Hey there. I have to say that I’m a words-and-music kinda guy. So when an instrumental album comes out, the old pulse rate doesn’t exactly shoot up. But when I listened to Robben Ford’s new album, Pure, my vital signs spiked.
This is an all instrumental album that does that genre-bending thing. You know. Shifting between elements of Blues, Jazz, and Rock. And then pulling them together into something new and tasty. With tasty being the operant word here.
The tone Robben coaxes out of his guitar is glorious. And the lead lines and phrasing he plays soar to some new level. He never seems to run out of musical ideas either. This is some serious ear candy.
Robben Ford has one of the widest and deepest guitar pedegrees you’ll ever see. So after 50 years in the business, he could just be sitting back, resting on his laurels. Just coasting. But instead, he’s cranking out some of his best work ever. Impressive.
The album title pretty much tells you all you need to know about Robben’s playing. Pure is a virtuoso performance that shouldn’t be missed.
Online Corner
Photo by Fabio Comparelli on Unsplash
Every week, I pack my gear and go deep into the Internet to hunt the good stuff. Here’s what I chased down this week.
Joe Bonamassa’s busy-busy on a new album and dropped a video. I spotted some new over-the-ear Audio-Technicaheadphones that made me salivate. And I bumped into a look at Les Paul’s original “Number One” guitar. (Soon to be auctioned off.)
It was a good haul.
Videos
- Joe Bonamassa Sighting: Here’s a new single, “The Heart That Never Waits.” (Does the man ever take a break?)
- Samantha Fish: She’s the complete package. Looking spectacular in a gold lame jacket. Singing live – “Better Be Lonely.”
- Blues Hall Of Fame: Here’s a short 6-minute peek into what the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis is all about.
Articles
- Blues Blast Award Winners: Fans vote for these award winners. Great list for exploring artists on the scene right now.
- Audio-Technica: New, 2nd generation wireless headphones (ATH-M50xBT2). More features than a new car. (@ $179).
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Les Paul’s Personal Guitar: Les’s DIY modifications to his “No. 1” guitar. Interesting; I didn’t know he was such a tweaker.
New Blues Albums
This has been a good week with some top-notch releases.
Robben Ford showed he just keeps getting better and better. Seth James dialed up an album with something for everyone. Southern Avenue proved that they’re a band that needs to be noticed. And Duffmusiq (Damir Demirovic) caught my ear and left me wanting more.
The ears are very happy this week.
Out Now
- Robben Ford: Pure …Instrumental album. His tone! His articulation! Wow! Robben’s guitar playing lives up to the title.
- Seth James: Different Hat …The songwriting and variety on this genre-bending album stand out. A great listen.
- Southern Avenue: Be The Love You Want …Soul Blues with crazy energy and one of the best lead singers around today.
- Duffmusiq: Urban Love …5-song EP of Blues with a Jazz chaser. Some tasty moments. Should have been longer.
Coming Soon
- Altered Five Blues Band: Holler If You Can Hear Me (Sep 3rd)
- Robert Jon & The Wreck: Shine A Light On Me Brother (Sep 3rd)
- Samantha Fish: Faster (Sep 10th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash
Every week I feel like a DJ.
That’s because I string together my favorite discoveries from the week into a little playlist. And then I add that little playlist into my past little playlists for the month. That gives me one big playlist (ATWB: New Blues Playlist.)
Almost 3 hours of new Blues.
Enjoy on Spotify, — and please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Freddie King
You gotta love 60’s TV shows.
This one’s a nationally syndicated show from Dallas, Texas called The !!! Beat. (Yes, that’s how it’s spelled.)
The show didn’t last too long, but it saw its share of great musicians, like Freddie King.
Here Freddie is playing one of his hits “Hide Away.” It’s an instrumental that soared near the top of the R&B charts and became one of those Blues standards every band plays.
Freddie had a one-of-a-kind style and technique. And made it look so damn easy and fun. I love watching his fingers fly!
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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