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Modern Guitars Magazine - Feature Stories

  • George Benson Interview
    by Dr. Matthew Warnock. Forty-five years after releasing his debut album The New Boss Guitar, jazz guitarist George Benson is still going strong. With the upcoming August 25, 2009, release date set for his latest studio album Songs And Stories, the ten-time Grammy winner pays tribute to some of his favorite songwriters and composers. Featuring an all-star line up that includes bassist Marcus Miller, guitarists Lee Ritenour and Toninho Horta, saxophonists Tom Scott and Gerald Albright, among others, Benson and company come together to produce an album that is not only a tribute to great songwriters, it is also a reflection of more than four decades of experience by one of jazz's greatest instrumentalists and vocalists. The tracks on the album are a mixture of re-interpretations of classic tunes, such as Christopher Cross' "Sailing" and James Taylor's "Don't Let Me be Lonely Tonight," alongside new songs written by some of the music industry's greatest songsmiths. The track "Family Reunion" was penned by Ron Templeton, who wrote Benson's worldwide hit song "Give Me the Night" from the guitarist's 1976 smash hit album Breezin'. Songwriter Bill Withers came out of retirement to write the track "A Telephone Call Away," which is one of the album's finest lyrical and instrumental moments. Other songwriters who made contributions to Songs and Stories include Smokey Robinson, Lamont Dozier, Donny Hathaway and several others...
  • Ace Frehley Interview
    by Dr. Matthew Warnock. Ace Frehley is a patient man. After releasing his fourth solo studio album, Trouble Walkin', Frehley became musically sidetracked with other projects including the KISS "Unplugged" concert and several highly successful reunion tours with the hottest band in the land. As the second of these reunion tours came to a close, Frehley decided to shift his creative focus back to his solo career and began writing, producing and recording his highly anticipated new album Anomaly. Anomaly features Frehley originals and one cover of Sweet's classic song "Fox on the Run." With long-time bandmate Anton Fig on drums, the songs feature hard-driving grooves and catchy guitar riffs that have become a staple of Frehley's work, both as a solo artist and with KISS. Set for release on September 15, 2009, the new CD is Frehley's fifth solo release and first since 1989...
  • Sonny Landreth Interview
    by Dr. Matthew Warnock. Born in Mississippi and raised in the cultural Mecca of Southern Louisiana, slide guitarist Sonny Landreth seemed destined to be a musical talent from a very early age. Growing up surrounded by the jazz, second line and R&B of New Orleans, the Delta blues of his home state, the exciting rock 'n' roll music being heard on the nation's radio stations, and local Zydeco bands, has led Landreth to become a diverse musician solidly grounded in the blues music that he loves. His multi-fingered approach to the slide, where he mixes fretted notes behind the slide that he keeps on his pinky finger, has redefined the public's perception of what a slide guitar player can accomplish. Though he is a virtuosic guitarist and performer, Landreth is also an accomplished songwriter whose writing adds a new dimension of musicality to his guitar artistry...
  • Vinnie Moore Interview
    by Dr. Matthew Warnock. Vinnie Moore has long since established himself as one of the leading rock guitarists of his generation. After impressing Mike Varney of Shrapnel records at the age of twelve, Moore was chosen to showcase his guitar talent on a national Pepsi commercial which brought him his first widespread exposure as a guitarist to watch out for. Since then Moore has found success as both a leader, including his vastly popular first album Mind's Eye featuring Tony MacAlpine on keys, and as a sideman in such bands as U.F.O., Vicious Rumors and as a member of Alice Cooper's band. With over twenty-five years in the business, Moore continues to steadily release new material and perform to sold out houses all over the world. Moore's latest CD To the Core showcases the guitarist's advanced melodic approach, his lightening fast chops and ability as a modern rock songwriter. The album also showcases the many different styles and genres of music that have influenced Moore over the years. Moore's writing and soloing melds elements of rock, blues, jazz-fusion and metal to form a musical style that can only be described as Vinnie Moore...
