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

JOHNNY WINTER ~ THE PROGRESSIVE BLUES EXPERIMENT CAPITOL 66568 (Barcode: 724386656827) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2005 This is the first professional recording by the legendary US Blues-Rock guitarist Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist. Although recorded in 1967, it was released only two years later, when Winter signed with ColumbiaFind albums on this label and released his sensational debut album on that label, in attempt to "catch a ride" on his fame. Nevertheless this is a superb recording by itself and presents Winter already at the top of his powers, playing here in a trio setting with bassist Tommy ShannonFind albums by this artist and drummer Red TurnerFind albums by this artist. There are only very few guitar players as good as Winter, when it comes to playing the Blues and mixing it with Rock, so this is simply a classic of the genre and an absolute must for every Blues-Rock fan.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend