R.I.P Lazy Lester

 Back at the end of April I spent the day at Jazz Fest (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival). It was hot and the sun was blazing like it does on a lot of Spring and Summer days.  I  had ducked into the Blues Tent and Kenny Neal was playing and he is always worth catching. Anyway during his set he brought out a couple of special guests, one was the then 84 year old blues singer and harmonica master Lazy Lester. In the 50s Lester had recorded with blues legends such as Slim Harpo and Lightnin' Hopkins. Obviously he had his own recording career as well. I was able to witness him on stage just by chance a few months ago. Yesterday, Lazy Lester passed away at the age of 85. The picture is one I snapped.

Here is some vintage Lester from 1958 "Sugar Coated Love"

Here is Lazy Lester with Jimmie Vaughan and Johnny Nicholas with "Blues Stop Knockin' at my Door"

Here he is with Slim Harpo  "My Home is a Prison"

"They Call Me Lazy"

I am glad I got to catch him. May he is rest in peace.

Stevie Ray Vaughan: Gone 25 years

25 years ago today back on August 27, 1990 Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash and the world lost one  heck of a guitar player. It was a sad day for me and my music loving friends. Stevie Ray Vaughan was quite popular among the folks I hung out with. He was leading a blues rock revival and his music was frequently heard over the radio. I marked the 20th anniversary of his death with a simple blog post, My blogging skills progressed and I added another tribute the following year including him performing "Little Wing" and "Pride and Joy." You can visit that post here.

This time I would like to share a song his brother did as a tribute to Stevie called "Six Strings Down"..

Yes his brother Jimmie Vaughan is a good guitarist who I have seen with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and solo opening for the likes of Eric Clapton and B.B. King, However, he never reached the popularity of his younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan. Stevie's passing was a "Cold Shot"...

I don't think there is another guitarist who could play Jimi Hendrix like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In a past post I shared Stevie performing "Little Wing." This time around I will share Stevie doing "Voodoo Chile"..

Let's keep the "House a Rockin'" as we celebrate the late Stevie Ray Vaughan..

I'm going to wrap this celebration with "Couldn't Stand the Weather"..

Thanks for visiting my Stevie Ray Vaughan celebration. I hope you enjoyed. What are your favorite Stevie Ray Vaughan songs? Memories? Feel free to share in the comments, I will be back soon with a new post.

A to Z Challenge: King of the Blues BB King

I used J for Joni Mitchell because she had health problems that put her in the hospital since the challenge started. The great B.B. King has also been hospitalized since the challenge started so  Iwill play tribute to him with this post.

I've blogged about him a few times in the past. Most notably a year ago and you can read that post here. I have been fortunate to see him several times. Besides being a great guitarist and legendary blues man he has other traits as well. He is an incredible storyteller and his facial expressions really pull you into the story. He also is humble and willing to share the stage with some many. Probably things which help make him a legend.


B.B. with a song about his guitar..

I think Lucille has a few more notes left in her, or at least I hope. Below "Sweet Little Angel"

Blues lovers may like this jam with Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Jimmie Vaughan..

The song was "Rock Me Baby." Are you a fan of B.B. King? What is your favorite song? Any favorite memories of jams? Feel free to share. I wish him fast healing and better health. I hope you enjoy and see you soon!

Happy 70th to Eric Clapton!

Today is Eric Clapton's 70th birthday! This will be the third year in a row that I have celebrated Eric Clapton's birthday. Unlike last year I am not going to see him in concert next month. I have had the honor of seeing him in concert a few times.

I will try not to repeat any of the music that I shared in the last two Eric Clapton birthday celebrations! If you want to read them last year's is here and 2013's is here.

If guitarists like Jimmy Page led me to musical doors Eric Clapton was a portal to the blues. He kicked the doors down to blues and said here it is. Not just in his music but who he had open for him. Seeing Eric Clapton in concert meant seeing Taj Mahal, Jimmie Vaughan, and Robert Randolph to name a few.

So this year I would like to celebrate his career with collaborations. I hope you enjoy.

How about this all star version of "Killing Floor" featuring Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan, and Robert Cray...

Eric Clapton and B.B. King perform "The Thrill is Gone"

Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy perform "Hoochie Coochie Man"

Eric Clapton and Keith Richards "Key to the Highway"

Happy Birthday Slowhand! I hope everyone enjoyed!