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OzHeavyThrobberThe lists many have posted here are superb no doubt (Rockman you even made me go searching for a few of the numbers you listed and I loved everyone of them so thank you) but does it seem that nobody else here really digs more "contemporary" blues or blues that isn't steeped in the origins of it?
I'm glad I find the genre in a lot of music that isn't considered classic blues as it to me tells me that the blues one way or another is continuing to thrive albeit not as obviously as you'd find on a John Lee Hooker cd. Gotta admit from seeing Rockman's list I never realised so many blues dudes were blind
I'm a big fan of current blues. Also a fan of the revivalist stuff from the 60's. I love the early electric blues of the 40's & 50's INCLUDING the jump blues/early r&b that Louis Jordan, etc. were doing. The 20's & 30's stuff that inspired all the rest were great as well. About the only era of blues that I’m not a “fan” of are the late 70’s and 80’s but that has less to do with the music than the production of the recordings. Like you, I’m glad that I can find enjoyment in the modern blues. It makes me optimistic that my band and my tastes may not be exclusive to myself and my friends.
The hardest thing about threads like these is the fact that the newer stuff hasn't had the benefit of age to mature in our collective/individual appreciation. At least that's one of the major obstacles in my mind. Example: While I may know that I love Keb' Mo's "Slow Down" or John Hammond's "Wicked Grin" albums, I don't know that I'd list them among classic blues albums that I would say everyone should own. Does that make sense?
Another thing that makes this kind of exercise difficult to include newer material is the fact that the newer stuff tends to be considered as "not authentic" therefore it doesn't get discussed in "general" settings. It's easy to defend posting pre-1950's blues tunes as they will very rarely get questioned as to their "authenticity". Post something from today and it's very easy for someone to accuse another of posting "blues-rock" or "soul" or "r&b". Much of what I consider to be blues can easily also be considered as "rock & roll", "soul", "r&b", etc. In a forum like this, I'd rather not have to defend myself when someone comes back and says "that's not real blues, it's soul". As a result, I'd rather abstain from the conversation than deal with the hassle/argument. Wouldn't surprise me if a few others think along the same lines.
OK. That should be enough of my rambling. How about some current/modern tunes/artists that may end up being considered part of the “greatest”
Samuel James is somewhat of a traditionalist. There are times that he can “scare” me in a way that I imagine is similar to the way Robert Johnson “scarred” KR, Clapton, etc.
North Mississippi Allstars are among my favorites from ANY era in ANY genre:
I didn’t know you could wear out a CD but I’m on my 3rd copy of this one:
Time to get back to work!
Peace,
Mr DJA