Roy Buchanan - ROY BUCHANAN***

Sweet Dreams/I Am A Lonesome Fugitive/Cajun/John's Blues/Haunted House/Pete's Blue/The Messiah Will Come Again/Hey Good Lookin'

Self titled debut album from the American blues-rock guitarist Roy Buchanan. He came to public prominence after starring in a TV programme labelled as ‘the best unknown guitarist in the world’. (US:107)

“Roy Buchanan is definitely one of my favourite blues guitarists. Here is the debut where he unveils the magical and unique sound of his guitar. The highlight is of course Messiah, featuring some of the most haunting solos put on a single track. Sweet Dreams is his most known song and a blues gem. The lengthier songs are blues diamonds.”

“This major label debut is an uneasy mix of slow/heavy blues rock, and heavily country flavoured rock, featuring steel guitar. Buchanan is a guitar virtuoso, so nearly all the tracks feature a guitar improvisation of one sort or another, some of which work, while others border on annoying. I feel the blues driven tracks are clearly the best material here.” ,p> “A very inconsistent album, but has some amazing songs on it. The Messiah Will Come Again being my personal favourite, with so much emotion in such a simple song. Sweet Dreams shows his artistry on guitar, getting a sound only Buchanan could. Neither Pete's Blues nor John's Blues have the sound I love Buchanan for, but that's not to say they are bad. I Am a Lonesome Fugitive is a rather jocular tune, while out of place, I enjoy it a lot.”

“Buchanan is an amazing player with such a unique style and approach. He is truly one of the top guitar players of all time and of all his albums this one was played with the most passion and fury. Cajun is without a doubt the best track with a killer solo, the guitar through the whole song is amazing. Other highlights would be Haunted House and Sweet Dreams both of which are classics. Roy Buchanan is an album that each and every guitar player should own.”

“It's hard to pin Roy down, he played everything so well - country, blues, rock, jazz, you name it. He moved seamlessly from one genre to another, so for lack of anything more descriptive he is often categorized as a blues guitarist.”