criteeker's Full Review: Damn Right, I've Got the Blues by Buddy Guy
Okay, so I hugged Buddy when I met him. Musicians impress me and I'm rarely at a loss for words. But when I met B.B. King and then Buddy Guy, I was a tongue-twisted fool.
My title is fitting, since Jimi Hendrix used to go see Buddy Guy play every chance he got. The line in Jimi's song is "Scuze me, while I kiss the sky." I always thought it was 'kiss this guy.' Until you found out what it really was - How many of you thought that too?
The CD's artwork is simple. On the cover is Buddy (in close up) at the mic. On the back cover is an uninteresting shot of Buddy lookin down. Inside, is a powerful image of a headset-wearing Buddy at the mic - hands in the air. It captures the very essence of Buddy's personality and vocal power. Still another image captures his left hand on his guitar - in close-up. You can see his bling-bling ring "BLUES." It's located on his wedding ring finger - one could surmise that he's married to the blues. Damn right!
~ M U S I C I A N S ~
Buddy Guy: vocals, electric guitar
Greg Rzab: bass
Richie Hayward: drums
Neil Hubbard: guitar
Mick Weaver: piano, keyboards
Pete Wingfield: piano
Sid Gauld: trumpet
Neil Sidwell: trombone
John Porter: guitar
and the Memphis Horns
With Special Guests: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler.
~ P L A Y L I S T ~
"Damn Right, I Have the Blues" (4:31) Look out, now! I love this in-your-face blues tune lead by the screams of Buddy's guitar. The heartbeat-like drum and bass tracks keep the pulse thumpin'. "You're damn right I've got the blues from my head down to my shoes. You know I can't win, people, 'cause I don't have a thing to lose." Who says the blues is all about the depressing times? This tune rocks! (5 stars out of 5)
"Where Is the Next One Coming From" (4:37) Here's a John Haitt blues tune with a whole lot of Gospel all over it. The Hammond organ, a chorus a back-up singers and a horn section make things even more magical. Dire Straits front man, Mark Knopfler, lends his guitar talents on this track. (4 stars out of 5)
"Five Long Years" (8:26) What an amazing blues tune - done so well too! Buddy does this Eddie Boyd song much justice. His screeching guitar licks and wailing voice add the fire power this song has never had. He sounds like a preacher man up on the pulpit. I can imagine what a church sermon lead by Rev. Guy would be like. The piano and organ seasoning is a wonderful flavor to this slow blues tune. "Lord, If ya ever been mistreated, then you got to know, got to know just what I'm talkin about. Lord, I worked five long years for one woman, and she had the nerve to put me out. I got a job at a steel mill, I'm chuckin' steel just like a slave. Five long years and I went straight home. Been mistreated and you got to, you got to know just what I'm talkin' about. Lord, but I found another lesson, I shouldda known long time ago, that the next woman I marry she gotta have two jobs, she gotta work hard and bring home some dough. Lord, If ya ever been mistreated, then you got to know, got to know just what I'm talkin about. Lord, I worked five long years for one woman, and she had the nerve to put me out." Powerful tune! (5 stars out of 5)
"Mustang Sally" (4:39) Sir Mack Rice wrote it, Wilson Pickett made it famous and another rendition was featured in the film, "The Commitments." A real toe-tappin' tune complete with buddy's screechin' guitar and equally high-pitched vocals. It's complete with background chorus girls too. "Ride, Sally ride!" (5 stars out of 5)
"There Is Something On Your Mind" (3:11) A slow blues tune complete with Buddy at his wailing best. The horn section is a welcome seasoning. "If you ever think about me, if I ever cross your mind, I want you to know, want you to know, oh oh oh, I want you to know that you're mine." The piano, drums, and sax add to the atmosphere with perfection. (4.5 stars out of 5)
"Early in the Morning" (3:11) Now, here's a treat. Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck sit in on this blues jam. "I went to the place we used to go, I went to her house and she don't live there no more. Early in the morning (and the chorus girls sing "Early in the morning"), I got nothin' but the blues." What a wonderful treat to hear all three guitars wail in blues euphoria! (5 stars out of 5)
"Too Broke To Spend the Night" (5:03) We've all been there and Buddy let's us know he has too. "I pawned my watch and I pawned my diamond rings. You know I'm trying to ride this raggedy bike, and I don't even have a dog-gone chain. I'm catchin' hell yeah I'm catchin' hell, and people, you know that ain't right. I'm so broke right now, that I can't even spend the night." Ouch! Even his guitar seems to be cryin'. (5 stars out of 5)
"Black Night" (7:46) A lone piano cries while an organ, soft drums and a mellow guitar console it in this Jessie Robinson tune. "I have no one to talk with, to tell my troubles to. My baby gone and left me, someone tell me what more, what more can I do. Black night has fallen, oh how I hate to be alone." The bulk of the tune is an instrumental that'll make the strong weep the blues - 'cause we've all been there. (4.5 stars out of 5)
"Let Me Love You Baby (3:58) The master, Willie Dixon, wrote the up-tempo tune. Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Thorogood did it justice, and Buddy makes it the gem that it is. "Baby when you walk, you shake just like willow tree. Baby, a girl like you, makes a fool of me." Ain't it the truth! Look out now! (5 stars out of 5)
"Rememberin' Stevie" (6:57) This song holds a special place in my heart. Stevie Ray Vaughan died on my birthday on a hot August night. Like so many others, Buddy weeps for him through the magic of his guitar. This tune captures the essence of SRV's style and passion. If you know SRV's music, this tune will be even more powerful for you. Thank you, Mr. Guy - for bringing this tune to our ears and hearts. RIP SRV! (5 stars out of 5)
Final Thoughts: This is BY FAR one of Buddy's best projects over all. It's perfect for driving, playin pool, doing housework and much more.
Produced in 1991 for Silvertone Records catalog #1462-2-J
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