Classic Buchanan
William Singer | WV, USA | 10/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you want to hear a guitar player, this CD is for you. This is classic Roy Buchanan, full of the techniques that he is famous for. An absolute must for anyone studying what guitar playing is all about."
Some strong playing, but rough sound quality
Nobody important | 01/02/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you are an obsessive Roy Buchanan fan, you will want to buy this anyway, but this is a flawed album. The highlight is a rendition of Malaguena. Roy's playing on this one was outstanding, and he played with minimal accompaniment, highlighting just how expressive he was with his Telecaster. It is also interesting to hear Roy play something Latin-inflected with his usual blues-rock gusto. In places, it even sounds a bit like surf guitar, at least in the mutant form that Roy's one-time student, Danny Gatton would occasionally play. Unfortunately, the rest of the album isn't quite as essential. There is nothing wrong with Roy's playing, nor the band's. However, the version of The Messiah Will Come Again here adds little to the several other versions that Buchanan fans no doubt already have. Likewise for Hot Cha or I'm Evil. The recording quality is also quite variable. At times, the sound is clear, and at times, less so, but there are some little clicks and pops because of flaws on the original tapes, which range from 1972 to 1983. They aren't horrible, and if you listen casually, you might not notice most of them. However, if you are planning to listen closely with headphones, they can be a bit distracting. (That is how I listen to Roy). If you are already a fan of Roy Buchanan, then Malaguena alone should be enough of a reason to pick this one up. However, if you are just starting a collection of his music and looking for some live recordings, you should start with Live in Japan, American Axe, or Live Stock."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1