Yeah great stuff. Stevie has always been a huge influence on me and even though I'm not an SRV wannabe anymore I find myself throwing in a lot of his little licks and inflections when I play. He also used to talk a lot about playing from the heart instead of the head which has helped me get out of my own head and more into the music as I learn to think less and less about what I'm playing and just let it flow.
It's also cool to listen to Albert and Freddie King and hear how much of their playing style Stevie borrowed. If you've ever learned SRV licks then you probably inadvertently also learned some Freddie/Albert King stuff .
It's also cool to listen to Albert and Freddie King and hear how much of their playing style Stevie borrowed. If you've ever learned SRV licks then you probably inadvertently also learned some Freddie/Albert King stuff .
Very true! I had the good fortune to see Albert King perform before he passed and I remember having the same experience. I said "Wow, THAT'S where SRV got that lick!" over and over. Not that he swiped without attribution; he always claimed Albert as his "musical daddy." And he took those licks and added his own unique vibe to them. Stevie could connect phrases together probably better than any other blues player ever and just play an endless kaleidoscope of licks that never sounded repetitive or boring. But he went through Albert, Freddie, Hubert Sumlin, Jimi and others to get there...the way you're supposed to do it.
I noticed he cuts a small boost pedal in and out as he sings to rip licks in between his vocals. Really apparent on the second cut and a great idea to push your guitar up in between lines.
It's also cool to listen to Albert and Freddie King and hear how much of their playing style Stevie borrowed. If you've ever learned SRV licks then you probably inadvertently also learned some Freddie/Albert King stuff .
Very true! I had the good fortune to see Albert King perform before he passed and I remember having the same experience. I said "Wow, THAT'S where SRV got that lick!" over and over. Not that he swiped without attribution; he always claimed Albert as his "musical daddy." And he took those licks and added his own unique vibe to them. Stevie could connect phrases together probably better than any other blues player ever and just play an endless kaleidoscope of licks that never sounded repetitive or boring. But he went through Albert, Freddie, Hubert Sumlin, Jimi and others to get there...the way you're supposed to do it.
It's also cool to listen to Albert and Freddie King and hear how much of their playing style Stevie borrowed. If you've ever learned SRV licks then you probably inadvertently also learned some Freddie/Albert King stuff .
Very true! I had the good fortune to see Albert King perform before he passed and I remember having the same experience. I said "Wow, THAT'S where SRV got that lick!" over and over. Not that he swiped without attribution; he always claimed Albert as his "musical daddy." And he took those licks and added his own unique vibe to them. Stevie could connect phrases together probably better than any other blues player ever and just play an endless kaleidoscope of licks that never sounded repetitive or boring. But he went through Albert, Freddie, Hubert Sumlin, Jimi and others to get there...the way you're supposed to do it.
I have very polarized feelings about Stevie.
1. On the down side, his 'standard' blues stuff and earlier work is very derivative of many other well known players. Don't get me wrong, it is solid, but too much parrotting for my taste.
2. On the up side, his 'original' material is very interesting and heartfelt. The link to the Daytona concert doesn't have much originality IMO. Songs like Lenny and Riveria Paradise are great examples of Stevie showing is true self. Also, some of the songs on Family Style seem to be closer to that than his earlier work. I think he was really starting to find his true self just before he passed.
Sometimes one needs to just sit and listen not analysis everything.
Mark, point well taken. Before I started playing music, it was much easier to just sit and listen. Not so much for the past 35 years or so.
The link was provided for listening pleasure only.
You didn't mention that in your original post. Obviously, Stevie analyzed the hell out of Albert, Freddie, and a quite a few other guitarists. So, I don't consider analysis out of line in any way whatsoever. In fact, it is the hallmark of every great musician I have ever known.