I’m not sure how to verbalize it but you can hear what SRV pulled from Buddy Guy. The way he transitions from soft notes into rifts. There’s also some Albert King influence in his style.
I happened to catch a show on PBS the other day that had Stevie Ray and Albert King playing their hits together. The two complemented each other perfectly.
I would also suggest “Talk To Your Daughter” by Robben Ford.
Johnny Winter Mean Town Blues Live.
One of my “Awesome-est evers”.
I’m not sure anyone can match my love for SRV, but this comes close.
Tim R. Mortiss already mentioned him in post #6, but I hear as much Lonnie Mack as anyone in Stevie’s playing. Buddy Guy definitely, as well as those mentioned in WordMan’s post, but Mack was a huge influence. “Wham” was the first record Stevie owned, and he played it so much his father ended up breaking it.
I’ve been revisiting some SRV stuff.
If anyone comes close, bring it.
I’d certainly recommend Jimi Hendrix “The Blues” CD as a stand-alone purchase.
I pair Hendrix with SRV when mixing stuff. To me, the contrasting styles go together.
Jimi was his idol.
I’d also suggest Eric Clapton. If you like the speed, listen to Clapton’s Cream era stuff.
Eric Johnson does a pretty good job with the style. He’s got a song titled SRV that’s a tribute (Jimmy Vaughan plays on it). This is said to be a track of them playing together on Shake N’ Bake.
A blues guitarist who didn’t have much in common with SRV as far as tone or technique, but did reach that level of virtuosity mentioned in the OP (at least in my opinion): Roy Buchanan
Proof that he wasn’t just a technician, he could put some real soul into his playing:
Can I Change My Mind (Billy Price on vocals)
Thanks guys. Looks like i have my homework cut out for me. I had mentioned my impending divorce so when I get to feeling bad about it, I crank up Texas Flood in the car and listen to it…repeatedly.
Danny Gatton comes to mind. Not “just” a blues player, but he could tear it up. I love his album with Joey DeFrancesco on organ, “Relentless.” Son Seals and Buddy Guy have that kind of rock/blues thing going on often, lots of chops. Also, +1 to Johnny Winter – he is still an amazing virtuoso, and pretty much stays to straight blues.
Alastair Greene is a relative of mine, so I’m biased. But give him a listen. Solo at 2 minutes in.
Check out a band called Indigenous. The guitarist, Mato Nanji, is a monster player, and very similar in style to SRV.
In my opinion, you absolutely CANNOT get closer to SRV than Doyle Bramhall II. He and Stevie Ray were buddies, played together, and Doyle even co-wrote some of the songs SRV was known for (“Change It,” for example). I recommend his album Bird’s Nest On the Ground.
The Allman Brothers
Of course they’re more Southern Rock than blues, although there is a strong blues streak in a lot of their stuff. (And SRV had some southern rock feel to some of his stuff)
ZZ Top
Southern rock/ blues/ rock alchemy. They don’t sound like SRV but have a similar kind of vibe.
I always thought SRV was the perfect mid point between Robert Cray and Jimi Hendrix.
Try Joe Bonamassa and Rory Gallagher - both phenomenal and right up there with SRV.
Personally, if you’re looking to be awed, I lean toward Joe.
I agree with Wordman, check out John Mayer in his trio. Good stuff.