I have been a Ronnie Earl fan for a long, long time.

I had the opportunity to meet him personally and hang out backstage before a concert a few years ago. He is a gracious man who understands the value of giving to others.

Ronnie Earl at The Narrows

For those who do not know, Ronnie is now in his mid-50s and has been part of the blues music scene for many years.

Deeply inspired by Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and Otis Rush, he started to play guitar in the 1970′s. He left the first major group he worked with in 1988, and moved on to build a solo career with his own band, The Broadcasters.

Along the way, he went on to tour the world with Santana, sometimes playing for audiences of as many as 40,000 people.

Recent years, however, found his career sidelined by a variety of health problems, which are thankfully, today, under control. When he says he’s feeling fine, he is, thanks, but the idea of touring again is as far from his mind as it can be.

“I did that for more than 25 years,” he says, “and nothing is better than one’s own home and one’s own family and friends. It makes me feel grounded. I have a wonderful wife, I’m close to our church, I live in the country and I want to be in my own home, every day.”

These days Ronnie is healthy, happily married and playing with the Broadcasters in the New England area and if you are fortunate to live in that area you still have a chance to see one of the finest blues guitar players — ever.

Visit Ronnie’s web site and follow his tour schedule by CLICKING HERE.

The video below was posted a few days ago on YouTube (thank you ZigBlues) from a concert Ronnie played last month at The Narrows in Fall River, MA.

On that night, Ronnie invited 16 year old guitarist Julie Melucci to join him on stage for a blues jam she will never forget!

My favorite part of the video comes at 5:30 when Ronnie motions that he is going to step back and let Julie showcase her chops!

By the way, a new recording from the Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters titled: “Spread the Love” is set to be released on August 24th, 2010 by Stoney Plains Records. Stay tuned to TheGuitarBuzz.com for more details and a full review as soon as the CD becomes available.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about “Guitar Artistry” and asked the question: If I can copy (insert your favorite guitar player’s name) licks, does that make me a guitar artist?

That thought jumped back to the front of my mind when I visited the web site of Hamilton Loomis and saw the words: “Innovate, Don’t Imitate”… a phrase coined by the late Bo Diddley and used to inspire Hamilton Loomis to re-define the blues.

Hamilton Loomis - LIVE in England

Loomis is one of the young artists at the forefront of bringing blues based American music into the 21st century and redefining it for a contemporary audience.

Whereas similar aged acts like Black Keys, Robert Randolph and White Stripes play American rock music with heavy blues influences, Loomis plays the inverse.

His is an undeniably blues based artist escalating into what All Music Guide calls “…a mixed bag of modern blues, modern funk, and slick soul.”

Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Loomis was first hooked on music through his parents’ extensive collection of blues, rock, and soul records.

Loomis honed his multi-instrumental chops early, learning drums, piano, guitar, bass and harmonica by his early teens.  At age sixteen he went backstage to meet Bo Diddley, and before the night was over Loomis was onstage playing alongside the legend.

Since that meeting, Diddley quickly became a friend, mentor, and supporter.

“INNOVATE, DON’T IMITATE”…are Diddley’s words and they continue to inspire Loomis and fuel his desire for creativity and originality.

Hamilton Loomis’ “Live In England” release captures his masterfull blending of his myriad of influences into a live performance.

[Click the Arrow to play a sample of "Get My Blues On" by Hamilton Loomis]

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“Hamilton is the future of the electric blues.”
-Malcolm Walls, Delta Blues Festival

“Contemporary blues revivalist and guitar whiz…”
-Larry Nager, Memphis Commercial Appeal

“More than a triple threat man, he’s a singer, musician, composer. actor, and all-around high-powered entertainer who puts his own personal stamp on blues.”
-Kevin Wildman, Music News, Houston TX

“Hamilton is one bad white boy!”
-Lee Parker, North Alabama Blues Festival

I like many different styles of music (as long as the guitar is the featured instrument!)

If you take a look at my iPod you will find an eclectic assortment of Classic Rock, Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Christian, New Age, R&B and an eclectic variety of tunes that fall into several genres — according to my ears.

But without a doubt, there is nothing I love to listen to more than a warm, classic, slow brooding BLUES SOLO that drips with emotion. Slow blues is by far my personal preference as I love to “feel” a song even more than I like to “listen” to a song.

Duke Robillard

To give you an example of what I mean, I have embedded a video of Duke Robillard’s “Blues for T-Bone”. This is one of the most masterful slow blues recordings I know of.

Robillard calls this “Duke’s Mood” and how powerful and moody it is! If you can, turn the lights low and close the door before you click the play button. The less distraction you have, the more you will truly “feel” the music.

Don’t close your eyes because there is a lot to see as Duke shares some masterful, innovative fingering.

Watch and listen as Duke takes you on an emotional journey. It’s 7-1/2 minutes of slow blues ecstasy. If you’re like me, you will watch this video several times. If you’re really like me, you will share this with your guitar loving friends!

