A real feast for guitar students last night, National Steel maestro Bob Brozman, living legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott, the venerable Bob Margolin, a brisk Coco Montoya and the King of the Blues all showed different shades of playing at the heart of the genre. Elliott went into the songbook of Blind Willie Johnson under the stewardship of Joe Henry for our gospel offering and ample proof why his latest album got such positive comments in the latest Living Blues magazine.
Ahead of release on this side of the pond there were tracks from Keb Mo's live project released on his own label - and a beautifully controlled piece from Debbie Davies. The Blues Leaf imprint is responsible for a slew of quality releases, we recently had Albert Castiglia and last night Sandy Mack gave us a cover of "It's My Life Baby". And next week we'll hear from Todd Wolfe's new album. Hot on the news of her success as Best Female Artist at last Thursday's Blues Blast Awards, I played the title track off Robin Rogers' fine Blind Pig album.
On the piano Kenny Blues-Boss Wayne held his end up from his debut on Andy Griggs' Real Blues label and the ever-youthful Gary US Bonds provided a neat reminder of his triumph at Cambridge Corn Exchange on Saturday night as guest vocalist with the Bill Wyman Rhythm Kings - he must have a picture in his attic as the intensity level went up two notches each time he hit the stage.
Sadly we marked the death on Friday of Norton Buffalo, a name not as well known as his talent and influence deserved - his 180 appearances on albums by Bonnie Raitt, Doobie Brothers, Johnny Cash and Steve Miller also included a few of his own and the track we chose last night.
Your company was much appreciated and I hope we can spend more time together next Sunday at ten on 107.9FM for Cambridge, Ely and the Fens - streaming live from www.star107.co.uk for the world. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
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