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.
In today's fast changing music industry, it seems the only way to get an audience of any size to come out to your gigs, and do so consistently, is to create a show that they will remember.
Who today would you consider the blues finest showman?
When you say 'showman', The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band come to mind. They live, eat sleep, and breathe their show. It seems to me they have honestly become the act that we see on stage. Their great love of performing the music comes through off stage as well. They have a great appreciation for their audience. The folks are certainly getting a show every single time.
I don't know if showmanship is dead but it's set on autopilot. I don't go to big concerts much anymore. I find myself watching the band on the big screen. It's not worth the money and the hassle.
Im casting my Vote for the only 2 Blues Artists that I have witnessed over the Last 25 years in my short life(im 37 years old) , that TRULY put on a MindBlowing Soulful BLUES Show that is on the same talent Level, creative & excitement Level as Miles Davis,Jimi Hendrix, or Stevie Ray Vaughn=
Love the Trower Daniel - saw him twice, both with James Dewar, and he's STILL fantastic! Sugar Blue was excellent as well - just missed him at Rosa's but hope to catch him soon.
I've seen a few performances lately that were top notch - Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks (both had great walks into the crowd!), and under the subject of anything blue will do - CJ Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band. And they were RED HOT!
Permalink Reply by KAOS on February 20, 2009 at 12:59pm
Buddy Guy is amazing. If you havent seen him GO! I seen him last summer for my first time and was astonished and amazed. He made George Thorogood look like a poser.