I want to listen to blues with alot of guitar but no talking/singing. Contrary to the whole cult of guitar hero worship, blues is a vocal music. most of the purely instrumental artists are exercising their egos. Having said that, there are instumental/primarily instrumental pieces by most of the giants of blues guitar. Rev. Gary Davis recorded many instrumentals, and everyone from Buddy Guy to SRV to Blind Blake included some instrumentals. T-Bone Walker recorded some astonishingly inventive and individual tunes without vocals. I would suggest trying some of these people to get a feel for what style of blues/guitar playing speaks to you and then posting another question for more suggestions in that style.
GOOD LUCK :) Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Guy, Roy Buchanan Robert Johnson-Billie Holiday-John Lee Hooker-Lead Belly. I recommend Ronnie Earl, especially his later albums like "Healin' Time," "I Feel Like Going On," and "Now My Soul." There is some singing on those instrumental-dominated albums, but if you go to itunes store and preview, you can pick and choose your favorites. Duke Robillard is another good one. These two did an album together called "Duke Meets the Earl" which also has a lot of instrumentals. A little bit older is the great Freddie King, who did an entire instrumental album, all classics, "Just Pickin'." Guitar Rag - Sylvester Weaver
St. Louis Blues - W.C. Handy
West Coast Blues - Blind Blake
A Handful of Riffs - Lonnie Johnson and Eddie Lang
Guitar Blues - Lonnie Johnson
Guitar Chimes - Blind Blake Hi,
That's a dangerous question to ask a guitar player! : - )
For maximum Blues Guitar, and minimum singing, I would recommend the following:
1) Anything by "Derek Trucks". This is mostly slide playing, but it is absolutely phenominal.
2) "Lenny" By Stevie Ray Vaughan
3) "Riviera Paradise" By Stevie Ray Vaughan
4) "Stang's Swang" By Stevie Ray Vaughan - It's more of a "Jump" Blues witha Jazz touch, not few can do better than him on this track. Personally, I think that Stevie Ray Vaughan's singing is highly underrated. More than any other great guitarist who sings, not only does his singing NOT get in the way of his playing, but I think it is quite inspirational and soulful. The whole "White guys can't sing the blues" is bullshit. I am black, and I never believed that for one second. Yes, there are more Black Blues singers out there who seem to make a connection with people, but that doesn't mean that someone who is white cannot make the same connection. In my opinion, Stevie was a damm good Blues Singer.
5) Anythinig by Robben Ford - Unfortunately, he does sing on about half the songs he does, and it is not his strong point, but his guitar playing is more than worth the compromise. Incredibly tasty playing here.
6) Gary Moore - Again, he insists on singing, and that is not his strong suit. His playing is a bit "Macho" for my taste, but if you like aggressive Blues Rock guitar, he is without doubt, one of the better players out there. He also played with Thin Lizzy back in the late 70's and early 80's.
7) Kenny Wayne Sheppard - He is cearly heavily influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, and I think that it is in some ways his greatest weakness because he is not as unique as he could be. But, nonetheless, very very good guitar player. If you like Stevie, and want to hear a more aggressive approach to that style with some rock thrown in, then he is worth a listen. He does sing a bit (or maybe he has a lead singer, not 100% sure about that).
8) Joe Bonamassa - Again, some gratuitous singing, but this guy is very very good. He is more versatile than
Kenny Wayne Sheppard.
9) Duane Allman - Of course, there is alot of singing on any Allman Brothers song, but there is also alot (a LOT) of jamming and great spaces of no singing. Duane was mostly a slide player, and one of the best of all time (Derek Trucks was clearly influenced by him). Definitely worth listening to, although other styles are infused, such as Jazz, etc..
10) Jimi Hendrix - Plenty of stuff out there with minimal singing. Check out the CD "Jimi Hendrix Blues". Recommended.
I'm sure I'm just scratching the surface here, but these are a few off the top of my head. If you would like more recommendations, please feel free to contact me via my guitar website: http://www.american-guitarist.com
Happy Listening!
Kevin Chisholm - American Guitarist Check out Kenny Burrell. Kind of Jazz/Blues, but excellent guitar playing. T- Bone Walker & Jr. Walker ( sax & guitar ) + Little Toby Walker ( accoustic & Steel National guitar ) + Conrad Oberg ( Electric & accoustic guitar ) + Elmore James ( Electric guitar ) |
