CD Review
Roy Buchanan
"Deluxe Edition"
Alligator Records
by Dick Houff
Review date: March 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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I first became aware of Roy Buchanan, between 1969—1972. It was strictly word of mouth among guitar players. He had an underground status as someone not to be taken lightly in regards to his ax attack. Unfortunately, I never caught his act—however, the records spoke and made me a firm believer in his prowess. Roy's recording career was up
and down through the years, and at the same time, he was considered one of the best guitar players ever recorded. I have to agree; the man was phenomenal. For old fans and newcomers, this package from "Alligator's Deluxe Series" would be a good starting point. Of course, you'll want to have his complete 'Gator recordings—Roy's best years—and his happiest: WHEN A GUITAR PLAYS THE BLUES, DANCING ON THE EDGE, HOT WIRES, and an unreleased version of "Jack The Ripper" on Alligator's
25th Anniversary box set. Putting that all aside, check out Roy's version of Mancini's "Theme, from Peter Gunn! It's the very first track; if you play guitar, don't even attempt to duplicate it. I tried it for about a week much to the family's dismay. The silent treatment can be quite humbling. My favorite song on the CD is a Buchanan original: "Chicago Smokeshop" at track #3. Roy was a master at playing instrumentals and this one song is living proof. He gets a helping hand in the vocal department with Johnny Sayles, Otis Clay, Delbert McClinton, and Kanika Kress. Roy's three vocals are equally
strong on: Ain't No Business (#5), Beer Drinking Woman (#10), and When A Guitar Plays The Blues (#14). Another Buchanan original: Whiplash (#13), lets you know who's the boss—Mr. Roy Buchanan!
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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