1. "I dug the first Willis, but I'm not keen on calling it blues" In response to Reply # 0
For some reason. It's definitely influenced by the blues. And there are blues elements all throughout, but I think the aesthetic fabric of it plus its context makes it something different. Gonna check this out though.
I've been meaning to make a post about modern blues, partially inspired by that June amongst others. I think it needs its own space though.
4. "felt more anti-folk to me" In response to Reply # 3
I know the low-down, handmade aesthetic was part of it, but that + Black doesn't = 'blues' for me.
Man, I hope that doesn't read as snotty as it does to me. Sorry if it does. GB (the poster who referred me to WEB in the first place) ought to appreciate it anyway.
Anyhow, I wanted to like the first one but the serious listen I gave a chunk of it didn't catch me. Will try to give this one a listen.
5. "as for the Valerie June, though..." In response to Reply # 0
shock got me listening to her... definitely on that blues-rock tip, sounds right at home with the Keys and all that. I like her unabashedly country schtick, was more impressed with her voice than with her instrumental ability, but that's not a big deal - showed through in her solo performances a but but the studio stuff, she had a crack band that let her shine just fine.
For my money, Blind Boy Paxton is far & away the best young guy out there playing blues & related musics... but he's fat and blind and a defiant traditionalist, so he's not getting any publicity.
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