Jimellow

Recently, I've been listening to an online radio station at JazzandBlues.org. Initially I was drawn to the station for their jazz music, but while listening in the evenings, they switched to blues coverage, and I love it!

Previously, I made a thread regarding jazz in which I sought recommendations, and that thread has since turned into a fantastic resource that I am constantly using when seeking out jazz artists and recordings.

Whereas jazz has been a difficult/uncomfortable transition for me to make initially, I found that I enjoyed the blues as soon as I was exposed to it. Unfortunately, this exposure has been very limited and a bit unfocused.

Could those of you that are familiar with and enjoy blues music please provide recommendations, as well as favorite musicians and songs?

I am not familiar with the history of Blues at all, nor am I sure if there are different eras as there were in jazz. If there were different eras, I'd generally be interested in music that would serve as a good means for introducing me to the blues, while also providing an enjoyable listen. I've found the blues I've had exposure to be very enjoyable, whereas with jazz, I found the transition to be a little more trying.

Ultimately, I am looking for blues music that is enjoyable to listen to. The historical aspect is interesting to me, but when it comes down to it, I'm most concerned about being exposed to music I enjoy.

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fresnelly

Well, the first guy to go to for iconic, entertaining Blues, is B.B King, but then you probably knew that. You can't buy a "Best of the Blues" compilation without some tracks by him on it.

Now that I mention it, blues compilations are great resources. They're ubiquitous and cheap. Pick a couple up while you're standing in line at at gas station and you're bound to find something to love and explore further.

One of my favourite underrated bluesmen, is Bobby Bland. He's got a smooth falsetto voice that's full of emotion, and a clear sound that doesn't hide anything. His version of the classic "Stormy Monday" is my absolute favourite.

For a warm, acoustic take, check out Sonny Terry and Brownie Mcgee. They're a very playful and jovial duo, who'll pull you right down south and make you forget your cares.

There was some great crossover in the 70's between Rock and Blues. Led Zepplin, the Stones, Cream, the Allman Bros.... All these bands put there own powerful spins on old blues standards. You'd be surprised how many of their
greatest hits can be traced to a few blues artists.

Remember Layla, by Derek and the Dominoes? If you like Rock fuelled blues, I highly recommend picking up their album: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs You can't go wrong with Eric Clapton and Duane Allman weaving and battling with their unique guitar styles over Jim Gordan's piano. There are some scorching blues covers on that album. Key to the Highway is my favourite.

In a similar vein, check out Jimi Hendrix: Blues. What can I say; it's Jimi.

Now, I'm going to recommend a movie here, that you may scoff at: Crossroads starring Ralph Maccio. Seriously! Watching it, it's hard not to think Karate Kid Meets The Blues, but it's good clean fun. The excellent sountrack was scored by Ry Cooder, the thinking man's bluesman. As you may know, The Buena Vista Social Club was his baby. Anyways, why not track down a copy and Join the Karate kid on his journey down into the deep South, looking for the lost blues of Willie Brown. Steve Vai as the Devil playing for Ralph's soul is a bonus. Pick up a copy of the soundtrack afterwards.

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aberkok

Amazingly, fresnelly didn't mention Robert Johnson, on which Crossroads is based. Robert Johnson is one of the early blues musicians and is often called the inventor of the blues (like other similar statements about people inventing musics, it is not really true and never as simple, but that it is said tells you something about his significance).

Johnson's recordings, made in the 1930s, are all available on one set, The Complete Recordings, which is readily available. I'm speaking from my bank of musical trivia here and have never really listened to them, but if I wanted to check out the blues, I'd check out Johnson to get a sense of the history.

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eltardo

It's difficult to pick just a few. heh. I'll just pick a few of my favorites.

Mississippi John Hurt - Can't get enough of this guy. Simple and entertaining. Has some great songs, Nobody's Dirty Business, Louis Collins, Coffee Blues. There's a nice 3CD set out there that is a reissue of previous albums. Also, his 1928 Okeh recordings are a must and the quality of the records is nice.

Blind Willie McTell - Came from Georgia and played a mean 12 string. JSP put out a nice 4CD box set a while back that I snagged up. Tons of quality tracks.

Son House - Raw and powerful. Don't know what else to say. The Complete Recorded Works of Son House & The Great Delta Blues Singers is a nice CD as is the Father Of The Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions set.

There's some video footage of John Hurt and Son House up on youtube. Unfortunately, as far as I know, there's no footage of Mr. McTell around.
Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues is a nice box set that covers quite a bit of ground. The booklet that comes with it is superb also, tells you a little bit about each artist they have in the set. Good luck, there's lots to pick from!

Montanas Heart

Oh man the blues covers a wide range... you can find the blues in most aspects of music it influences it all in some ways if you really listen.
Philip Aaberg has released a delightful piano CD that is devoted entirely to this genre he has explored it quite well. You might find it in your local music store or on line at his website, sweetgrassmusic.com Its called blue west
He was influenced by many greats in this compilation of original works. My personal favorites on this album are Little Brother and Fourteen Dollars. Check it out you might be surprised!