  • James Burton Interview
    by Dr. Matthew Warnock. To say that guitarist James Burton is busy would be a gross understatement. With his 70th birthday right around the corner, the Louisiana native shows no sign of slowing down. After a highly successful career as both a leader and a sideman spanning more than 50 years, most guitarists would be looking forward to hanging up the axe and enjoying some time off, but not Burton. Having recently returned from performing in Holland with the TCB band, he's busy preparing for the upcoming James Burton International Guitar Festival that takes place in Shreveport, Louisiana, August 21 - 23. The annual festival, which began in 2005, helps support Burton's charity effort, The James Burton Foundation, and features a Who's Who of the guitar world and a special concert by the "Wild Man of the Telecaster" himself on Saturday night. This year's festival will feature added excitement as Burton and company hope to break the world record for the most guitarists playing the same song at the same time. While breaking the record will be an enjoyable experience for both Burton and those participating, it will more importantly bring nationwide attention to the wonderful work he and his foundation are doing. As of this interview, more than 4,000 children have received free guitars and instruction through the work of Burton's charity...
  • Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) Inteview
    by Rick Landers. During the 1970s, Martin Barre’s gritty guitar work helped propel Jethro Tull up the charts with now classic tracks such as “Aqualung,” “Bungle in the Jungle,” “Cross-Eyed Mary,” and “Locomotive Breath.” While his riffs on “Aqualung” echoed vocalist Ian Anderson’s broken-luck lyrics, they also convulsively shoved the song into the dark cavities of our minds. Anderson’s dramatic on-stage antics and huffing flute work would have overshadowed most guitarists, but with uncanny precision, Barre always knew when to weave in and out and when to pounce. Guitar Player readers voted Barre’s playing on “Aqualung” as one of the top guitar solos of all time. Later, a Guitar World reader poll would rank it as the 25th Greatest Guitar Solo. But, to better appreciate Barre's musical senses and guitar talents it's valuable to listen to several albums, including Martin's fine solo work. No one trick pony, Martin Barre knows how to musically frame and drive a lyric by loading up with a heavy hitting lead or a more delicately nuanced riff...
  • Paul Mahon (The Answer) Interview
    by Brian D. Holland. Though some rock fans might still be in the dark about this, and they've certainly got to be an isolated and diminutive bunch, The Answer is the hard-rocking foursome out of County Down, Ireland. The group has been touring the globe over the past year opening for AC/DC on the Black Ice Tour. By definition alone, one might think that a label as bold as The Answer is a reference to something that's the real deal, or the actual solution to something. If you're wondering if that's the case in this situation, many rock fans seem to think so. The truth is, and it's not exactly a news flash, authentic hard-rock bands aren't what they used to be in numbers. Sure, there are a few around, the paradigm being the above mentioned tour headliner. But, not many young bands possess the invigorating power and surging force that Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Humble Pie, and others exerted back in the '70s. It's unfortunate, because a prevailing thirst still exists for that particular style. AC/DC and their mega sold out tour is evidence of it...
  • Pete Huttlinger Interview
    by Rick Landers. On May 3, 2009, fingerstyle guitarist Pete Huttlinger and the lovely LeAnn Rimes shared the stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., as part of the 2009 Kennedy Center Spring Gala presentation, A Celebration of Women in the Arts. Pete and LeAnn have performed together before with Pete's guitar work a perfect complement to the singers vocals, much like Pete's work during the '90s with the late John Denver and with many more of the world's finest troubadours. But, one thing that sets Pete apart from the crowd is his strong work ethic and precise professional focus. Although born in Washington, D.C., early on after his father passed away his mother moved the family to California. Soon enough, Pete would discover the world of guitars and practice, study and perform his way to a solid music career. After high school, he moved to Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music where he graduated cum laude in 1984. He and a friend would plant themselves on Beantown street corners to make some loot and gain some streetwise insights into...
  • Jorma Kaukonen Interview
    by Rick Landers. When we saw that famed guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady of Hot Tuna were headed to the Birchmere, Alexandria, Virginia, we knew it wasn't an opportunity to miss. Rarely does Modern Guitars get a chance to catch up with musicians who have performed together and stoked a full steam of friendship for 50 years. Since the early ‘60s, Jorma and Jack have shared their love of music and experienced the spirited upheaval of rock stardom as members of Jefferson Airplane, the group that featured vocalist Grace Slick who belted out the rock classic, “Somebody to Love,” and melodically droned the phantasmagorical reverence of “White Rabbit.” It was the age of psychedelia and as much as drugs pierced the veil of the status quo, the music itself was mind altering with Jefferson Airplane searing hot in the klieg lights of the moment...
