On Friday, July 21, 2023, Alligator Records will be reintroducing the timeless recording “When A Guitar Plays The Blues” by Roy Buchanan. This album has undergone a meticulous remastering process, meticulously supervised by Bruce Iglauer, the original producer, as well as the founder and president of Alligator Records. As a testament to its significance, “When A Guitar Plays The Blues” will be made available on high-quality 140g black vinyl, marking its long-awaited return to the LP format after a three-decade hiatus.
Originally released in 1985, “When A Guitar Plays The Blues” marked Roy Buchanan’s momentous debut on Alligator Records, catapulting him into the realm of blues-rock guitar virtuosos. Prior to this breakthrough, Buchanan had already cultivated a fervent following through his extraordinary musicianship and imaginative guitar techniques within the local music scene of Washington, D.C. However, it was a public television special that unveiled Buchanan’s prodigious talent to a wider audience, proclaiming him as “The Best Unknown Guitar Player In The World.” Subsequently, his reputation soared, transforming him into a national concert attraction, with hordes of eager fans eagerly anticipating the sheer brilliance of his picking skills and remarkable string bending abilities.
Notwithstanding his rise to fame, Buchanan’s previous endeavors under major record labels failed to capture the raw intensity of his live performances. Thus, when he joined Alligator Records in 1985, he was exhilarated to be granted artistic freedom and the opportunity to collaborate with authentic Chicago blues musicians. It was within this context that Buchanan considered “When A Guitar Plays The Blues” to be one of his most noteworthy accomplishments. The album encompasses an impressive array of compositions, including “Short Fuse,” “Mrs. Pressure,” and “Hawaiian Punch,” each showcasing Buchanan’s inimitable style and profound musicality.
The enduring appeal of “When A Guitar Plays The Blues” is evident in its impressive sales figures, having sold over 75,000 units to date.
Buy When A Guitar Plays The Blues.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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