One more thing… be sure to catch the train at 2:28… and enjoy the ride.

I Love Ronnie Earl, and Ronnie Earl Loves me! When I traveled to Boston last year to see Ronnie play live, he invited me backstage and gave me a guitar strap that he personally signed “Love & Blessings, Ronnie Earl”. That strap is hanging on the wall in my home studio. It is quite simply… too sacred for me to play with.

The real truth is, Ronnie Earl Loves everybody.

Ronnie is a long time virtuoso of the blues guitar. He plays (as he says) “with soul” and not only do you hear it with your ears, you see it in Ronnie’s face when he plays. Most photos you will find of Ronnie playing look a lot like the one to the left. Can’t ya just feel the blues dripping from that Strat!

Ronnie is a true anomaly in the music world. He doesn’t tour, he doesn’t show up on David Letterman, he doesn’t play at rock festivals, he doesn’t give interviews and he isn’t the slightest bit interested in being a “Star”. What Ronnie is intersted in is touching your heart (& Soul) with his music. If, after listening to Ronnie’s music, you feel a shot of love, warmth, healing and peace…Ronnie has accomplished what he set out to do.

Ronnie has just released “Living in the Light” from Stoney Plains Records. I was honored to receive a review copy.

I won’t go through a track-by-track review but I will say that in the space of one single 78-minute CD you will be treated to the most fiery Chicago style blues imaginable including a belated companion piece to the classic “Blues From The Westside” (from the “Still River” album). You will smile and shuffle your feet to Ronnie’s patented brand of lively guitar-and-Hammond fueled jazz-blues, you’ll be taken down to the Delta with acoustic blues, you’ll be uplifted by a beautiful Bob Dylan gospel cover including a choir and you will be soothed by the most serene Sunday morning blues you’ll ever hear.

Then there is the centerpiece track, “Child Of A Survivor”, which serves both as Ronnie’s tribute to victims of the Holocaust (which included members of his own family) and a reminder that we must never forget what humans are capable of doing to each other. This heartbreaking sentiment is expressed through the unusual but incredibly effective and entirely appropriate slow brooding blues featuring a heartfelt vocal from Kim Wilson.

If you’ve not had the pleasure (actually the privilege) of hearing Ronnie Earl play live, this CD will serve as the best possible introduction to the man. If you are like me, and have followed Ronnie’s profound career for many years, then this is a CD you will surely want to own.

Reverand Keith Gordon (About.com) said: There really aren’t words sufficient to describe Ronnie Earl’s incredible six-string talents. Just when you think that you have the man figured out, he pulls out a musical triumph like Living In The Light. It’s not that the album defies expectations (Earl’s skills are such that you’re always guaranteed a great time) but that Earl manages to set the bar higher with each musical outing, and then clear it with ease.

We all love you Ronnie! Keep the Blues coming our way!

NOTE: Information in this post is courtesy of MASCOT RECORDS.

Joe Bonamassa: Live From The Royal Albert Hall on DVD!

When Joe Bonamassa took the stage at Royal Albert Hall in May 2009, he fulfilled a dream he’d held since first picking up a guitar as a kid in upstate New York. The sold-out concert—fresh off the release of his album The Ballad Of John Henry—marked Bonamassa’s headlining debut at arguably the most prestigious concert venue in the world. “May 4, 2009 was a day 20 years in the making,” says Bonamassa. “I have never been so honored in my life. It was truly larger than the sum of its parts.”

The two decades he’s referring to began when—at age 12—he first opened for blues icon B.B. King, who said, “this kid’s potential is unbelievable.” King’s words are as fitting today as they were then. Bonamassa averages 200 shows every year, and with each gig, he comes more into his own as a virtuoso and a vocalist. At the Hall, Bonamassa had the added honor of being joined onstage by the legendary Eric Clapton. The Times of London cited Joe’s “searing excellence and showmanship,” and Planet Rock said, “The sight of two of the world’s best guitarists trading solos was more than a little thrilling.”

This two disc digipack DVD, which also features an exclusive interview with Bonamassa, presents that magical night in full—for posterity, and for all the fans that couldn’t be among the roughly 4,000 concertgoers filling the seats. The twelve-camera high definition, surround sound shoot was produced by Bonamassa’s longtime collaborator Kevin Shirley.

“Joe Bonamassa is a big star amongst his peers,” says Shirley, “garnering awards and magazine covers all around the globe. While he has a devoted audience that’s growing worldwide, his rejection of major label deals in favor of paving his own musical path has left the mainstream largely unfamiliar with his extensive repertoire and skill. Hopefully, this incredible performance—featuring Joe accompanied by an incredible band in addition to a guest appearance by Eric Clapton—will put an end to that. Directed by groundbreaking filmmakers Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen, this concert experience will become the benchmark for the genre. But pigeonhole Bonamassa at your peril—sure, the blues is the anchor, but this virtuoso refuses to play inside the box. Any box. Enjoy!”

