I’d like to take you on musical journey, more specifically my musical journey, from a tiny dweeb with a mix CD of songs downloaded from Kazaa to this post pubescent humanoid interested enough in music to volunteer to write for this esteemed music blog.
I envision this category as an exploration of musical genres that I enjoy, handpicking artists, albums and even specific songs that are part of my musical gospel. These music genres and how I divide and subdivide them are really of my own creation and bear no resemblance to what you may or may not have read on wikipedia. Also, I haven’t decided yet if I will crossover artists between genres. You’ll just have to stay tuned to find that tantalizing bit of knowledge out.
With that administration stuff out of the way, we can now make way on this exploration. I’d like to start with my longest obsession: the blues!
The Blues: Great Guitarists
My guess is if you’re here, you’ve at least heard of the greats. Perhaps you enjoy listening to the Pioneers of Blues, like Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry, the three Kings (BB, Freddie and Albert), Buddy Guy, or Hendrix. Or maybe you rock out with the blues guitarists of the British Invasion, try Jeff Beck, Mr. Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page or Keith Richards. Perhaps, (like myself), you find something really cool about Southern Blues like SRV, Duane Allman, Dickey Betts or Gary Rossington. Those guys are the greats for many reasons but they certainly are not the only great players out there.
I’m sure you’ve heard of a guy named John Mayer. Tall, skinny white dude who only seems like a prick until you actually hear him speak and you can confirm it. Everytime I used to hear the man’s songs I had the sudden and barely controllable urge to break things. Sometimes I still do. However, that doesn’t change the fact that although he may have the voice of a pop singer who injects himself with estrogen, Mr. Mayer plays like a guitar god on steriods with three hands who will be killed painfully when and if he stops playing with a healthy does of skill and soul. Just check out the mans solo and even compare it to the great Eric Clapton’s.
As amazing as some of these guys are, I’ve never wanted to learn to kick ass and take names on guitar more than seeing a guy by the name of Davy Knowles play live. I was standing next to another act, a pretty good guitarist himself by the name of Evan Watson (checkout this video) who was standing there, mouth open, shaking his head as Davy fretted and played with one hand. Check out his album Coming up For Air to understand just how talented he is.
Just watched Davy? The song he just played isn’t actually his. It’s by a guy by the name of Rory Gallagher. I know, wimpy first name, not wimpy player. The bad boys of rock and roll themselves,, those Rolling Stones even asked this guy to play for them. That’s how good. Check out the Irish 74 tour live double album for a legend in tippy top shape.
The Music Court 
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