Been playing guitar for over 20 years and have really been impressed by new talent coming out these days. It's so hard to keep up with all the upcoming artists but I sure try. Here are a few I have grown to love over the last 20 years and are not on radio. So being a guitarist,.. these suggestions are guitar based....
Robben Ford is a great Blues/Jazz guy that has been around for a long time. He adds just enough jazz into his blues and really makes it work. Listen to his lineup with Robben Ford and The Blue Line.
Joe Bonamassa. He gets zero radio play but I have seen him every time he comes to Oklahoma. Been seeing his shows since my first one in 2000. The kid (was a kid,... now he's in his late 30's) can flat play and can adapt to any style. Plus, his main axes are Les Pauls,.... REAL Les Pauls. He tours with 2,.. yes TWO 1959's,.. a 1958 and a 1960. Those four guitars are worth over a million $$. How cool is that.
Jeff Beck. I know he's a famous name but he gets next to no radio play. He is an old school master of guitar.
Gary Clark Jr. An Austin guy that has made a name for himself. Real cool rootsy blues playing.
Speedy West Jr. He is no longer with us but one of the greatest friends I can say I ever had. Not only musically,.. but as a person. His dad was Speedy West (duh) the famous steel player. Speedy Jr. (Gary) went his own path and never did what was 'expected' of him. My biggest guitar mentor and a complete monster guitar and steel player. I was lucky enough that he asked me to play in his band with him for 3 years. I learned more about not playing (listening) than I did about what chords and scales to play. Speedy Jr. just loved to play and had no issues with playing bar gigs for a living. He could have toured with Toby Keith early in Toby's career and Speedy said nah,.. I'd rather sleep in my bed at home every night. Not many pickers would pass up that opportunity. I miss my friend but when I listen to his music,... he still gives me playing advice.
Just some of my quick suggestions.
Robben Ford is a great Blues/Jazz guy that has been around for a long time. He adds just enough jazz into his blues and really makes it work. Listen to his lineup with Robben Ford and The Blue Line.
Joe Bonamassa. He gets zero radio play but I have seen him every time he comes to Oklahoma. Been seeing his shows since my first one in 2000. The kid (was a kid,... now he's in his late 30's) can flat play and can adapt to any style. Plus, his main axes are Les Pauls,.... REAL Les Pauls. He tours with 2,.. yes TWO 1959's,.. a 1958 and a 1960. Those four guitars are worth over a million $$. How cool is that.
Jeff Beck. I know he's a famous name but he gets next to no radio play. He is an old school master of guitar.
Gary Clark Jr. An Austin guy that has made a name for himself. Real cool rootsy blues playing.
Speedy West Jr. He is no longer with us but one of the greatest friends I can say I ever had. Not only musically,.. but as a person. His dad was Speedy West (duh) the famous steel player. Speedy Jr. (Gary) went his own path and never did what was 'expected' of him. My biggest guitar mentor and a complete monster guitar and steel player. I was lucky enough that he asked me to play in his band with him for 3 years. I learned more about not playing (listening) than I did about what chords and scales to play. Speedy Jr. just loved to play and had no issues with playing bar gigs for a living. He could have toured with Toby Keith early in Toby's career and Speedy said nah,.. I'd rather sleep in my bed at home every night. Not many pickers would pass up that opportunity. I miss my friend but when I listen to his music,... he still gives me playing advice.
Just some of my quick suggestions.
