American Axe: Live in 1974

The master of the Fender Telecaster, the late Roy Buchanan is commemorated on a archival CD release by Powerhouse Records. The CD, titled Roy Buchanan: American Axe Live in 1974, features highlights from two searing club sets Buchanan played over 30 years ago. All the material is previously unreleased. The music on this hour-long disc reveals Roy Buchanan at the height of his awe-inspiring powers, delivering soulful ballads, wrenching blues, and raw rock 'n roll for the small club audiences he preferred. Devotees of blues, rock, country, and jazz will find here the tone, technique and emotive power of a masterful performer whose work still overshadows those he influenced. It's clear from these recordings why guitarists and music industry insiders from the 1950's to this day include Buchanan among a handful of the most original and influential players. The CD's set list includes Buchanan classics such as "The Messiah Will Come Again" (a first-ever live version), his siganture "Roy's Bluz", "Hey Joe" (a tribute to Jimi Hendrix) and the hypnotic lament "Sweet Dreams". The balance of songs draws on classics from the golden age of American popular music, including "C.C. Ryder", "I Hear You Knockin'", Get Out Of My Life, Woman", and "Further On Up The Road", delivered in Buchanan's trademark fashion, seductive yet riveting, grooving and explosive. Phil Carson, author of the book Roy Buchanan: American Axe