Regular readers know that I don't air my opinions gratuitously on this blog (or at least I try not to). I remember something an ex-Marine seminarian once said about opinions, comparing them to a body part that everyone has. But here's an opinion that's been rattling around in my psyche for a couple of years. I must get it out. Here it is.
The most ass-kicking recording ever made is "Snake Drive" by R.L. Burnside, with Kenny Brown on slide guitar. It's on R.L.'s album Mr. Wizard, also on the Fat Possum compilation (and appropriately named) Not the Same Old Blues Crap. The liner notes on Mr. Wizard describe Kenny as "the undisputed world-renowned expert on slide-guitar warfare." I agree with the "warfare" part; he attacks the instrument as if possessed by "the Devil with the funky beat." Compared to Kenny, George Thorogood sounds timid.
"Undisputed?" What about John Mooney? I've seen him lay down some pretty sharp slide guitar. Especially back in the day at Madigan's for his SUnday night solo act.
Rebunga
Posted by: rebunga | March 03, 2005 at 09:53 AM
I must confess I'm not an expert here. But I think in the liner-note quote, the operative word for Kenny Brown is "warfare." I don't know who the best slide-guitar player is out there. But I've yet to hear one nearly as aggressive as Kenny Brown.
Posted by: Ray | March 03, 2005 at 04:01 PM