I have heard RL Burnside, and he is fabulous. You can't equate quality in artistry with financial success, and that's not just an American phenomenon, I have to agree with Dale on that. Van Gogh never sold a painting in his lifetime, and the list goes on. Genius can often go "undiscovered", it seems to be a rule of life. I do think it's very sad how the American music "business" has always sought to promote what is likely to sell most, no matter what the level of mediocrity, but remember we're talking about music business, not music. And...when have the masses ever been the dictates of taste?
Speaking of RL Burnside, and things blues, have you ever heard Paul Oscher? By far, the best blues harp I have ever heard in my life. He played the Western Maryland Blues Fest here in Hagerstown this weekend. I did not realize what a legend the guy is...played with Muddy Waters for many years before striking out on his own. He even played a BASS harmonica...what a trip. Sounded like a fog horn.
EEE and anybody else who likes blues....put the fest on your schedule for next year. It is always the first weekend in June. Very fine musical line-up, although I must say over half the bands are not what I'd call strictly blues.
Gene
