The rhythmical, intricate fingerpickings of Blind Blake translated the sounds of ragtime piano onto the guitar. His playing was hugely influential on the Piedmont blues style and on many artists from the 1940s, including Rev. Gary Davis. Indeed, Blake's influence extends to the contemporary blues scene, with artists such as Ry Cooder proclaiming his genius. This instrumental showcases Blake's talents; his steady, percussive bass supports the jauntier playing on the upper strings to create a richly textured and highly sophisticated guitar sound. In the words of Jefferson Airplane founder Jorma Kaukonen, who helped to popularize Blind Blake's work in the 1970s, 'He could play a complete band arrangement by himself'.

Links

http://www.garlic.com/~tgracyk/blake1.htm
More information about Blind Blake and his guitar techniques.

http://www.thebluehighway.com/
Useful blues resource, with essays, radio, links, photos and blues chat.

http://www.rootsandrhythm.com/
International US-based mail order record catalogue, specializing in roots music.

http://www.jazznblues.co.uk/
UK-based jazz and blues record specialists.