The last time I saw a one man band perform, it was Johnny Lowebow at his shop in Memphis. I don't know exactly if you'd call this blues, but certainly it is squarely in a blues tradition. Here he is playing Katrina Dog.
Johnny Lowebow is by no means unique as a cigar-box guitar player. There's quite a strong tradition happening exploring these home-made instruments. Here's Dr. Oakroot.
Another fantastic one man band was Joe Hill Louis. He was recorded commercially for Sun in Memphis in the 50s. I love his groove. Here's the Hydramatic Blues. Great title!
Another well-known one man band is Jesse Lone-Cat Fuller. He's famous for San Francisco Bay Blues, but I quite like this version of John Henry. Mr. Fuller invented an instrument he called the fotdella, a foot-operated percussion bass that used six bass strings a body, foot pedals and padded hammers. Great idea.
Let's go out with Mike Whellans, human juke box.
Pat my head, and rub my tummy. As an ex-drummer, no way. Mike Whellans, the most impressive of them all, I think. He's doing more than just stroking and pounding...he's actually playing the instruments. Wow.
ReplyDeleteLowebow's cigar box guitars were set up with electric guitar strings and bass guitar strings. I think he had multiple pickups separating the bass and treble bits to separate tube amps.
ReplyDeleteI love musicians who have the coordination to play, accompany themselves and sing.
ReplyDeleteI follow Doctoroakroot over at http://twitter.com/doctoroakroot
and you can check out some of his home made guitars http://doctoroakroot.com/
I think of what he does as a kind of art, and would love to make my own guitar.