  • Chuck Loeb Interview
    by Michael Shea. Chuck Loeb grew up in Nyack, NY, a suburb of New York City and at the age of 11, decided music was what he wanted to do with his life. After teaching himself guitar and playing in local bands for several years, his talent was so evident that, before he graduated from high school, he was studying with jazz guitar legend Jim Hall. After high school, he attended Berklee College of Music for two years before heading to New York City to work as a sideman for a number of jazz artists. In 1979, when he was 23 years old, Chuck joined the Stan Getz band, where he was able to hone his skills as a musician, performer, composer, and musical director. During this period, Chuck met and married Carmen Cuesta, a singer-songwriter from Madrid, Spain...Chuck currently records for Heads Up International. Modern Guitars talked to Chuck just before the March 24, 2009, release of his latest recording, Between 2 Worlds...
  • Vieux Farka Touré Interview
    by Rick Landers. Mali-born guitarist Vieux Farka Touré's musical inclinations come naturally. His father, Ali Farka Touré (1939 - 2006), was an internationally acclaimed musician who weaved together the complex rhythms and traditional style of Malian music with American blues, and was listed at the 76 spot on Rolling Stone's compilation of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Though his father urged him to join the military, Vieux discovered that he both loved and had a talent for music. It was to become his passion. Recognizing and valuing his son's talents, Ali asked his friend and legendary African kora player, Toumani Diabaté, to professionally mentor his son. The die was caste and Vieux Farka Touré began to make his mark in his native Mali and soon his name was on foreign tongues who were captivated by the young musician and spread the word worldwide...
  • Tony McManus Interview
    by Rick Landers. Although Tony McManus clearly has a reputation as a leading Celtic guitarist, the ancient roots of the music itself are somewhat nebulous. Strains can be found originating in Ireland and Scotland, as well as other unexpected places such as Portugal. Whatever the origins, the music found its way to America and infiltrated the melodic intentions of Appalachian musicians, as well as gained popularity around the world. Irish born McManus delights in the sparkling guitar tunings of the genre and his league of world-wide fans grows with each new album. He taught himself guitar at an early age and after ending his academic pursuits he could be found as a session guitarist in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In 1996, Tony released his self-titled debut album on the Greentrax Recordings label. Next up was his Pourquoi Quebec that drew international attention. His reputation began to soar when Nashville’s Compass Records issued his Ceol More CD that featured arrangements of Charles Mingus’s jazz classic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”...
  • JJ Grey Interview
    by Brian D. Holland. It's easily understood that inspiration drives the music of JJ Grey & MOFRO, as influence radiates from it in an interesting and colorful manner. Though much of it is surrounded in a raw yet contemporary swamp rock ambiance, it possesses elements of southern rock, soul, R&B, folk, gospel, blues, and especially funk. The music parallels the lyrical image flawlessly in setting, emotion and significance. JJ Grey paints a picture of the rural South, especially the Florida backwoods, where images of alligators and cypress amid swampy terrain effortlessly come to mind. He grew up in and around Jacksonville, Florida, close to the wetland areas he sings about, and close to the Orange and Lochloosa Lakes as well. The rugged wetland environment comes to life in songs like "Florida," "Lochloosa," and "Turpentine," and haunting stories of poverty and misfortune ("Country Ghetto," "Ten Thousand Islands," and "Brighter Days") sit contently among songs of hope and affection ("Orange Blossoms," "A Woman," and "The Truth") in all four of the band's CDs. It's even very Southern Gothic at times, especially in the lyrical content of "The Devil You Know" and "Tragic." Via first and secondhand experiences of their narrator, the tales depict life's ambiguous and complex situations in a genuine and practical manner...
  • Martin Taylor Interview
    by Rick Landers. During his performance at the Inter-American Series of Concerts, Lectures and Films in Washington, D.C., in October 2008, Scottish guitarist Martin Taylor kept the show rolling with solo jazz guitar tunes that were technically complex, yet stylishly smooth and nuanced. Inspired since childhood by gypsy jazz legend Django Rheinhardt and his Quintette du Hot Club of France, jazz guitar has been the staple of Martin’s repertoire.He began playing guitar at the ripe old age of eight in his father’s jazz band and would later leave school at 15 to become a professional musician. A chance meeting with Django’s Hot Club violinist, Stephane Grappelli, eventually led to an invitation for Martin to join the group. Martin would grow as an artist under the wing of Grappelli and his guitar prowess blossomed while he gathered acclaim as one of the best jazz guitarists in the world. Taylor’s musical accomplishments have been recognized by many and have included...
