hear the sound that has influenced many blues guitarists since. blues fans - add it to your collection. guitar fans - add it to your collection.



3. Great cd for your blues collection. Worth every penny.......
   
   Freddie King is perhaps the most progressive and least known of the three famous "Kings of Blues", Albert and BB King being the other two.
   
   Cd has two in-studio acoustic performances (only known Freddie King acoustic recordings)and a great live 1974 show.