Buddy Guy Review

[djgriff]

Saw Buddy last night at the Paramount Theatre in Peekskill NY. Not sure what I was expecting because I haven't seen Buddy in years - but he was definitely on his game and put on a great show. Voice was as strong as ever, great interaction with the audience (which is not something I remembered with him) and even played up and down the aisles and went up into the balcony. He has some stiff competition closing the Fest, but I'd say he was worth giving a listen to.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

I'e seen Buddy several times over the years. I plan on closing 2009 JF with Buddy Guy.

[Lit]

Saw Buddy last night at the Paramount Theatre in Peekskill NY. Not sure what I was expecting because I haven't seen Buddy in years - but he was definitely on his game and put on a great show. Voice was as strong as ever, great interaction with the audience (which is not something I remembered with him) and even played up and down the aisles and went up into the balcony. He has some stiff competition closing the Fest, but I'd say he was worth giving a listen to.

He's always had a great interaction with the audience when I've seen him, and he's always walked out and through the crowd while playing. He is a great showman. My gripe has usually been that he talks too much and doesn't complete a song, instead playing medleys comprised of popular riffs and licks asscociated with others, but as to which he was influential. Did he play (m)any complete songs when you saw him, or did he do more of the medleys and boasting?

[djgriff]

He's always had a great interaction with the audience when I've seen him, and he's always walked out and through the crowd while playing. He is a great showman. My gripe has usually been that he talks too much and doesn't complete a song, instead playing medleys comprised of popular riffs and licks asscociated with others, but as to which he was influential. Did he play (m)any complete songs when you saw him, or did he do more of the medleys and boasting?

What surprised me was that there was no boasting at all. He did play some licks and a few medleys attributable to others but mostly as a sort of an evolution of the blues - he didn't claim he was influential in them. He did play quite a few complete tunes also.

[Lit]

What surprised me was that there was no boasting at all. He did play some licks and a few medleys attributable to others but mostly as a sort of an evolution of the blues - he didn't claim he was influential in them. He did play quite a few complete tunes also.

Very nice. Perhaps he is mellowing a bit in his old age. I'd like to see him again if he is playing complete songs.

[revjimk]

I have lots of thoughts on Buddy Guy. Back when I first started listening to live blues, over 40 years ago, I think he was hands down the best blues guitarist.
He had another huge ego, Junior Wells, to keep him under control.
Over the years lots of bluesmen copied his stuff, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? might as well learn from the best
Back in the 80s I remember reading an article where Buddy said that so many people were making big $$$ copying him, he was gonna play fast long winded solos just like them... imitating the imitators
In the last 10 years or so, I've been disappointed in Buddy's live shows. All the criticisms posted on this board apply... seems like he's shuckin' & jivin' for the white folks.
My feeling on blues guitarists is : Make me cry with 8 notes, don't bore me with 100.
But Buddy is still an absolute living legend, and can play blues like nobody's business when he decides to... so, he's definitely worth a listen, especially if you've never seen him, then its mandatory... but I'll probably choose another killa closing act..
rev

[bird33]

I can't pass up the Nevilles for Buddy, but I will do what I did last year when Derek Trucks was playing the Blues tent at the same time of the Neville's and position myself on that side of the Acura Stage and sneak over for ten minutes to catch a few riffs and then head back to the Nevilles.

[ohio]

I can't pass up the Nevilles for Buddy, but I will do what I did last year when Derek Trucks was playing the Blues tent at the same time of the Neville's and position myself on that side of the Acura Stage and sneak over for ten minutes to catch a few riffs and then head back to the Nevilles.I tried to do that last year, but ended up not being able to leave Derek.

[ohio]

What surprised me was that there was no boasting at all. He did play some licks and a few medleys attributable to others but mostly as a sort of an evolution of the blues - he didn't claim he was influential in them. He did play quite a few complete tunes also.
I have to add that he did likewise at the Experience Hendrix show i caught. Maybe someone had a heart to heart with ol' Buddy...

[bird33]

I tried to do that last year, but ended up not being able to leave Derek.

It took a lot of effort but I knew the Nevilles would reward me and I knew Derek, being a road warrior, would come my way in the not to distant future.

This year I think will be easier because as great as Buddy is if you can be lucky enought to catch a few minutes without being mesmerized too much to leave, you can get the spirit of the overall performance, whereas the Nevilles it is the totality of their set with all it's unique aspects and their deep connection with the city that you can feel over the duration of the set that really makes it, but that is just me.

[PatNChrisAZ]

Buddy is the consumate professional. Damn right he has the blues, all his life, overlooked and underpaid. Now he is getting his dues.