ROCKY’S PANDEMIC PLAYLIST, PART 6
HEY JOE
Roy Buchanan, 1973: Hey Joe is the murder ballad that launched the career of Jimi Hendrix, perhaps the greatest practitioner of electric guitar ever. I’ve always preferred Arkansas picker Roy Buchanan’s take on the Billy Roberts penned song. Buchanan, who spent time in Ontario playing with Ronnie Hawkins in the early ’60s, was magnificent. His “Hey Joe” appears on his LP “That’s What I’m Here For.” A tortured soul, Buchanan was found hanged in a Virginia jail cell in 1988.
I AIN’T SUPERSTITIOUS
Jeff Beck, 1968: Beck, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page were all graduates of the great British blues outfit The Yardbirds. Beck was the first to go solo with his debut LP “Truth.” His muscular cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Ain’t Superstitious” (first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1961) is one of many album highlights. The lead vocalist on the track was a relatively unknown Rod Stewart. Beck, who would move in a jazz direction in the ’70s, was a great admirer of Roy Buchanan.
IT’S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE
Link Wray, 1979: Link Wray is the man who injected both power and fuzz into rock ‘n’ roll guitar. An Indigenous American from North Carolina, he started in the ’50s with instrumental hits like “Rumble.” By the late ’70s, Wray had become a punk rock icon. On his 1979 LP “Bullshot,” Wray takes on the classic Bob Dylan song “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” It’s my favourite version of a beautiful song. Wray was an innovative pioneer who influenced all the great guitarists of rock.
BLACK MAGIC WOMAN
Fleetwood Mac, 1968: Before Fleetwood Mac reformed in California and became international superstars, the group was one of the top blues-rock bands in England, led by the hugely talented guitarist/singer/songwriter Peter Green. Green’s “Black Magic Woman” appeared on the selftitled debut album. A slick cover by Carlos Santana would become an international hit in 1971. Santana owes a huge debt to Green, as do all blues-rockers.
COMIN’ HOME
Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, with Eric Clapton, 1970: Next to Hendrix, Clapton is rock’s most celebrated electric guitarist. His work on tour with Delaney and Bonnie is often overlooked, but is essential to his catalogue, the bridge between Cream and Derek & the Dominoes. This incredible rock orchestra also features George Harrison and Dave Mason on backing guitars. Clapton’s guitar rises to near symphonic proportions.