VA - Wild and Whammy Guitars - The Blues Fretboard Masters (2023)

Wild & Whammy Guitars showcases guitar players with the most extravagant and influential guitar stylings of the 1950s and early 1960s period, dwelling on the skilful plectrum gymnastics of those blues-oriented folk who mastered the use of steel bars and whammies and were a major influence on later guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix.

Our players include the sweet and soulful Wild Jimmy Spruill who cut blues-related sides for Bobby Robinson's Fire, Fury, Vest and Everest labels. During the 1950s the blues world was invaded by the 'Strat Cats' (Fender Stratocasters) and 'Slick Slashers.' Some of the major exponents included Magic Sam (Samuel Maghett) who based his house-rocking style on the work of Homesick James. Ike Turner helped develop the stomping Fender-bending sound of modern day blues & rhythm. Mickey Baker (McHouston) devised his own way around the frets by a process of self-invention which carried the basics of rhythm and blues into the realms of rock and roll. His custom Gibson Les Paul guitar sported three independent volume controls.

Multi-instrumentalist Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown was a pathfinding icon of electric R&B. He was a major influence on Albert Collins and Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, among others. Memphis guitar maverick Fenton Robinson, whose influences included T-Bone Walker and Robert Nighthawk, never quite received the recognition he so deserved. Buddy Guy became the go-to first-call sessions player for Leonard & Phil of Chess Records in the late 1950s. Albert Collins was influenced by the work of T-Bone Walker, 'Gatemouth' Brown and others to more exciting thrills of creative inventiveness with his distinctive personal sound.

Other fretboard masters include Jimmy Nolen, William H. 'Lefty' Bates, K.C. ('Mojo') Watson, Cal Green, Hound Dog Taylor, Curley Page (Sly Williams), Big Bo Melvin, Hop Wilson (Poppa Hop) and Eddie Kirkland.