You like the blues? Get this.
Listen, some older blues cats these days are getting a lot of play simply because they’re older blues cats. I hate to say it, but it needs to be said. If your body is all broken-down and you look good sitting on a porch that’s just as broken-down as you are while holding a broken-down guitar, chances are some young musical anthropologist will happen by the neighborhood and "discover" you. But some of these older blues cats, for reasons most likely having to do with typical music industry bullshit, aren’t getting enough play.
Eddie Kirkland isn’t getting enough play.
No, it’s not flawless technique or breathless speed that sets Kirkland apart. What makes this guy so good, especially for someone coming from his earlier generation of blues players, is his diversity. Not many blues musicians from Kirkland’s era can so effortlessly switch back and forth from deep delta blues to modern R&B and most every stop in between. Kirkland conquers blues territory and beyond like Genghis Khan on a mission.
Plus, just in case that isn’t enough of an endorsement, Kirkland has some Detroit roots. Yep, it’s true. Kirkland used to be second guitar behind John Lee Hooker in Hooker’s road band way back around 1948 when John Lee was still based here in the Motor City. Kirkland wound up landing a five-year-long gig with the man after he backed up Hooker at an all-night house party. Oh, and then there was the time ...
Look, just get this.
