Tag Archives: Howlin Wolf

The Oxford American – Thirteenth Annual Music Issue

I made a great musical find last night browsing at my local Barnes & Noble book store. I saw out of the corner of my eye a copy of Oxford American magazine sitting by its lonesome. It was calling me to pick it up. I noticed that my favorite music journalist, Peter Guralnick had contributed an article, “Sam Phillips‘s Greatest Discovery” to the publication. It’s a story about Howlin Wolf and its reallllllly good!

I have developed a discerning taste for music journalism over the decades. The Oxford American, thirteenth annual Southern music issue surpasses my expectations with its content. It is a treasure chest of well articulated and researched music literature. The publication adds tremendous depth to the importance of our rich American heritage, the music of the South.

One of my major bucket list items is to take an extended vacation on the Southern blues trail(s). The Oxford American is the magazine I will be taking with us on that journey.

So forgive me as I rub my hands with glee here this morning. I have this great magazine to hunker down with and learn from this weekend.

Life is sweet ;)

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January 28, 2012 1 Comment Short URL , , , , , Blues, Magazine, Southern Music

Long Live Hubert Sumlin

Hubert Sumlin epitomized the blues like nobody’s business. I was sad to learn today that he has joined the great beyond.

A longtime collaborator with Howlin’ Wolf in Chicago, and a favorite guitarist of Jimi Hendrix, Hubert Sumlin influenced several generations of bluesmen and guitarists.

We saw Hubert Sumlin twice live. The first time was at the 100 year Salute to the Blues at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 2003. He cooked on the guitar when he played Killing Floor with David Johansen getting down on vocals. I was blown away by his guitar playing as he stung the guitar strings that night.

Here is the video sequence of that electrifying performance as filmed for the movie, Lightning In A Bottle.

I was amazed to learn he had a lung removed just months before that show. You never would have known it when he pistol whipped that guitar at 71 years young. I was so blessed to witness and feel the connection he had with the late Howlin Wolf.

Experience Hendrix Tour DVD

The second time was at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey in 2010. Hubert Sumlin joined the stellar lineup of guitarists for the Experience Hendrix Tribute. He schooled them all :)

We are so going to miss you Hubert Sumlin, save me a table down front at the Blues joint in the sky. Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters are jamming with you now I just know it ;)

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December 5, 2011 6 Comments Short URL , , , , , , Blues

Killing Floor

“No time for the killing floor

No time left for you” – “No Time” by The Guess Who

So what exactly is meant by the phrase, “Killing Floor”? Who coined the phrase?

Killing floor stems from a classic old song associated with Chicago electric blues. Killing floor is also a reference to the place in the slaughterhouse where the stock was killed and then butchered, hence a scene of danger, difficulty, bloodshed, etc. A point of no return.

“Killing Floor” is a 1964 blues song recorded by Howlin’ Wolf, a.k.a. Chester Arthur Burnett on Chess Records, the definitive blues label. The guitar riff that opens this classic blues anthem was created by Hubert Sumlin, who is still playing today. Witness this “Killing Floor” video highlight with David Johansen and Hubert Sumlin filmed at Radio City Music Hall in 2003.
Rosemary and I attended this 5 1/2 hour star-studded event which was the Year of the Blues 2003, a 100 year celebration of the founding of the blues. The concert became a Sony Picture Classics feature-length film, Lightning In A Bottle, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and produced by Martin Scorsese.

Musicians performing “Killing Floor”

I first heard “Killing Floor” on Electric Flag’s album, not realizing it was originally written and performed by Howlin” Wolf. It makes total sense now with Mike Bloomfield being a blues guitarist born and raised on the blues in Chicago. Electric Flag played “Killing Floor” as a great driving song with Mike Bloomfield on guitar, Buddy Miles on drums and Nick Gravenites on vocals. I really like the horn arrangement on this track from A Long Time Comin (1968).

One of my all time favorite recordings

Jimi Hendrix loved playing “Killing Floor.”  He was a fantastic blues guitarist. Here is his performance of “Killing Floor” from The Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 with The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Led Zeppelin often played “Killing Floor” in their live set during their first concert tour of the United States. “Killing Floor” evolved into “The Lemon Song” (Led Zeppelin II).

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January 24, 2011 0 Comments Short URL , , , , , , , , , , , , Blues, Concert, Uncategorized