Michael Locke Keeps The Blues Alive
10.31.05 (2:19 am) [edit]
There is concern among all blues fans about the future of the blues, about who is going to carry the torch. We're all worried.
Whether you play, or listen, if you love high energy, electric blues, then fear not, for Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders have got it covered.
I stumbled upon Michael Locke while reading an internet blues list. I went to his website, and had a listen. I decided to get both of his CDs.
The first CD is You Done Did It. It is a studio effort. With 12 king size tracks, and a mix of original and cover tunes, this disc has you rockin' before you know what hit you. There are some horns mixed in for good measure, which will have you thinking of Albert Collins. Some really great lyrics that will have you thinking of Little Charlie and the Nightcats. It is obvious that Stevie Ray Vaughan is a major influence, but original chops are evident throughout as well. Overall, a really good collection of tunes. This CD is a must have for fans of electric blues.
The second CD, and the latest effort, is a live disc, Michael Locke and The Repeat Offenders Live - Get Offended.
Anyone who knows the blues also knows the best blues are live blues. This CD will blow you away. This is more or less one big extended jam. These guys go to work, and give you what you need, a major fix of the blues. The energy is intense, and the band is really tight. 10 tracks in all, with a couple of original tunes. Lots of Freddie King and Stevie.
Michael Locke is one talented guitar player. The tone and soul ooze from each track. If you love the blues, this is what you have been looking for.
Our blues heroes are getting old, or have moved on. We're fortunate to have players like Michael Locke keeping it alive for us. Show your support, and give him a listen.
You can purchase the music by Clicking Here.
Both Discs -
Rating out of 5: * * * * *
Whether you play, or listen, if you love high energy, electric blues, then fear not, for Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders have got it covered.
I stumbled upon Michael Locke while reading an internet blues list. I went to his website, and had a listen. I decided to get both of his CDs.
The first CD is You Done Did It. It is a studio effort. With 12 king size tracks, and a mix of original and cover tunes, this disc has you rockin' before you know what hit you. There are some horns mixed in for good measure, which will have you thinking of Albert Collins. Some really great lyrics that will have you thinking of Little Charlie and the Nightcats. It is obvious that Stevie Ray Vaughan is a major influence, but original chops are evident throughout as well. Overall, a really good collection of tunes. This CD is a must have for fans of electric blues.
The second CD, and the latest effort, is a live disc, Michael Locke and The Repeat Offenders Live - Get Offended.
Anyone who knows the blues also knows the best blues are live blues. This CD will blow you away. This is more or less one big extended jam. These guys go to work, and give you what you need, a major fix of the blues. The energy is intense, and the band is really tight. 10 tracks in all, with a couple of original tunes. Lots of Freddie King and Stevie.
Michael Locke is one talented guitar player. The tone and soul ooze from each track. If you love the blues, this is what you have been looking for.
Our blues heroes are getting old, or have moved on. We're fortunate to have players like Michael Locke keeping it alive for us. Show your support, and give him a listen.
You can purchase the music by Clicking Here.
Both Discs -
Rating out of 5: * * * * *
Gary Moore and the 2 Alberts
10.27.05 (1:53 am) [edit]
This post will deal with Gary Moore, and more importantly, his concerts, 2 of which included the late, and so great Albert King, and Albert Collins.
The first time I even heard the jam with Albert King and Gary Moore, I was completely blown away.
However, over the last few years, whenever I've looked at it, I've become less and less of a Gary Moore fan. Gary Moore appears to be the classic guy, technically sound, with amazing speed, loud, and absolutely no soul.
When watching this jam, I was disappointed by the lack of respect for Albert King. He was clearly interested only in blowing the great bluesman off the stage. At the start of the jam, Albert holds his jacket open, to more or less cover Moore's guitar neck, and he really isn't smiling. Some might argue that Albert is "hamming it up". I don't see it that way at all. Throughout the tune, Albert is asking the band to turn it down, and sings covering his ear, because they are too damn loud.
Anyway, in the end, I thought that Moore was only interested in over powering the soulful and fabulous Albert King.
Next up, Albert Collins, and as you would expect, the same thing happens. The good news is that Albert is up to the challenge, and meets Gary at center stage twice, in a gunslinger showdown. Those are truly great moments, both in Caledonia, and Too Tired.
All in all, I think it is a good thing Gary went back to the Rock music scene. He isn't cut out for the blues. While he has the chops, he has precious little else. He has an absolutely ridiculous habit of ending every blues song like it is a rock anthem, running back up to the mic during the finale to repeat the chorus line.
I'm sure his intentions were good at the time, but as for Gary Moore, thanks, but I'll pass.
The first time I even heard the jam with Albert King and Gary Moore, I was completely blown away.
However, over the last few years, whenever I've looked at it, I've become less and less of a Gary Moore fan. Gary Moore appears to be the classic guy, technically sound, with amazing speed, loud, and absolutely no soul.
When watching this jam, I was disappointed by the lack of respect for Albert King. He was clearly interested only in blowing the great bluesman off the stage. At the start of the jam, Albert holds his jacket open, to more or less cover Moore's guitar neck, and he really isn't smiling. Some might argue that Albert is "hamming it up". I don't see it that way at all. Throughout the tune, Albert is asking the band to turn it down, and sings covering his ear, because they are too damn loud.
Anyway, in the end, I thought that Moore was only interested in over powering the soulful and fabulous Albert King.
Next up, Albert Collins, and as you would expect, the same thing happens. The good news is that Albert is up to the challenge, and meets Gary at center stage twice, in a gunslinger showdown. Those are truly great moments, both in Caledonia, and Too Tired.
All in all, I think it is a good thing Gary went back to the Rock music scene. He isn't cut out for the blues. While he has the chops, he has precious little else. He has an absolutely ridiculous habit of ending every blues song like it is a rock anthem, running back up to the mic during the finale to repeat the chorus line.
I'm sure his intentions were good at the time, but as for Gary Moore, thanks, but I'll pass.
The Iceman at Mount Fuji - Albert Collins Review
10.25.05 (2:59 am) [edit]
To say that Albert Collins had a unique style would likely be the understatement of the blues century.
I just got this disc in, and I've listened to it about 10 times. It is far and away the best live blues cd I've ever heard.
If you've never listened to Albert Collins, trust me, this is the disc to break the ice with. The horns alone would make this disc worth the listen, but add in the blistering guitar solos by Albert Collins, and Pete Thoennes, and you've got a real blues breaker.
There are 2 versions of Same Old Thing on the disc, also 2 versions of Iceman. The extended jams, and sax and trumpet solos are hot. The Frosty wrap up is the icing on the cake. The only thing that could top this set would be having it on video.
Albert Collins was steeped in soul. His rhythms and intensity made his act one of the most gratifying to hear, and with Albert, you are always left wanting more.
The Master of the Telecaster may well be passed on, but sets such as this one will keep his beat alive for all time.
This disc is available from Fuel Records.
Rating out of 5: * * * * *
coming soon
10.24.05 (2:50 am) [edit]
Stay tuned.
