Showmanship and the Blues
Who is today's finest blues showman?
I was on a thread this evening regarding the late Howlin' Wolf. By all counts on this particular thread, he was one of the Blues finest showmen.
Who today would you consider the blues finest showman?
Is showmanship in this music dead?
I was on a thread this evening regarding the late Howlin' Wolf. By all counts on this particular thread, he was one of the Blues finest showmen.
Who today would you consider the blues finest showman?
Is showmanship in this music dead?
Views: 68
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Eric on -
Well, I'm in agreement with pEr. The man is sitting down through the whole gig, and he's riffing on a three string guitar, but a he's a showman through and through. His songs are just a part of what makes his a fine showman. His stories are an important part of the mix, and a part of what keeps his audience engaged and committed to his work.
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Permalink Reply by Otis Young on -
got to agree with you V.E.
That's who I was gonna reply with before I saw your post.
And...I hope that showmanship is not dead, even though it is lagging. I really think that blues would-could be bigger if there were more showmanship. At least, dress up and have a few lights!!
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Permalink Reply by The Texas Blues Roadhouse ONLINE on -
I think Nick Curran is a joy to watch live. But you gotta love your blues with a mohawk. :)
Another guy that I think is a great showman may not in fact be a blues man, although some of his songs skirt the edges. James Hunter. I saw the end of his American tour earlier this year in Austin. Best live show I've ever seen. If he comes through your town, don't miss it. Believe me.
Michael
Mike & The Majestics
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Permalink Reply by Dick Deluxe on -
"Is showmanship in this music dead?"
No way-at least as long as Bobby Rush, Carl Sims, Birdlegg, Marvin Sease and many others are still working. In fact nearly all the famous artists working today have an element of showmanship or they wouldn't be working. Buddy Guy is a showman, BB King is still a showman albeit sitting down... Very MUCH alive I'd say.
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Permalink Reply by Doc Stevens on -
Show man ship may not be dead but it is getting sick. Here is what I see. Too many poeple done tookin dancin lessons so they look like major etts or something. It is called corey odd graphy to teach em how to move and wave arms aroun d so it is all false, a song an some dance steps but it aint real or from the heart. Micheal Jackson want to be's. That is not in blues but more in country what is so called country being playe d by city boys in cowboy hats.
In blues is much better because blues is more from heaert and is more free to let music move you like you can in a pentycostal church what can be good if you doin it for the Lord. Bkues is not so comercial so their is more reakl poele playin becasue they love it an their audence. And the dancin dont have to be so good if you are doin moves. It is more like doing grooves.
Last thing is in blues the show is more the singer or player themself as a person which is what makes the show. Stories fromn the road and reponding to people what are in the audence if they talk and maybe the story behind that song an why you are singing it. All is part of what make a good blues show. Even more than bein a good player if by that you mean playin real fast licks which I do not, I am better at keeping a very good rythm and makin people tap their feet clap there hands and wag bthere heads.
Doc.
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Permalink Reply by Mike "Mojo" Henson on -
I gotta put my "two=cents" worth in --- :-)
Personally, I think John Hammond has just unreal showmanship. Every show of his I have been to has been like going to church! He has a passion that is real and you can tell it is all from his soul.
One other person I think that has great showmanship is Tab Benoit. Another "real deal". I have seen him numerous times and each show is great!
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Permalink Reply by Eric Cruise on -
If you've ever seen a Tommy Castro show , I'm sure you'd list him as a "showman" as well. I think that it's always been a small percentage of musicians that actually "excell" at public performance. Many great performers have just mediocre musicianship skills, and many superb players are just not into putting on a show. I had a friend who was an extremely gifted guitarist , with skills far superior to mine...but his bands always sucked live. He'd be playing this amazing stuff...while standing there like a statue ignoring everyone else. Great player...lousy performer. There are lots of 'em :)
E.C.
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Permalink Reply by Blue Plate Special on -
I agree with the above comment- that showmanship by itself is to often mixed with mediocre music. However my pick is B.B. King still for the mix of a great showman and Quality. If it's red hot stage presence and good music check out a Tommy McCracken show in Chicago sometime!
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Fedora on -
Id have to vote the Wolf as the best ever as the tradition of showmanship..... but I have a couple current favorites... The Sauce Boss has among the most vibrant show I've seen and more hooks and baits than a trout line..and cooks a mean pot of gumbo for the audience while story telling over and endless boogie.. Also there is an up and comer, Victor Wainwright... he play's at Wet Willies in Beale St. most nights of the week and is a fine show man and a great human being... He's got something at 25 yrs of age that BB has at 80. True story!
The more I think about it, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials ain't shy either.
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