I have been listening to some of my old SRV CD’s from way back when I first discovered him in my youth (93 ) . They are still just as good now as they were then.
There is no doubt that he was a great musician, but what is it about him that has people so crazy for his stuff? The guitar work is outstanding, lyrics were his worst spot for sure IMHO.
I guess even though I think he is great, I am not sure where his guitar god status came from. Maybe its because I am not a blues or rockabilly guy.
Can someone explain to me what it is about him that set him apart from his peers? You don’t need to convince me that he was good because I agree. But what was the special something that puts him above the rest? I am a guitar player but more metal and hard rock so I am not a blues connesuire (sp?).
I have an extremely varied musical taste (I can go from “Devil Went Down to Georgia” to “Master of Puppets” in just a few seconds) and for me, I think Stevie Ray is great because of his instrumental cover of “Little Wing.” It’s got such emotion and feeling, plus it’s technically impressive as well.
Also, he was buddies with Clapton, so that always helps your status as a good guitar player.
He could kick ass playing AND sing at the same time…most can’t.
I saw him at a party in Dallas many years ago. I didn’t even know who he was at the time. :smack:
To watch him, was like he was somewhere else…I know he was makin shit up, right there too. I’ve seen lots of folks play, I try myself. But this guy, could hit licks I couldn’t even see.
It’s hard to explain, you just had to see it (or try).
Some guitar players, like Yngvie Malmsteen or Joe Satriani or to some extent Eddie Van Halen, are considered great because of their speed and technical ability.
Others, like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and B.B. King, are considered great because of the unique and powerful expression they extract from their guitars. Slash would fit into this group as well, while Jimi Hendrix really fits in both camps.
SRV was (IMHO) the greatest guitarist ever. His touch, strength, phrasing and dedication to blues guitar was unheard of. Consider SRV was a grizzled blues veteran when he was signed when was in his mid 20’s. Eric Clapton was most impressed with SRV. Even Clapton said that SRV never seemed to be lost when soloing. Clapton admitted that most musicians rely upon certain licks when they run outta steam…some standbys if you will. SRV didn’t have that problem…he could go on forever.
Not only was he a great, great guitar player. His voice shouldn’t be overlooked as part of the appeal. He had a truly smoky growl that was full of emotion. They don’t make em’ like that anymore.
As to why he stand outs from his peers? Well, SRV simply “had it” and most (99%) don’t. He simply was the whole package. Albert King LOVED him and Albert King was known in the blues circles to be one tough nut that didn’t like anybody…but he adored SRV because he “had it”. I gotta rely upon the assessment of Albert King that SRV was the real thing. I’m sure he’s seen them come and seen them go. All the blues greats at that time (Albert King, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy…etc) thought so much of SRV because of what he brought to the table. He was truly dedicated to the blues.
I saw him back in 86’ and it was one of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen. He continually shocked the crowd with his skills. It was magnificent…here was a true artist. I wish I could have seen him once he cleaned up in 89’…from the DVD I have (Austin City Limits), the 89’ stuff just blew me away. I miss him terribly. The world is not as exciting without him.
The last time I saw SRV play was in a stadium concert, sharing the bill with Jeff Beck. Beck played first, and I enjoyed it, thinking “this guy is a musical genius”. Then Stevie Ray Vaughan came on, and the whole atmosphere of the stadium changed. Suddenly the air was charged with incredible energy and excitement. I thought, “Beck is a genius, but Stevie Ray is a star.”
Keep in mind that people were commenting on his outstanding playing when he was 15. I remember reading an interview with his brother Jimmy, way back when, with him saying in effect “Look out for my little brother.”
His abilities are hard to explain. He was so good that he made it look like he wasn’t even trying. Watch his appearance on “Unplugged”; his fingering techique is exquisite.
First, I’m not taking anything away from SRV…he could play circles around me. But, everything he did was pretty much ripped off from Albert King. Maybe that’s why King liked him so much? So why was he so popular? Well,
He was good, real good…even if he was King’s shadow.
He was in the right place at the right time. That is the blues is really cyclic. There wasn’t much going on in the way of blues in the early to mid eighties…and when it came back around…he was there, modern, talented, outgoing, etc.
Had lot’s of connections. Before Stevie even played his first gig (maybe not quite accurate) Jimmy was known as “the man with a thousand licks”.
Some of y’all are a trip!! Dissing SRV, go on YouTube and look up Texas flood (long version) and you’ll see what was so special about him! He wasn’t kings shadow, he was better than him, king knew this and that’s why he respected him above the rest, in fact, he was the best guitarist ever but don’t get mad at me, go watch the video!! Watch all his videos, SRV is also respected in the blues world bc the music was dying at that time, not many young people were taking that route bc it was a genre that was going downhill til along came this kid that thundered on the guitar to the point that even rockers and metal heads were watching his videos on MTV, vh1, etc. He revived the blues for every blues artist, their careers were falling apart til this man came along and that’s what is so special about him! Do your history and learn if you weren’t alive then or into it then to know what was going on! This kid was a blessing to the Blues as a whole! Much respect, love and admiration goes to SRV, a true artist who lived, breathed and died for the blues! RIP SRV
) . They are still just as good now as they were then.