Blues Reviews

Albert Collins Live 92-93 (CD)

Albert Collins, the master of the Telecaster. This CD is chock full of outstanding performances from 1992 - 1993 and even though he knew he was dieing of cancer during the 93 shows he still plays with gusto and passion. There are some great tracks here and personal favorites include Iceman, If You Love Me (Like You Say) and Travelln' South. Heck, personal favorites are the whole album! His trademark icepick attack and stinging solo tone is fantastic. Even when he is just playing one note over and over it sends shivers up my spine. The backing groups are truly great aswell, giving Albert just the right groove to shine. As the man says "You can't take it with you, thats one thing for sure. Ain't nothin' in this world woman that a little old Collins shuffle can't cure." well, can't really say anything more can you?

5/5

Fleetwood Mac - Madison Blues Live (CD)

Not sure if you can still buy this one, I found it in a sale at HMV for £2.99, a bargain. You may be able to pick it up in sales or bargain bins. It is a great blast from Fleetwood Macs bluesy past. I think Fleetwood Mac were one of the best British blues bands of their time and the guitar playing of Peter Green is exeptional. Most of their well known tracks are here, Black Magic Woman, Green Manalishi, Oh Well but no Need Your Love So Bad, shame. I don't know where this was recorded but the sound quality is pretty good considering some of these sort of cheap albums. Guitarists could learn a thing or two from Peters sparse and melodic playing, a few notes often says more than a million. An oldie but a goodie!

4/5

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band - Trouble is...(CD)

I think this is Kenny Wayne Shepherds second release, the first was Leadbetter Heights if my memory serves me right. For a guy who was only in his very early 20s when he recorded this the playing is surprisingly mature. It has a Stevie Ray Vaughn feel to it, not surprisingly when he was one of his influences. It's nice also to see a cover of a less covered Hendrix track, I Don't Live Today. Whenever I listen to this the guitar playing blows me away, what is this guy going to sound like when he hits 50? A good buy for blues fans who like hot and fiery blues in the Hendrix/SRV mould. I would like to see this guy live as I never got to see SRV before he sadly passed away. I think KWS will go on to get his own sound and style as his career blossoms and not just be put aside as a SRV clone.

4/5