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Friday, July 15, 2016

Buddy Guy is still awesome at 80!!!

Buddy Guy turns 80 in 2 weeks on July 30, 2016.
I had the good fortune to see and hear Buddy at the ancient Roman built Caesarea Amphitheater in Israel, and WOW! I mean WOW! We should all be so lucky to have his stamina, presence of mind, and his voice at age 80!!!

Buddy gave us a wide sampling from his musical legacy and history, doing a stream of consciousness medley of songs fading or segueing from one song to the next, He had quite a few "hot licks and dirty tricks" up his sleeve too - masterfully playing the guitar in many different modes - from heavy rock to delicate slow Blues soloing, and also a little "playing with" the guitar - strumming or tapping the strings with a drum stick, a handkerchief, rubbing the guitar on his shirt, his pants, playing with his teeth, or walking the stage while playing the guitar behind his back. He also took a stroll around through the crowd at one point, never stopping the guitar playing, and at one point singing a few lines with a wireless mic.
Buddy is also a master at demonstrating or musically "quoting" the styles of other famous players, such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, and more...each one accompanied by a little story of his experiences with that artist.

In addition to his music, Buddy gave us a message of love, kindness, and understanding for each and every human being.

to quote Buddy:
"Do you have to suffer to sing the Blues?
NO! Just keep living..."