Record Reviews

STEVE RAY VAUGHAN / DOUBLE TROUBLE ~ TEXAS FLOOD (LEGACY EDITION) EPIC 886978302427 (Barcode: 886978302427) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1983 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by American guitarist / vocalist / composer Steve Ray VaughanFind albums by this artist and his group Double TroubleFind albums by this artist, a power trio which also included bassist Tommy ShannonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris LaytonFind albums by this artist. This is one of the few history-changing albums, which brought on the 1980s Blues revival, when this musical genre was slowly being forced out by the awful Pop "music", which was taking over the front stage, and in fact never stopped since. Vaughan and his group presented a fresh look at the Century-old music, which peaked two decades earlier with the electric guitar heroes of the Rock revolution all being deeply indebted to Blues. He successfully, although probably subconsciously, amalgamated the Afro-American Blues tradition with the electrified Blues-Rock and Rock, and spiced it up with his absolutely amazing virtuosity, which left hordes of fans open-mouthed. Vaughan died tragically in a helicopter crash at a ridiculous young age of 35, after recording just five albums, which makes if very difficult to make any assumptions as to his overall contribution to the Blues-Rock genre. In retrospect his albums are full of brilliant guitar solos and heartbreaking Blues vocals, which are a lasting legacy completely immune to the passing time. Vaughan´s deep respect and love of the music played by Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist and his interpretations of Hendrix material are particularly memorable. This new edition adds a second CD with a previously unreleased live recording, which includes some material from the debut album and a few other tunes, including three Hendrix songs. This is an absolute must to all Blues-Rock fans, as Vaughan takes no prisoners here and his guitar is simply red hot. Guitar heaven!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

STEVE RAY VAUGHAN / DOUBLE TROUBLE ~ THE COMPLETE EPIC RECORDINGS COLLECTION EPIC 888430914223 (Barcode: 888430914223) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1980 - 1989 Released: 2014 This wonderful Box Set collects all the recordings made by American guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Steve Ray VaughanFind albums by this artist and his band Double TroubleFind albums by this artist, recorded for the EpicFind albums on this label label. It includes the four studio albums they recorded and a plethora of live material recorded between 1980 and 1989. Remastered, repackaged in original albums mini sleeves and expanded, this is an absolute must to every Blues-Rock enthusiast on this planet and an iconic statement of 20th Century American Culture. Steve Ray Vaughan passed briefly trough our sky, dazzling like a comet and burning intensely, moving out of sight way too quickly. He completely shook the stagnant American Blues and Blues-Rock scene, quickly becoming the top Blues guitarist of the 1980s. The tragic accident in 1990, which claimed his life, was a terrible blow and a tragedy for the genre, which never truly recovered to this very day. In many ways Vaughan was the last of the great Blues-Rock heroes, who spearheaded the scene since the 1960s, and firmly belongs to the Pantheon of such Blues guitar luminaries like Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist and Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist. Blues always was a music based on deep feeling rather than virtuosic proficiency, but Vaughan combined these two, personalizing the "perfect" Blues player. His guitar work especially that heard on the so called "slow" Blues pieces is simply unparalleled. Blues is also meant to be played live, as is most of the material included here, which makes it an authentic document of what he played on stage and spontaneously created in front of the listeners. Personally I´m less thrilled with Vaughan´s ability to perfectly impersonate Jimmy Hendrix; I believe the Hendrix pieces were simply a means to get a wider attention from the audiences. But of course those were a minor chapter of his total output and the enormous wealth of his original material and personal interpretations of classic Blues songs stand out and form a proud legacy, which is everlasting. Considering the fact that Blues influenced and in many respects conceived not only Jazz but also large parts of Rock and Pop, it deserves to be remembered and cherished. Listening to the music included in this Box Set is an excellent way to do just that. It is essential Blues-Rock heritage and no serious record collection should miss it this among its components. Blues heaven indeed!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 12 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend