Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I need (want) to expand my repertoire.

Check out Peter Case. He's got lots of great acoustic blues-based albums out.

http://www.petercase.com

There's a lot to choose from, Richard. Each geographical region has it's own style. Personally I'd recommend a little of each to give you a broader appreciation of the style and to help understand the nuances of each region.

Piedmont Blues

John Jackson
Cephas & Wiggins
Pink Anderson
Rev. Gary Davis
Drink Small

Texas Blues

Lightnin' Hopkins
Li'l Son Jackson
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Blind Willie Johnson

Delta

Robert Pete Williams
Bukka White
Furry Lewis
Mississippi Fred McDowell
Mississippi John Hurt
Son House

Any of these folks would be a great starting point and nearly everyone has recordings available. Personally, I'd go for the "original recordings" of the older bluesmen as they highlight the artists in their prime, but you can also find a few gems that were recorded during the rediscovery period of the '60s and '70s. The John Jackson and Cephas & Wiggins material was recorded with in the last 25 years and can be found easily. Hope this helps!

Thanks, I used one of my Christmas gift certificates to get a Lightin' Hopkins CD and I'll use the other one to get some Piedmont Blues.

opps, double post

If you want something just a little more contemporary try John Mayall's album - "The Turning Point"

I was captivated by this album when it came out in 1969. It was an album that featured Jon Mark on acoustic finger-style guitar, Stephen Thompson on bass guitar and Johnny Almond on tenor and alto saxophones, flutes, and something called mouth percussion. Notice there was no drummer.

Some very good acoustic blues on that album. John sings and plays harmonica, slide guitar, Telecaster guitar, tambourine and mouth percussion as well.

It is an amazingly tight and dynamic album considering that it was captured live at the Filmore East.

There's also a fellow named Guy Davis, Piedmont style. http://www.guydavis.com/





JimK

Robert Johnson....

There's a lot to choose from, Richard. Each geographical region has it's own style. Personally I'd recommend a little of each to give you a broader appreciation of the style and to help understand the nuances of each region.

Any of these folks would be a great starting point and nearly everyone has recordings available. Personally, I'd go for the "original recordings" of the older bluesmen as they highlight the artists in their prime, but you can also find a few gems that were recorded during the rediscovery period of the '60s and '70s. The John Jackson and Cephas & Wiggins material was recorded with in the last 25 years and can be found easily. Hope this helps!

+1 Mike's list. It is spot on. John Cephas, by the way, teaches often at the Fur Peace Ranch (as well as other places).

And Guy Davis (on JimK's list) for those who do not know is the late actor Ossie Davis's son and also teaches at the Ranch.

John Hammond Jr. 1960's on.
Sometimes not my favorite singer but a very powerful player.

The good stuff!