  • Joey Molland (Badfinger) Interview
    by Rick Landers. When Badfinger's first record was released rumors ran amok that the Beatles were the artists behind the songs and that the Fab Four had playfully renamed themselves to see if the album would do well without the Beatles magic to help lift it up the charts. This wasn't a far fetched notion. The album, Magic Christian Music, was released in 1970 on the Beatles' Apple label and the harmonies and style captured the pop spunk of Paul McCartney's work. In fact, McCartney penned the group's first U.S. charted hit, "Come and Get It." Badfinger would enjoy all the spoils of fame, but would also suffer through a litany of stereotypical rock 'n' roll collapses from bad management, financial entanglements, legal disputes, poor record sales and the tragic suicides of Peter Ham (vocalist, guitar, keyboards) and...

Music, Video and Concert Reviews by Brian D. Holland

  • CD Review: "Essential Montreux" by Gary Moore
    Fans will be overjoyed about the Gary Moore - Essential Montreux 5CD Set, released in July of 2009. The Irish blues-rock guitarist, who has adored playing to the music loving crowds of this beautiful Swiss city, famous for its yearly jazz fests and music venues, has acquired enormous amounts of recorded material over the past decade or so. Much of the included six hours of music, containing over 60 songs recorded between 1990 and 2001, has been released on these five CDs for the first time. Disc One, recorded in 1990, contains a special treat: blues great Albert Collins appears on four songs in both the vocal and guitar capacity. The two bluesmen complement each other with tradeoff lead solos within mesmerizing onstage performances. Since this is Gary in 1990, staunch fans will notice that the setlist covers a lot of the songs from his then recently released Still Got The Blues album, still viewed by many to be the best of his illustrious career. This compelling 12-song CD finishes with a thrilling cover of Roy Buchanans "The Messiah Will Come Again," only adding to Gary's brilliance in style and tone within this period...
  • Review: Self-titled Debut CD from Rufus Huff
    Rufus Huff, the debut release from the band of the same name, was released on April 14, 2009, on Zoho Roots. Taking their name from two obscure bluesmen, Whistlin' Rufus and Luther Huff, the music of this Kentucky outfit is steeped deeply in the blues based hard rock of the '70s. Despite the fact that bands like Mountain, Cactus, Humble Pie, and ZZ Top easily come to mind upon hearing them, the pure southern grit and raw power exerted is genuine and natural to this group of seasoned veterans. Recorded live in the studio with very few overdubs, Rufus Huff is 12 southern influenced hard driving and thunderously funky songs...
  • CD Review: "10,000 Feet" by David Grissom
    David Grissom recently released 10,000 Feet on Wide Lode Records. It's the second solo album from the Texas guitarist and former member of Storyville, the Texas rock band that also included Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton of Double Trouble. Also known for his fine musicianship and studio work with the likes of John Mellencamp, Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Bob Dylan, and the Allman Brothers Band, any release from Grissom should be anticipated with optimism. In guitar playing circles, he's known for his signature Paul Reed Smith guitar, the PRS DGT (David Grissom Trem), and for the beautiful tonal combinations he conjures from it...
  • CD Review: Chickenfoot (Self-titled)
    The self-titled CD from Chickenfoot was released on June 5, 2009. For the unaware, Chickenfoot is: Sammy Hagar on vocals (ex-Van Halen, Montrose), Joe Satriani on guitar (solo progressive guitar god), Michael Anthony on bass and backing vocals (ex-Van Halen), and Chad Smith on drums and backing vocals (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Can everyone say supergroup? It's always an interesting and exciting event when a new supergroup comes along and releases its first album. Simultaneously, though, the excitement brings massive amounts of speculation and skepticism along with it, mainly because fans either love the idea of such a combination of musicians playing together, or they have a great deal of trouble even imagining it. Some wonder whether or not such an integrated bunch can even pull it off and make it work. That said, when it comes to Chickenfoot, it would be an understatement of sorts to say it's merely something that's working, because it's working excellently, and the debut CD is incredible rock 'n' roll...
