Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Blues: one more thing, for now...


I saw B.B. play at his own club in Universal City years ago. Had seats right up close. Toward the end of the show, B.B. extended his meaty paw and I took it. We shook. I thought about not washing ever again. I have since, but the impression remains. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped me play the guitar any better.

3 comments:

Davaudian said...

Black guys just have better rhythm/timing. It's all in the hands. Listen to Jimi's timing and dynamics. There's only so many notes you can use, but the phrasing and placement is everything. I'm a cool Southern white boy and when I'm on...I'm on. But when I'm stiff...blah. I can envision Jimi sitting around watching cartoons or talking on the phone still playing fluid rhythms and scales. That's what it takes. My teacher always complimented me on one particular ability that can't be taught and here's the secret........

barryshap said...

Oh, Yazzuh, boss... just a natchel sense o' riddem. Puhleeze! Maybe my next post will be an homage to Al Campanis, who said there were no black swimmers because they aren't as buoyant as whites. Seriously, next up is Michael Bloomfield, Bert Jansch, EC and Chet fucking Atkins. You crack me up... oh, and happy belated birthday.

By the way, my teacher used to suggest I should have a drink or two before class so I would be looser than I was. Everything was/is a struggle.

Davaudian said...

You'll never understand what they know and I'm not telling.........