Guy Forsyth
http://www.guyforsyth.com/
1. Tom Waits. I had waited almost 15 years to see him, so it had to be good. It was. In his own way Tom Waits = Chuck Berry.
2. John Hammond Jr. This show is why I am a musician today. Just raw country delta blues from one man, a national guitar and a harmonica, Hammond showed me what it meant to mean it.
3. The Violent Femmes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Living Colour. This was in 85-86 and all three bands had something to prove, each punching out gigawatt performances just to keep up with the next.
4. B.B. King, Albert King. A friend of mine was playing keys in Albert King's pick up band, and he walked off stage when Albert berated his players for not knowing a song they had not rehearsed. The awkward silence of the audience was instantly dispelled by B.B., the King we all hope we deserve.
5. Lucinda Williams. She almost seemed embarrassed to be on the Antone's stage back in 1999, but when her mouth opened she sang perfect blue haikus, sweet and tart as the plums you were probably going to have for breakfast.
6. John Mooney, Madigans in New Orleans. Son House meets Professor Longhair, and a chain of world-class talent sat in.
7. Ray Charles, Irma Thomas & Earl King, Danny Gatton, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Fliers, Ben Harper, Bobby Blue Bland, B.B. King, Al Green and Robert Jr. Lockwood for God sakes. This was the Peer Rhythm 'n' Blues fest in 1994, and I got to open the show and see the rest from the side of the stage. I felt like I was on Mt. Olympus.
8. The Asylum Street Spankers. I was in this band, but no one on stage or off knew what was going to happen when the shows at The Electric Lounge kicked off. It was the perfect blend of talent, inspiration and chaos, and all performed on acoustic instruments with no amplification to a wrapped crowd of hundreds. I've never seen anything like it.
9. The Beat Farmers. It was inflatable sheep and Midwest soul. Country Dick Montana died wile performing on stage a few years after I last saw him. With shows like this I am amazed he lasted as long as he did. Leave nothing left but one hell of a story.
10. Richard Thompson, Cactus Cafe. If I could claim to be from anywhere, I would like to be from where he's from.
2. John Hammond Jr. This show is why I am a musician today. Just raw country delta blues from one man, a national guitar and a harmonica, Hammond showed me what it meant to mean it.
3. The Violent Femmes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Living Colour. This was in 85-86 and all three bands had something to prove, each punching out gigawatt performances just to keep up with the next.
4. B.B. King, Albert King. A friend of mine was playing keys in Albert King's pick up band, and he walked off stage when Albert berated his players for not knowing a song they had not rehearsed. The awkward silence of the audience was instantly dispelled by B.B., the King we all hope we deserve.
5. Lucinda Williams. She almost seemed embarrassed to be on the Antone's stage back in 1999, but when her mouth opened she sang perfect blue haikus, sweet and tart as the plums you were probably going to have for breakfast.
6. John Mooney, Madigans in New Orleans. Son House meets Professor Longhair, and a chain of world-class talent sat in.
7. Ray Charles, Irma Thomas & Earl King, Danny Gatton, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Fliers, Ben Harper, Bobby Blue Bland, B.B. King, Al Green and Robert Jr. Lockwood for God sakes. This was the Peer Rhythm 'n' Blues fest in 1994, and I got to open the show and see the rest from the side of the stage. I felt like I was on Mt. Olympus.
8. The Asylum Street Spankers. I was in this band, but no one on stage or off knew what was going to happen when the shows at The Electric Lounge kicked off. It was the perfect blend of talent, inspiration and chaos, and all performed on acoustic instruments with no amplification to a wrapped crowd of hundreds. I've never seen anything like it.
9. The Beat Farmers. It was inflatable sheep and Midwest soul. Country Dick Montana died wile performing on stage a few years after I last saw him. With shows like this I am amazed he lasted as long as he did. Leave nothing left but one hell of a story.
10. Richard Thompson, Cactus Cafe. If I could claim to be from anywhere, I would like to be from where he's from.
