Son Seals
Chicago Blues Guitar
The Story
In this 1999 session, Son Seals provided an extraordinary personl lesson on how to play tough, no-nonsense blues guitar in a variety of rhythmic settings. An inspiring teacher along with being an awesome performer, Son was direct in his explanations as he was in his guitar playing. He put his heart into each song segment, which includes shuffles, slow blues, funk blues and minor blues, interjecting humorous anecdotes and practical playing advice for guitarists at all levels of experience. He was particularly adept at conveying his approach and enthusiasm for minor blues, delivering a spellbinding performance in the process. In addition, he was a master at up-tempo shuffles, demonstrating clearly how to pace and build a solo. By observing Son's technique in such an intimate setting, you'll see that the secret to his power and energy was in his fingers and not in excessive amplification. An easy-to-follow booklet is included that contains transcriptions of essential musical examples.
Special DVD features include: Booklet.
DVD Video, NTSC, Regions: 1
Additional Facts
Frank "Son" Seals burst onto the Chicago blues scene in the mid-'70s, pulling the blues out the slump it was experiencing after the Blues Revival of the '60s. His second album, "Midnight Sun", was startingly original. His muscular guitar work and roaring vocals elicited rave reviews from rock publications like Rolling Stone. Son had a musical upbringing in his father's juke joint in Arkansas, meeting legends like Sonny Boy Williamson II and playing drums behind Robert Nighthawk.
While still in his teens, he had the opportunity to meet Albert King and observe the big blues bender in person. Years later, in 1966, King would take Son on the road with him to play drums, even as Son continued to hone his guitar chops. The great Earl Hooker also became one of Son's friends and the two played together many times over the years. Son rode his guitar to the top with constant touring and recording, until he passed away in 2004.