  • CD Review: "Living In The Light" by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
    An interesting aspect about Living In The Light, the newest studio release from Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, is that it encompasses everything in the Ronnie Earl musical spectrum - instrumentally, lyrically, and spiritually. And although it's all within the blues realm in one way or another because Ronnie never strays entirely from blues territory, he once again stretches those elastic boundaries as far as they can go without reaching a breaking point. The fact that his music includes profuse jazz, soul, and gospel influences allots the elasticity in the boundaries incredible bending ability in diverse directions. And it's certainly modern-day electric blues of the finest quality, acoustic as well...
  • CD Review: Return To Forever Returns
    This dual CD set of the long-awaited reunion tour of Chick Corea's Return to Forever features the potent lineup of keyboardist Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White, and guitarist Al Di Meola. Thirty-two years after "Romantic Warrior," the last studio album with Di Meola and White, the music herein is an impeccable magnum opus by a quartet of influential musicians who had much to do with the fusion and modern jazz movement of the latter part of the 20th century. Although most of the concert was filmed and recorded live at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida, the recording also contains two from the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts, and one from the Montreux Jazz Festival, all from the summer of 2008...
  • DVD Review of Jeff Beck: Performing This Week...Live At Ronnie Scott's
    The new Jeff Beck concert video, Performing This Week ... Live At Ronnie Scott's (on DVD and Blu-ray), is more than just an audio and visual experience. To begin with, the quaint and atmospheric London night club that was founded by the renowned jazz saxophonist is just the right place for the event. A real Soho atmosphere, as Beck puts it. You've essentially got a nice seat to the show, featuring the amazing guitarist and his more than capable band: bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, keyboardist Jason Rebello, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. And the camera work throughout the concert is exceptional. The zoomed-in views of his Stratocaster, as well as his picking technique and slide movement on the fretboard, are timely and focused. It's nice when the producers are aware of the importance of showing what a musician is actually doing with his instrument...
  • CD Review: Tijuana Bible - Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat
    For over 17 years, Jim Suhler and Monkey Beat have been churning out rousing border-rock music, and it shows in the aged and perfected sound on their new CD, Tijuana Bible. The hard driving music is awash with first-rate musicianship and southern melody. But other than a chronic belief in hard driving bluesrock, there's really nothing remotely religious in the title of the new album from Suhler, guitarist of George Thorogood and the Destroyers; "Tijuana Bible" is the phrase used for X-rated comic books that circulated throughout the United States during the Great Depression and into the '60s in the heyday of media censorship, in kind of an underground manner. The content on the CD cover, though colorful and superior in quality to the real thing, pokes fun at the sexual humor that was found in the shoddy little publications...
  • CD Review: Still Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
    Still Dangerous, a live set from classic rockers Thin Lizzy, was released March 3, 2009. Viewed as a companion to the earlier Live and Dangerous album, this live show recorded in 1977 at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia is yet another thrilling performance by arguably one of rock 'n' roll's greatest dual lead guitar machines. Recently discovered on a shelf lying dormant inside a box marked "Philadelphia 2," guitarist Scott Gorham was astounded by the fact that the tapes even existed. The potential of this particular show was enough to grab legendary producer Glynn Johns out of retirement to do his magic on the tracks. Still Dangerous was recorded live in the prime of the Irish rock band's illustrious career, during the sold out "Bad Reputation" tour. Though Thin Lizzy was known for its revolving door membership, especially in the guitarist department, this is the lineup that brought us the albums Jailbreak, Bad Reputation, and of course, Live and Dangerous. Phil Lynott's memorable voice amid the skillful dual guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson is an exhilarating musical excursion. To complete the sonic intensity, Lynott's tight bass lines run perfectly in sync alongside Brian Downey's dynamic percussive drive...
  • CD Review: Everyday Demons by The Answer
    The long-awaited second complete studio CD from The Answer, entitled Everyday Demons, will be released on March 31, 2009, in the United States, and on other dates worldwide. This collection of 11 hard rockin' tracks, to be released in four formats, is just what the doctor ordered for fans of the heavy style we often think went out with the '70s. The hard rockin' Irish quartet is in good form here, too, and their mood is one of enthusiasm, excitement, and rowdy adventurism throughout. The powerful vocal aptitude of Cormac Neeson, whose style is often reminiscent of Robert Plant's high-pitched wail, Paul Rogers' simplistic aptness, and Freddy Mercury's rocking attitude, wields stridently amid Paul Mahon's hard-driving guitar thunder. It's all coerced along by the powerful rhythm section of bassist Mickey Waters and drummer James Heatley...
