Who's your favourite "Blues" guitarist?

I don't know how cooperative Sony will be with two Stevie sacd's (only) and 180gram vinyl issues. I happen to be listening to CSTW on vinyl,aside from the surface noise it is quite good,I'd say better than the sacd.

 

John Mayall? I'll agree with his choise of guitarists , Eric Clapton,Mick Taylor, Peter Green. Rhythm Section Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Mark- Almond

 

Small clarification here: Even though I consider Eric Clapton & Mick Taylor great guitar players, I don't consider them blues guitar players. I would consider them heavily blues influenced though. Peter Green I do consider a blues guitar player as I have found him to have stayed with it more so than Clapton & Taylor throughout the span of their carrers. When I listed John Mayall, I was particularly thinking of 2 albums: The Blues Alone & The Turning Point where John played most if not all the guitar parts on them. For me, as it relates to John Mayall it's not about the lead work, it's his rhythm playing and how it works so perfectly into the song. As for lead playing, well that's why John always had the best hired guns and as a result made some reals masterpieces. For anyone who hasn't checked out The Blues Alone & The Turning Point, I highly recommend them. For my ears they are as good as the Bluesbreakers albums.

Best - Ed

 

Ummm Martin, I was actually refering to the two Steve's being SRV and Steve Hoffman.

 

B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, Roy Rogers, Mike Bloomfield, Peter Green

 

Billy Gibbons.

 

Elmore James is my favorite blues guitarist - and vocalist.

 

Buddy Guy.

 

Only 1 Lonnie Mack mention??? Shame, shame - I cast four votes for my favorite homestate Hoosier howler - how many folks like SRV and Eric Clapton have said how great a player he is? Not enough in my book - go dig up those superb Ace UK comps and crank 'em up - mmmmmmmmmmm, gooooooooooood pickin'!!!!

 

Indy Mike,

I whole heartedly agree with you on Lonnie Mack. He's one of my favorites. I left him off my list as I don't consider him a "full time" blues guitarist, though heavily blues influenced. It's just that throughout his carrer he's also done country (Pismo & Home At Last) and R & B. The Memphis Wham collection on Ace is an absolute essential. I know Stevie got a lot of licks off of his early Fraternity sides ! He really mixes the blues & rock together well on his 3 Alligator CD's. Great tunes from a great guitar player !

Best - Ed

 

Ed, very insightful thoughts - I'll also add that Lonnie is one SOULFUL singer, regardless of the material. I've seen him live 3 times and never been disappointed - just be prepared for when he gets to Memphis, as it's played about triple time and you'll be wanting to hear it again! Have you snagged the most recent comp? I don't live in Cincinnati anymore and don't have easy store access anymore to imports...

 

Albert King
Mike Bloomfield
Elmore James
E.C. - when plays the blues it's hard to beat him like on E.C Was Here

 

Hi ED,
Eric and Mick are Blues players first, before they evolved into rock icons. I have not listened to Mayall's other albums that closely,but for me the lead break is like the "punchline" of the song. Take the lead break of the yardbird's I ain't got you or the rhythm pickup les paul break of hartly's song (I think thats the name of it). Those are pure blues guitar magic moments .
Regards
Martin

 

So was I
Martin