I am the product of abundant consummation of cheestrings and Barqs Root Beer, having read far too many Archie comics for my own good, and raised in middle class suburbia. I am not a grizzled, slightly above middle age, southern black man with a glaring story to tell. What constitutes my incessant worshiping of the blues? I could not tell you. If you happen to be of the few who not only know about this blog, but for some reason follow it as well (thank you), you may have come to realize that I feel a certain kinship to the blues. The raunchier, the dirtier, the rawer the better. I have a problem with calling just about everything the blues. "Oh, damn, that is a mean guitar riff... that's the blues", "Listen to the drawl in his voice, the longing and wantonness... so bluesy", or the worst "I love this song. It's so good.... I can't quite classify what it sounds like, but it sounds like the blues." I have a problem, I know this. Despite what it may seem like at times, I do know that not everysingle type of music is a certain form of the blues. I just love it, OK?
I've read many music analysis papers, and commentary and the overwhelming sense I get is that blues is dying. Really, that is an absurd statement. I recently read that "[...] it is unfortunate that new blues cannot be created". I'm not entirely sure what that particular writer meant by that statement. While I am endowed with adoration for the classic blues, works of: Clapton, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, The Jeff Beck Group, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, B.B King, I find that "new blues" are most prominent now than they have been in the past 10-15 years. Blues supergods will continue to create masterful pieces of work. But when I think "new blues", I think of artists who possibly weren't in their twenties in the 60's or 70's.
In response to the ignorance of non "new blues" believers, I wanted to share with you my three most recent favorite "new blues" albums:
I will not, I refuse to go too much into my ramped love for the Black Keys, it is unfair to Dan Auerbach's solo endeavor. I will say though, that I am convinced that the Black Keys, are perfection, together and apart. Keep It Hid is fantastic. The first time I listened to this album was while riding the bus after work. The first song I listened to was Goin' Home. I remember feeling like I was on the verge of bawling my eyes dry. It wasn't necessarily the lyrics, it was because what I was listening to right then, amidst a crowd of smelly strangers was wholly beautiful and real. For a moment I developed a faith I never had before. I had found refuge in this song, in this album. Dan Auerbach is incredible- this album is incredible.
In the latest issue of Rolling Stone a man named Gary Clark Jr. earned himself the title 'Best Young Gun'. Beneath the inscription read the words "This Texas hip-hop-head could be the future of the blues". I read the short blurb about Clark, and found out that Eric Clapton discovered this guy on youtube. Talk about credibility. Gary Clark Jr. has a very appealing voice, and the music he creates is smooth. This self-titled album has an added soulful feel to it. It is an outstanding venture into bluesdom.
The latest album from Amos Lee is honest. The authenticity of Mission Bell is undisputed. With the risk of sounding quite country at times, I am under the conviction that this is a blues album. It does not remind me of classic blues, but that isn't what we're talking about, we're talking about "new blues" and this is faultless, sensational new blues. {Amos Lee will also be playing at Bonnaroo!}
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