Declaring
Rather like declaring that bourbon is brilliant, there are
tautologies and platitudes that waste the breath of statement or space of
writing. Like declaring that Buddy Guy is brilliant, and has been for some
time. Like declaring that the opening song on his latest double cd release Rhythm and Blues is emblematic,
symptomatic, definitely not enigmatic as he’s playing the rhythm and blues as fantastic
as ever. The wah-wah of Best in Town
delivers the sound of the title’s sentiment as this blistering start, backed by
big band horns and a punchy rhythm section that’s positively ecstatic with its
support, skims the runway strip for the album’s launch on the smoothest of
surfaces. Second Justifyin’ punches
even harder, the guitar heaviness adding apt weight to the lyrical anger at life’s
inequalities. Third I Go By Feel is a
mission statement about blues and how Buddy feels as he plays, by feeling the
blues. Not that we need convincing of this other kind of declaration, but after
these three tracks it’s emphatic: Buddy Guy and this album are brilliant. Have
another.
And another.
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