I heard that Albert King was just inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which I visited just a few weeks ago. So in honor of this great bluesman, here’s his biggest hit, Born Under a Bad Sign.
If it wasn’t for bad luck, the man wouldn’t have no luck at all…
BTW, I saw King close up in some NYC dive about a million years ago. He doesn’t play with a pick—instead he kinda just pulls at the strings with his fingers which gets this awesome, gritty, honest, bluesy sound.
My favorite jazz guitarist, Wes Montgomery, doesn’t use a pick either. He plays with his thumb, and no, I don’t get how he does that so fleetly on uptempos, like this one. But his sound is way mellow.
Finally, a commenter generally shares this great The-Onlyest-Monk performance of Blue Monk.
So, after such a rough week, to say the least, I hope these offerings–amidst all the econo-polemics–help to launch a relaxing weekend.
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Great to see him so honored, an honor very well deserved. I didn’t know he was another that plays without a pick – my long-time favorite guitarist, Jeff Beck, is another, and he also can go from the bluesy, soulful end (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q0p7yXoOVg) to blazing technical speed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHxnjBqz_kY) with his thumb or fingers.
I’m glad they released this show on DVD – for a rarity, the camerawork and direction appear to have been done by people who actually understand how to show the technique of a brilliant musician, and not just focus on their face when the interesting things are happening with their hands.
Another great Albert, Mr. Collins, didn’t use a pick either.
Saw Albert King just before he passed at Kimball’s East in emeryville, ca. Saw Collins there too.