Now that I have some energy back, I’m going to continue this thread with another Texas guitar slinger, Albert Collins.
Collins, aka “The Ice Man” and “Master of the Telecaster”, was born Albert Drewery in the small town of Leona, Texas, in 1932. He grew up in Houston from the age of ten. He had piano lessons, but when his tutor was unavailable, Albert’s cousin Willow Young would loan him a guitar. Young taught him the alternative tuning that Collins would be known for: an open F minor chord with a cap at the fifth, sixth, or seventh fret. This was key to Collins developing his own “ice pick” sound. After graduating high school he started his own band, the Rhythm Rockers. He worked at a ranch for four years and as a truck driver for twelve while playing with through the Houston area. In 1954, he added a 17-year old guitarist named Johnny Copeland.
He first recorded a 45 for a local label, Kangaroo Records, with “The Freeze” backed by “Collins Shuffle”. In 1964, Cowboy Jack Clement (who had been at Sun Records) spotted him for Hall Records and recorded “Frosty”, a regional hit. His first album in 1965 was previously recorded instrumentals.
In 1968 he came to the attention of Imperial Records, thanks to Canned Heat. With a record deal, Collins was offered regular work in Kansas City then moved to Palo Alto, California. He finished his album for Imperial and established himself as a regular act on the west coast.
He then recorded for a label in Denver in 1971, but the label folded and he was without a label. He worked in construction to make ends meet, including a remodeling job for Neil Diamond, of all people In 1978 he signed with Alligator and his fortunes changed. He released Ice Pickin’ that year and started to establish himself in the eastern US and in Europe, to the point where he performed with George Thorogood and the Destroyer at Live Aid, playing a solo on “Madison Blues”. In 1986 he won a Grammy with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland for their album Showdown!
In 1987 he played on Late Night with David Letterman and appeared in the film Adventures in Babysitting. He was also part of the great lineup that played at George H W Bush’s Inauguration Concert in 1989.
In July 1993 he was at a festival in Switzerland when he became ill. He had lung cancer which had metastasized to his liver and passed away that November at age 61.
Oh, and care to see a guitar duel between Albert Collins and Buddy Guy from 1990? I would have given a week’s pay to see this live, but when it happened I was wasting my time at a conference in Italy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBufdMML41I
The asian Black Metal scene has gone above and beyond all others in the last 10 years or so IMO, but even I didn't expect this raging behemoth that just graced my ears. I have no other words except brutal.
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I've followed this band for a while. When they signed Sabrina Valentine they got even better.
Winter is here...
You will not be disappointed.
Today's the day. Getting ready now ?
Collins, aka “The Ice Man” and “Master of the Telecaster”, was born Albert Drewery in the small town of Leona, Texas, in 1932. He grew up in Houston from the age of ten. He had piano lessons, but when his tutor was unavailable, Albert’s cousin Willow Young would loan him a guitar. Young taught him the alternative tuning that Collins would be known for: an open F minor chord with a cap at the fifth, sixth, or seventh fret. This was key to Collins developing his own “ice pick” sound. After graduating high school he started his own band, the Rhythm Rockers. He worked at a ranch for four years and as a truck driver for twelve while playing with through the Houston area. In 1954, he added a 17-year old guitarist named Johnny Copeland.
He first recorded a 45 for a local label, Kangaroo Records, with “The Freeze” backed by “Collins Shuffle”. In 1964, Cowboy Jack Clement (who had been at Sun Records) spotted him for Hall Records and recorded “Frosty”, a regional hit. His first album in 1965 was previously recorded instrumentals.
In 1968 he came to the attention of Imperial Records, thanks to Canned Heat. With a record deal, Collins was offered regular work in Kansas City then moved to Palo Alto, California. He finished his album for Imperial and established himself as a regular act on the west coast.
He then recorded for a label in Denver in 1971, but the label folded and he was without a label. He worked in construction to make ends meet, including a remodeling job for Neil Diamond, of all people In 1978 he signed with Alligator and his fortunes changed. He released Ice Pickin’ that year and started to establish himself in the eastern US and in Europe, to the point where he performed with George Thorogood and the Destroyer at Live Aid, playing a solo on “Madison Blues”. In 1986 he won a Grammy with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland for their album Showdown!
In 1987 he played on Late Night with David Letterman and appeared in the film Adventures in Babysitting. He was also part of the great lineup that played at George H W Bush’s Inauguration Concert in 1989.
In July 1993 he was at a festival in Switzerland when he became ill. He had lung cancer which had metastasized to his liver and passed away that November at age 61.
Collins playing with Stevie Ray Vaughan at President Bush’s 1989 Inauguration Ball.
A live version of his hit “I Ain’t Drunk” I wish I could remember which documentary this was in.
The instrumental Avalanche
Oh, and care to see a guitar duel between Albert Collins and Buddy Guy from 1990? I would have given a week’s pay to see this live, but when it happened I was wasting my time at a conference in Italy.
So is your username inspired by the band or are you the band?
Yeah I'm Haiduk. Really glad you dig it.
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Death Portent
Well here's some random stuff I've been listening to anyways.
It all started with Ghost but recently continued when I listened and watched Arch Enemy.
Hugin Munin.
When I thought nothing could reach the same level as Wintersun... I discovered this band.
Amongst the various Touhou metal bands Akatsuki Records really stands out.
Vengeful Spectre (殞煞) - Vengeful Spectre
These guys rock.
Yeah, kind of loving music right now.