The DVD is expected to be released on September 21, 2009. You can pre-order the DVD from Mascot Records HERE

The official trailer from the DVD has been posted on YouTube:

The Search For The Nation’s Greatest Undiscovered Blues Guitar Player is Back!

Guitar Center is pleased to announce the return of King of the Blues, the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered blues guitar player. With Sign-ups launching July 1, Guitar Center’s King of the Blues will feature competitions in over 200 Guitar Center locations across the country, culminating with the Grand Finals in Los Angeles this November.

In addition to showcasing the top five finalists, the King of the Blues Grand Finals will also feature performances by renowned blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa and Grammy award winner Pete Anderson.

Introduced in 2006, Guitar Center’s King of the Blues is more than just a competition to find the most technically skilled players. King of the Blues is designed to seek out the most passionate, innovative and authentic undiscovered guitar players and give them a shot at stardom. Some of today’s most iconic and groundbreaking artists, including BB King, John Mayer, The Black Crowes and Kenny Wayne Shepherd have participated at past King of the Blues events, and the winner of Guitar Center’s 2007 King of the Blues, Aaron Loesch, was invited to perform at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival in front of over 25,000 attendees.

With “the Blues” being the foundation for nearly all of today’s popular music, the search for the nation’s greatest undiscovered blues guitarist is expected to unearth a goldmine of unsigned talent, some of whom are destined to become tomorrow’s legends.

Guitar Center’s King of the Blues champion will win an impressive package of prizes, including $25,000 cash, a featured spot in a Guitar Center ad campaign, along with a Gibson ’59 Les Paul reissue guitar, a $2,500 Levis shopping spree, a Marshall Vintage Modern 50 watt half stack, a Boss GT-10 Guitar Multi Effects Pedal, a feature in Guitar World magazine, worldwide distribution of their music in iTunes and more, plus endorsement deals from Ernie Ball, Marshall, Vox and Gibson. The five finalists will perform live at the grand finals featuring Joe Bonamassa. Additional regional, district and local prize packages will also be awarded, thanks to the generous support of Gibson , Levi’s, Ernie Ball, Marshall, Boss, Vox , Guitar World and Tunecore, all of whom are proud supporters of Guitar Center’s King of the Blues.

Featuring 12 tracks, the long-anticipated studio follow-up to 2007’s critically acclaimed “Sloe Gin”, the album consists of 6 Bonamassa originals coupled with 6 cover songs.

“The Ballad Of John Henry” is tentatively scheduled for release on February 24, 2009, via J&R Adventures worldwide.

Bonamassa’s last studio album, “Sloe Gin”, spent over 10 consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Blues Album Charts. He followed that album with “Live From Nowhere in Particular”, a double CD that rarely leaves my car.

Last fall, I took a road trip from Phoenix, AZ, to Flagstaff, AZ, to see Bonamassa LIVE at the Orpheum Theater. If you EVER get the chance to see Joe in concert, you have to go. He is an amazing talent and I can’t imagine any guitar player not enjoying his performance.

The complete track listing:

1. The Ballad Of John Henry
2. Stop!
3. Last Kiss
4. Jockey Full Of Bourbon
5. Story Of A Quarryman
6. Lonesome Road Blues
7. Happier Times
8. Feelin’ Good
9. Funkier Than A Mosquito’s Tweeter
10. The Great Flood
11. From The Valley
12. As The Crow Flies

Click the image above to

Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters and Stony Plain Records recently released “The Hope Radio Sessions” on DVD. The sessions were recorded at Wellspring Sound in Acton, MA on April 21 and 22, 2007. Ronnie Earl is one of the worlds most acclaimed blues guitar players.  For over 35 years he has thrilled audiences who love his soothing “Blues with Soul” style. 

I find it amazing that in all of that time Ronnie has never been captured live on video or DVD (with the exception of an instructional based video) until now. The Hope Radio Sessions live concert DVD features many of the instrumental blues songs that are included on the Hope Radio album.  The DVD also includes alternative versions of some of the songs as well as two rare solo acoustic guitar selections and (one of my favorite features) a private, personal interview with Ronnie Earl himself.

I had the opportunity to see Ronnie Earl live this past summer in Arlington, MA.  I was fortunate to meet him personally, and was invited backstage before the concert.  Ronnie introduced me to the members of the Broadcasters band and autographed a special blue leather guitar strap to me — which proudly hangs on my office/studio wall today.  A very gracious man with a tremendously kind spirit, Ronnie Earl has limited his travel and touring in recent years due to health reasons.  This is unfortunate for those of you who have never had the opportunity to see his mesmerizing talent in person.

If you are ever traveling to the Boston area, be sure to check Ronnie’s Web Site to see if he is performing live in the area.  If not, pick up the DVD with this LINK and witness for yourself one of the true masters of stratocaster blues.  You will be glad you did!