  • CD Review: The Ballad of John Henry by Joe Bonamassa
    The latest studio CD from Joe Bonamassa, The Ballad of John Henry, will be released on February 24, 2009. The included twelve tracks, seven of which are Bonamassa originals, come together to make the seventh compelling studio project from the New York based blues-rock guitarist. He embraces this diverse collection of contemporary and conventional songs, calling it his strongest work to date. Listeners will soon discover that the intensity of the music matches the lyrical content throughout, as the album's dual lyrical theme is split between songs of the working-class hero and of the more personal nature, Joe's relationship issues of recent...
  • CD Review: Sold Out... by Big Shanty
    It’s nice when a sound comes along that really catches the ear and takes control of the senses with a magnetic, wrenching tug. The experience doesn't happen all that often, but when it does it’s authentic and infectious. It’s music with an air of excitement, a stimulation factor brought on by a combination of traits both unique and inspirational. Sold Out… is all that and more. Big Shanty's music is a mesh of styles, both contemporary and traditional. It's a mixture of funk, techno, hip-hop, and especially blues and rock. It's Prince meets JJ Cale and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion meets Muddy Waters, Public Enemy and the Chemical Brothers. The sound is electrifying and mesmerizing. He's known as a renegade rocker at times, and he sings in support of human rights, free speech, Internet radio and independent media. Those familiar with his song "Killing Fields," from his 2007 release Ride With The Wind, are well aware of that...
  • CD Review: Full Tilt by Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials
    The title, Full Tilt, is a clear-cut description of the contents of the new CD by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, and it’s as honest as the band’s eloquent name. Though Li’ Ed is certainly little, he’s the Napoleon of barnstorming Chicago blues, of slide guitar as well. The other guys work together in making it an imperial blues band, one with a knack for playing raw and exciting music that’s incredibly compelling, loud, and rocked up to a full tilt. The rhythm is driving and the beat is strong, and the guitar sounds are dynamically warm and potent. Muddy Waters once said that the blues had a baby and they called it rock ’n roll. In keeping with that theme, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials are mischievous adults out for a night on the town, misbehaving and doing it up like kids. In other words, the blues doesn’t get much more rocked up than this...
  • CD Review: Bad For You Baby by Gary Moore
    Bad For You Baby, recently released on Eagle Records, is the latest in a bunch of brilliant blues CDs from Gary Moore. Retrospectively, it has been a patchy yet admiringly persistent career thus far for the Irish guitarist/vocalist. Following his hugely popular 1990 release, Still Got the Blues, he went on to release a handful of mediocre albums. Though some were in blues territory, he also had a tendency to reenter the hard rock and metal waters he thrived in at one time. He even got into some borderline pop and electronic material along the way. Giving listeners the opinion he was a bewildered performer without a genre inclination, it finally became clear in 2004, with the release of Power of the Blues, that he was finally back on the right track. 2006's Old New Ballads Blues and 2007's Close As You Get collectively made the course apparent, as his adoration for the music of Elmore James, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, and others is displayed passionately and zealously throughout all of them. Also, his capability for meddling in the guitar playing styles of Albert King, Roy Buchanan, Peter Green, and other greats reveals a genuine obsession. The fact that he possesses a polished playing style of his own, more than adequate vocal ability, and a capacity for composing brilliant blues songs are mere additions to the comprehensiveness of his latest endeavors, including the new one...
  • CD Review: Wilderness by Mad Buffalo
    Wilderness is the third release from Randy Riviere, also known as Mad Buffalo. Randy creates music that reflects his meaningful, spirited efforts as a wildlife biologist who has acquired multiple awards for work in conservation and environmental issues. The album’s lyrical content involves thought provoking and inspiring accounts of the American wilderness and of the commonplace folk who thrive in it, both past and present. Like Neil Young, Gram Parsons, and Steve Earl before him, Reviere is an old school composer and musician suitable to the folk-rock groove of performers who sing of practical and earthly American ideals. It’s roots music to remind us of who we are and where we come from...