Friday, March 28, 2008

CHOPS NOT CHAPS

Some days are just full of surprises. Take this one day back in 1990 for example. Canned Heat was playing at the Palamino in North Hollywood. Now like any good blues advocate I knew that I had to be there. As I pull up I see the marque reading "Tonight, Canned Heat, with Roy Rogers". Everyone knows that the Heat were true road dogs, so I figured that I was in for a real dog and pony show. I was both right and wrong.

I paid the price of admission (and it wasn't as high as the one society charges) and took my seat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Roy Rogers". Mild applause followed by the sound of jaws hitting the floor. This guy was sliding like Paris Hilton on a KY coated slip and slide.
This man...words cant describe it so I will just have to send you to the video bar at the bottom of the page. I removed a Charlie Manson video for this, so you know I'm not messin' around. Not only is he a phenomenal guitarist, but the was also the one responsible for the resurrection of John Lee Hookers career in the early 90's having produced his collaboration albums, The Healer, and Mr Lucky. He is a lot like the Dead in one way. When you listen to his studio albums you know there is talent there, but live is a whole other story.

As for Canned Heat, what a show. Boogie boogie boogie. What the Heat was, and still is all about. That night the band consisted of "Fito" de la Para, Harvey "the snake" Mandel (who plays lead on Hot Stuff on the Stones Black and Blue album), and Larry Taylor, alias "the Mole", along with a new guitarist/vocalist.

DON'T FORGET TO BOOGIE

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