2012-07-11 Mad Playlist of the Day: Awesome Blues Guitar

The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Big Block – Live Version by Jeff Beck
2. Three O’Clock Blues by B.B. King and Eric Clapton
3. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) by John Lee Hooker with Carlos Santana
4. Roadhouse Blues (with Eddie Vedder – Live) by The Doors
5. Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
6. Mustang Sally by Buddy Guy
7. Catfish Blues by Jimi Hendrix
8. Dust Bowl by Joe Bonamassa
9. Call it Stormy Monday by Albert King
10. Shooting for the Moon by Sonny Landreth

Well that wasn’t even scratching the surface, but listen to these and if you don’t like at least some of them, you’ve flat-lined.

2012-03-20: Mad Playlist of the Day – Songs in Which Nicky Hopkins Played Keyboards

Back in the day, whenever I bought a new record album I would read the liner notes and the credits voraciously.  One thing I remember seeing all the time was Nicky Hopkins’ name in the credits of more bands than you’d think possible. Hopkins was primarily a session musician for numerous bands including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, and many others.  He was also, at various times, a member of The Steve Miller Band, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and The Jeff Beck Group.  Unfortunately he was taken by Crohn’s disease in 1994 at the age of 50.  Here’s a sample of his incredible talents.

1. Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones
2. Baby’s House by The Steve Miller Band – Co-written by Nicky Hopkins and featuring him on piano.
3. Barabajagal by Donovan (With The Jeff Beck Group)
4. Edward the Mad Shirt Grinder by Quicksilver Messenger Service
5. The Farm by Jefferson Airplane
6. Girl From Mill Valley by Jeff Beck
7. Edward by Nicky Hopkins

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!