B.B. King...

Rigsby

While having a few beers with friends recently we got talking about blues, and in particular, blues artists. All my friends thought that BB was the master bluesman. While I agree with this up to a point, and concede that he is an excellent guitarist and also a legend, somehow his music never moved me in the way other bluesmen do. It's not as though I'm new to blues ( I've been a fan for well over thirty years ). I've seen this subject about BB discussed before on other forums and some agreed with me. I thought it would be interesting to hear some of your opinions.

FWIW, some artists that do move me would be : Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Taj Mahal, Freddy King, and Buddy Guy.

Ancient1

B.B. is a titan, an elder statesman of the blues, in the same league with the other guys you listed - no doubt about that.

I feel the same but perhaps it's because B.B. seems almost a bit restrained, "civilized" even, compared to the other guys. :pac:

I am not diminishing B.B. in any way, but to my ears he is (excellent but)easy listening compared to wildmen like Albert King or Buddy Guy.

Even Buddy's mid-tempo stuff like "I Smell Trouble" is so much more forceful than B.B's songs of that calibre. Just my take on it.

Rigsby

Ancient1 wrote: »

B.B. is a titan, an elder statesman of the blues, in the same league with the other guys you listed - no doubt about that.

I feel the same but perhaps it's because B.B. seems almost a bit restrained, "civilized" even, compared to the other guys. :pac:

I am not diminishing B.B. in any way, but to my ears he is (excellent but)easy listening compared to wildmen like Albert King or Buddy Guy.

Even Buddy's mid-tempo stuff like "I Smell Trouble" is so much more forceful than B.B's songs of that calibre. Just my take on it.

I think you 've hit the nail on the head here. I could never pinpoint what exactly I was missing in BB's music. I think it is that raw edge that I miss.

I know we all agree he is a great artist and has done a lot to put blues on "the map".

Ancient1

Rigsby wrote: »

I think it is that raw edge that I miss.

"Raw edge" are exactly the words I was looking for, would have saved me writing an essay! :pac:

Speaking of raw edge, no lack of it in his vocal delivery though, especially here:

Absolutely harrowing, gets me every time. Pay attention towards the end, incredible stuff.

Closing Doors

Saw him live a while back, he was really great.

Doctor J

For me, Albert King is The Man. I like BB a lot, but I just don't get the same enjoyment from his music that I do from Albert.

Music4life

Bb Kings tone Just kills.I saw him last summer he blow me away.Albert King aswell is excellent.THere both legends.I havent heard enough songs by the rest to judge

Blackhorse Slim

I don't think there's anything wrong with BB's singing or his playing or his tone. I like listening to BB, but IMO compared to some of the other greats I've never been that impressed with his band. Sure they can play, but they always sound more like a jazz band to me.

Rigsby

Blackhorse Slim wrote: »

I don't think there's anything wrong with BB's singing or his playing or his tone. I like listening to BB, but IMO compared to some of the other greats I've never been that impressed with his band. Sure they can play, but they always sound more like a jazz band to me.

In fairness I dont think anyone said there was anything wrong with his singing ect., and I think we all like listening to him.

What we're discussing is the general impact ( or lack of..) his music has had on people compared to other blues artists ( given that he has a large following ).

You 're right, this could be down to his band, I could n't really say. Though I assume his band members have changed down through the years, and if they have, then he does n't have the knack of picking the right musicians to express his music.

hypnosisdublin

It's important to realise that BB is about 40 years past his prime. The fire is gone and now he's happy to bask in the adoration he receives worldwide, especially after so many years of being underappreciated.

Check out his early work and you'll be surprised at how different it is to both his modern releases and live appearances.

Rigsby

hypnosisdublin wrote: »

Check out his early work and you'll be surprised at how different it is to both his modern releases and live appearances.

As I said at the start I've been a blues ( and BB ) fan for about thirty years. While I agree the fire is gone, I've basically always felt the same about his music compared to that of his contemporaries.

dasdog

I do have a hazy memory of him playing a free gig at College Green in the early/mid 1990's and being very much more in awe of his presence more so than a great performance.