Tab Benoit
Although an old soul boy at heart, I just thought I'd post an entry about a blues man I haven't seen mentioned much (at all) on the Shades site.
I've been a Benoit fan ever since the release of "Nice and Warm" in 1992 and, whilst not every release has been stellar, there's usually something worthwhile on every album and there have been a couple of fully realised CDs along the way. I supposed his music could be labelled cajun influenced blues but first and foremost he's an excellent guitarist and writer and a pretty good vocalist as well. He also tours extensively (especially in the States, obviously).
He's never really resorted to straight ahead rock influenced blues and he says he never will :-)
Any number of his releases are worth a punt - I'd recommend "Wetlands", recorded in Louisiana (terrific swampy blues) and the more recent 2006 release "Brother To The Blues", which exhibits a country influence and adds some instrumental texture to Tab's basic sound. Both these show that the man has a vision for the blues, a genuine feel, which means he creates something genuinely original rather than a pastiche of the past. Heartily recommended.
Are there any other Benoit fans out there?
I picked the Brother To The Blues CD on my favourite download site and I think it's a very fine album.
However I also got the follow up (Power of the Pontchartrain), which is I think a little more ordinary, although the guitar playing is still first class. The Brother To The Blues release has certainly tempted me to visit Benoit's back catalogue, Power of the Pontchartrain less so.