Howlin Wolf and Son House

Lately I can not seem to get enough of the Blues. Be it Country or Electric, the way it oozes with depth and genuine emotion makes it superior to anything else. I have long had a love and appreciation for the Blues which started as a teen when I discovered Muddy Waters, who was a well known inspiration of the great, Jimi Hendrix. Recently I have began listening to Son House and Willie Brown, both pioneers of the genre in the 1930's and 40's. The rawness of Son House's voice on 'Grinnin in your face' (which features only his voice and a mere 2 minutes long) has fastly become one of my favourite tracks (Looks like me and Jack White have something in common.) Son House played regularly with other early greats such as Charley Patton, Robert Johnson (often given the name the "Father of the Blues", but that's a whole other story) and as I earlier mentioned, Willie Brown, all of which paved the way for the beginnings of a music phenomenom that was brimming with potential.

Son House - 'Grinnin in your Face'

Another Blues artist I have become obsessed with as of late is the enigmatic, Howlin Wolf who came to fame on the well known 1950's record label, Chess Records (Check out the film "Cadillac Records" though it does star Beyonce, why do singers insist on being actors as well?) Howlin Wolf is the optimum example of rawness that almost borders on animalistic (hense the name), with live performances that boiled with energy in the same way that Screamin Jay Hawkins did with R&B.

Howlin Wolf knew how to bring his music alive, with performances that resemble that of an exorcism as he became possessed by the rhythmic powers of the music (perhaps his defining trait?) Whatever your opinion the Wolf there is no doubt of his creative genius which made him stand out from so many of his peers.

Howlin Wolf - 'Moanin at Midnight'

Being a strong influence in popular culture, elements of the Blues can be found readily in many forms of music, but it is never as captivating as it is in its originating form.

If you liked Howlin Wolf and Son House you may also enjoy: Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Willie Brown, John Lee Hooker, Bessie Jackson and Robert Johnson.

Regards¬